Cloud Computing in general is termed as a different service through the Internet. It has various resources which include tools and applications like data storage, databases, servers, networking, etc. It has applications, platforms, and infrastructure which is surrounded by servers, laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets.
What is Cloud Storage?
In Cloud Computing, Cloud storage is a virtual locker where we can remotely stash any data. When we upload a file to a cloud-based server like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud that file gets copied over the Internet into a data server that is cloud-based actual physical space where companies store files on multiple hard drives. Most companies have hundreds of the ese servers known as ‘server farms’ spanning across multiple locations. So, if our data gets somehow lost we will not lose our data because it will be backed up by another location. This is known as redundancy which keeps our data safe from being lost.
Features of Cloud Storage System:
The key features of cloud computing are as follows.
- It has a greater availability of resources.
- Easy maintenance is one of the key benefits of using Cloud computing.
- Cloud computing has a Large Network Access.
- It has an automatic system.
- Security is one of the major components and using cloud computing you can secure all over the networks.
Storage Systems in the Cloud
There are 3 types of storage systems in the Cloud as follows.
- Block-Based Storage System
- File-Based Storage System
- Object-Based Storage System
Let’s discuss it one by one as follows.
1. Block-Based Storage System –
- Hard drives are block-based storage systems. Your operating system like Windows or Linux actually sees a hard disk drive. So, it sees a drive on which you can create a volume, and then you can partition that volume and format them.
- For example, If a system has 1000 GB of volume, then we can partition it into 800 GB and 200 GB for local C and local D drives respectively.
- Remember with a block-based storage system, your computer would see a drive, and then you can create volumes and partitions.
2. File-Based Storage System –
- In this, you are actually connecting through a Network Interface Card (NIC). You are going over a network, and then you can access the network-attached storage server (NAS). NAS devices are file-based storage systems.
- This storage server is another computing device that has another disk in it. It is already created a file system so that it’s already formatted its partitions, and it will share its file systems over the network. Here, you can actually map the drive to its network location.
- In this, like the previous one, there is no need to partition and format the volume by the user. It’s already done in file-based storage systems. So, the operating system sees a file system that is mapped to a local drive letter.
3. Object-Based Storage System –
- In this, a user uploads objects using a web browser and uploads an object to a container i.e., Object Storage Container. This uses the HTTP Protocols with the rest of the APIs (for example: GET, PUT, POST, SELECT, DELETE).
- For example, when you connect to any website, you need to download some images, text, or anything that the website contains. For that, it is a code HTTP GET request. If you want to review any product then you can use PUT and POST requests.
- Also, there is no hierarchy of objects in the container. Every file is on the same level in an Object-Based storage system.
Cloud Storage Architecture
Cloud Storage architecture flow is as follows :
- The Cloud Storage Architecture consists of several distributed resources, but still functions as one, either in a cloud architecture of federated or cooperative storage.
- Durable through the manufacture of copies of versions.
- Ultimately, it is usually compatible with data replication advantages.
- Companies just need to pay for the storage they actually use, normally an average of a month’s consumption. This does not indicate that cloud storage is less costly, but rather that operating costs are incurred rather than capital expenses.
- Cloud storage companies can cut their energy usage by up to 70 percent, making them a greener company.
- Storage and data security is inherent in the architecture of object storage
- The additional infrastructure, effort, and expense to incorporate accessibility and security can be removed depending on the application.
- Tasks for storage management, such as the procurement of additional storage space, are offloaded to the service provider’s obligation.
- It provides users with immediate access to a wide variety of tools and software housed in another organization’s infrastructure through a web service interface.
- Very few backups servers are located in different locations across the globe, cloud storage may be used as a natural disaster-proof backup.
- With the WebDAV protocol, cloud storage can be mapped as a local drive
Advantages of Cloud Storage
- Scalability – Capacity and storage can be expanded and performance can be enhanced.
- Flexibility – Data can be manipulated and scaled according to the rules.
- Simpler Data Migrations – As it can add and remove new and old data when required and eliminates disruptive data migrations.
- Recovery -In the event of a hard drive failure or other hardware malfunction, you can access your files on the cloud.
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
- Data centers require electricity and proper internet facility to operate their work, failing which system will not work properly.
- Support for cloud storage isn’t the best, especially if you are using a free version of a cloud provider.
- When you use a cloud provider, your data is no longer on your physical storage.
- Cloud-based storage is dependent on having an internet connection. If you are on a slow network you may have issues accessing your storage.
How Cloud Storage Benefits Businesses
Businesses with handling of the data storage and its needs to save a significant amount of space and money by eliminating the need for data storage infrastructure on business premises. All necessary hardware and software data are maintained with the help of the storage provider so the cloud users don’t have to. Cloud Storage benefits businesses in all possible ways i.e, ease of work, data retention, data security and employee benefits are also a perk of using cloud storage.
Cloud has helped employees to collaborate and work with their colleagues, also remote work is benefited by the cloud even in business hours At the personal level, cloud storage allows mobile data and enables digital life in the holistic way we live it today. Without the cloud, smartphones would not be able to be the interface of so much data ( photos, documents, information on the go. Cloud storage is used usually to store files and can also have a positive effect on the environment since it cuts down energy consumption.