Cloud storage allows you to store your important data in a secure online server, which is accessible via the internet from any device. Data that is saved in the cloud storage becomes the duty of a third party to protect and save from malicious attempts like hacking etc.

How does cloud storage work?

Cloud storage can be purchased from a third-party vendor of cloud storage who owns and runs the storage capacity and provide it to you via the internet when you pay for it. Vendors of cloud storage are responsible to manage and protect your data for a lifetime and make it accessible to you via the internet anywhere you need. Applications can get access to the cloud storage with the storage protocols or straightaway via an API. Some vendors offer cloud storage as a complimentary service where your data is collected, managed, secured, and analyzed at a broad range of scale.

Types of Cloud storage

Three types of data storage clouds are available. Each type has its benefits and uses. Types are:

  • Object storage
  • File storage
  • Block storage

File storage:

It is a very simple data storing approach. This works best for managing data in a HIERARCHICAL, ACCESSIBLE, and SIMPLE form. Regular clean-up and nomenclature plan is the key to success for file storage. It is also called SHARED FILE SYSTEM. It is the best app for sharing the file, data protection and archiving. The drawback of file storage is when you share unlimited files it is very difficult to find a specific file from the bundle of stored files.

Block storage:

Individuals’ hard drives are used to allow the SERVER-Based operating system. It enables the storage more efficiently that makes the block storage a high-speed system. It is usually used for email services, databases, and virtual machines.

Object storage

It is a kind of block storage. It is used to store data such as videos, photos, audio, files, etc. When your shared data is big it will store your data in buckets. This kind of storage provides FLEXIBILITY and SCALABILITY that would flourish.

Benefits of cloud storage: (1)

  1. Usability and accessibility:

It is very easy for users to drop and drag files in cloud storage. No need for technical assistance is required for saving the files in cloud storage. Within few clicks, you can easily get access to your files via an internet connection anywhere in the world.

  1. Disaster Recovery

The backup plan is very essential for every business in case of emergency. It will cause huge losses to your business after losing important data. Cloud storage provides you with a backup plan that will save you from any complications. The stored files are places in a remote location and can be accessed anywhere.

  1. Security:

It is well known that once the data is stored in the cloud storage it is all safe. The best thing about cloud storage is that it is distributed among several servers and data stored there is safeguarded if any kind of hardware failure happens.

  1. Cost-saving:

The annual operating cost of any business can be reduced by utilizing cloud storage. You can ensure the availability of your data is stored online. Users can save their cost because no internal power is required to store the data separately when your data is stored online.

  1. Easy sharing:

You can easily share data online with your colleagues and clients in a very easy and simple way. You can share specific files or you can share the whole account with another user.

  1. Automation:

The big issue that any business may face is data backup, but if data is backed up daily operations may get disturbed. Automation is the process in which data is stored to cloud automatically as the work is done. You can schedule the backup process simply by selecting the data you want to backup and when you want to backup and it’s all done, the rest of the task is completed by cloud environment.

  1. Collaboration:

It is the ideal platform for collaboration. Cloud environments give access to multiple users to share the file and edit the single file by collaboration. Users can get access to the stored data at any time, at any place, and collaborate in the meanwhile with the availability of internet connection.

  1. Scaleable service:

Vertical and horizontal scaling is enabled by cloud hosting, but the best thing is you have to pay only for the services you utilize. When needed, you can scale your cloud hosting and you can also define the cloud storage attributes. This service ensures flexibility and huge storage space.

  1. Synchronization

When you use local file storage it can only be accessed from a specific location but cloud storage, give more access points such as your PC and smartphone. File access and synchronization can be easily done with any device with an internet connection.

  1. Convenience:

Cloud storage provides convenience and peace of mind and that is really amazing! If your data is stored in any device you have to be careful about the physical handling, but data stored in cloud storage is all safe.

Top cloud storage providers with cost. (2)

  1. pCloud:
  • It is best for storing large storage files
  • File management can be done from the web, mobile, or PC.
  • You can backup your photos on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and many more.

Price: it offers 10GB free storage, but for 500GB storage you have to pay $3.99 per month and for 2TB you have to pay $7.99 per month.

  1. com
  • It is best for easy use and security
  • It provides features such as document preview, upload, offline access, and auto camera.
  • Core features include unlimited file share, collaboration, real-time backup, and synchronization from anywhere
  • It provides great data protection by providing a password, protected sharing, and restricting downloads.
  • It also provides end-to-end encryption and no third-party tracking and PIPEDA compliance.

Price: sync.com offers plans of three types that are standard, plus, and advanced. In standard, you have to pay 5 dollars per month, in the plus plan you have to pay 8 dollars per month and the standard plan charges you 15 dollars per month.

 

References:

  1. https://www.milesweb.com/blog/hosting/cloud/10-benefits-data-storage-cloud/
  2. https://www.google.com.pk/amp/s/www.softwaretestinghelp.com/cloud-storage-providers/amp/