Cloud Storage

Suppose user wants to store significant data on computer, but there are more chances to lose data on computer such as disk failure, computer theft, etc.   In case of web base application, user can not store heavy data on server because server does not work efficiently and fast; otherwise computer spends a lot of time acquiring data and then trying to find a way to store it.

For some computer owners, finding enough storage space to hold all the data they've acquired is a real challenge. Some people invest in larger hard drives. Others prefer external storage devices like thumb drives or compact discs. Desperate computer owners might delete entire folders worth of old files in order to make space for new information. But some are choosing to rely on a growing trend: Cloud Storage (method to store data virtually without putting too much load on server/Computer).

Cloud storage is a model of networked online storage where data is stored on multiple virtual servers, generally hosted by third parties, rather than being hosted on dedicated servers. Hosting companies operate large data centers; and people who require their data to be hosted buy or lease storage capacity from them and use it for their storage needs. The data center operators virtualize the resources according to the requirements of the customer and expose them as storage pools, which the customers can themselves use to store files or data objects. Physically, the resource may span across multiple servers.

It really refers to saving data to an off-site storage system maintained by a third party. Instead of storing information to your computer's hard drive or other local storage device, you save it to a remote database. The internet provides the connection between your computer and the database. Cloud storage services may be accessed through a web service application programming interface (API), or through a Web-based user interface.

Service providers including Nirvanix, Nasuni, CTERA Networks and Petaera offer enterprise customers a Cloud Storage Gateway that translates traditional file based protocols to cached object-oriented storage.

On the surface, Cloud Storage has several advantages over traditional data storage.

• Companies need only pay for the storage they actually use.
• Companies do not need to install physical storage devices in their own datacenter or offices, which reduces IT and hosting costs.
• Storage maintenance tasks, such as backup, data replication, and purchasing additional storage devices are offloaded to the responsibility of a service provider, allowing organizations to focus on their core business.

Potential Concern

• Security of stored data and data in transit may be a concern when storing sensitive data at a cloud storage provider
• Performance may be lower than local storage
• Reliability and availability depends on wide area network availability and on the level of precautions taken by the service provider.
• Users with specific records-keeping requirements, such as public agencies that must retain electronic records according to statute, may encounter complications with using cloud computing and storage.

 

As per the knowledge I share with you about Cloud Storage, cloud storage is good way to store data and it is convenient and offers more flexibility.