What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a service model where digital data is stored in remote servers maintained by a third-party provider. Instead of relying on local storage devices like hard drives or USB drives, users access and manage their data through the internet.
Benefits:
- Accessibility: Data can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
- Scalability: Storage capacity can be easily increased or decreased as needed.
- Cost-efficiency: Eliminates the need for purchasing and maintaining physical storage devices.
- Data protection: Cloud providers often offer robust security measures to protect data.
- Disaster recovery: Data is backed up and protected from physical damage or loss.
Use Cases:
- File backup: Storing important documents, photos and videos for protection.
- Data sharing: Collaborating on files with others by sharing access.
- Media storage: Storing large media files like videos and music.
- Business continuity: Ensuring business operations can continue after a disaster.
- Data archiving: Storing historical data for future reference.
Key Components:
- Cloud storage provider: The company that offers the cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive).
- Storage capacity: The amount of data that can be stored.
- Data transfer: The ability to upload and download files.
- Security features: Encryption, access controls, and data protection measures.
- Synchronisation: Keeping files updated across multiple devices.
