Cloud storage: The basics

By Raphael Llagas

Cloud storage may appear technical. However, it is actually something you likely use every day. Here, we demystify cloud storage is for everyone.

Cloud storage is a model of computer data storage that stores data and files at an offshore location that can be accessed using WiFi or a private network. A third-party cloud provider is responsible for the data uploaded. It is the provider’s responsibility to keep the data safe and to ensure that their servers are running so that users may be able to access their data at any time. Cloud storage presents a cost-effective (and sometimes free) alternative to personal hard drives and other onsite databases.

Types of Cloud Storage

There are three different kinds of cloud storage, namely private, public, and hybrid. Let’s break down each one of them.

Private

As the name suggests, private cloud storage is accessible only by authorized individuals. Owners able to adjust the security level of this type of cloud storage. The servers of private cloud storage are either offsite or onsite. This type of cloud storage is best for companies handling confidential information.

Public

Pu cloud storage is a type of cloud storage that stores the data within the servers of the company offering it. Individual users have no control over how their data will be stored and kept. Since so much data is stored in public servers, providers mainly prioritize the speed and efficiency of their cloud storage services.

Hybrid

Hybrid cloud storage is a mix of both private and public cloud storage. It offers flexibility as data can be stored and transferred between both kinds of storage. Hybrid cloud storage is apt for companies that need to cascade some public information, but need sensitive information, such as client accounts, to be kept for internal use only

Familiar Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage is used every day. For example, Educational institutions provide students and faculty with accounts that have unlimited storage in Google Drive as a feature. Google Drive, AWS, and iCloud are among several leading cloud storage service providers.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage system that allows for encrypted and secure access to files. Whenever files are uploaded into the drive, they are scanned to prevent any malware or viruses from entering the cloud. It also provides cloud-native collaborative applications such as Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. These apps enable users to collaborate online with people without the need for the file to be saved locally. Additionally, Google Drive also gives the option to download these files in any preferred format. Free users have 15GB of free storage

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provide cloud storage, as well as other services such as cloud computing. Their cloud storage solution is Simple Storage Service (S3). According to AWS, S3 can be used “to store and retrieve any amount of data using highly scalable, reliable, fast, and inexpensive data storage.”

iCloud

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage that available with every Apple product purchase and built into any Apple device. 5GB is available for free and can be upgraded at any time.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of cloud storage is accessing files anytime and anywhere, provided there is internet access. Another advantage would be cost. Compared to physical storage, cloud storage is much cheaper on per gigabyte basis. File recovery is also another advantage for cloud storage since cloud storage is immune from problems resulting from hard drive corruption. Finally, with the flexibility of instant sharing, files are synced and updated in real-time, allowing anyone to act accordingly.

Disadvantages

Cloud storage’s dependency on an internet connection may be disadvantageous for some users. Another disadvantage would be data management as users do not have full control of their data infrastructure. Unless one uses a private cloud, flexibility of data management is generally limited. Lastly, cloud storage may be vulnerable to data hijacking.

Cloud storage is a very useful and convenient service which has made working and collaborating easier. Users should remember to always do their research and exercise caution when storing and sharing data.

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