Top 5 Types Of Cloud Storage

What Is Cloud Storage?

To exchange files or save a large amount of data, it is no longer necessary to use flash drives, hard drives and cables – they are gradually becoming a thing of the past. There is no need to upload or download materials to external media if you can use reliable cloud storage.

From the side of any user, cloud storage is a regular Internet service. You access the Internet, open the service website and can manage files – upload, delete, download. But in fact, all materials and documents are stored on a server – a powerful remote computer that is constantly connected to the Internet. Thus, cloud storage is online storage on a remote server that can be used to store, send and receive data (files, digital objects, documents).

Of course, on this side of the monitor, the entire structure of the network is not visible. If we go into the storage, we get access to the “cloud” – one large virtual server. At the same time, this server can physically consist of hundreds of computers located in different parts of the world. This feature allows you to store files, not on one but on several devices.

Types Of Cloud Storage

Why should I use the cloud, and which cloud storage should I choose? You have probably asked yourself these questions at least once in your life. If not, it’s time to figure out what cloud storage is, which is better and why they are indispensable in the modern world.

Cloud Storage Features

Why use cloud storage when you can store materials and files on your personal computer or a removable drive?

Cloud Storage Allows:

• Upload and transfer large files. A prime example is a video. They weigh a lot, and most often, you will not send them by mail or through social networks. Sometimes video files do not even fit on flash drives with gigabytes of memory.
• Get access to files from any device (computer, tablet, phone) and from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.
• Work with one file at the same time for several people. This greatly reduces the time of work and simplifies the interaction. It is indispensable for large organizations where communication between departments is important and organizations with branches.
• Make backup copies of all data uploaded to the cloud service. This reduces data loss in a server hard drive failure or failure.

However, like any technology, cloud storage has some drawbacks.

Cons Of Using Cloud Storage :

• File confidentiality remains in question. If desired, service employees can access the stored files. In addition, in the event of a hacker attack, all files can get into the public domain.

Data storage can be organized in different ways since there are different types of cloud storage. Storages have certain characteristics: what works well for solving one task, for example, collaboration, will not be entirely successful for solving another, for example, backing up valuable information. Each storage type supports a specific unit of storage. Let’s see what cloud storages exist.

Types Of Cloud Storage

• Cloud disks (blocks)

Cloud drives are often confused with Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc. Calling these online services disks is incorrect since they cannot be formatted into a file system. Cloud drives can be configured on your cloud server.

Storage disk space can be made available to a computer over the Internet as a local disk. There are even special Internet protocols for this. Thanks to them, storage networks are created, for example – SAN (Storage Area Network).

• Cloud folders (files)

The difference between a network drive and a folder is negligible for many users. However, at the level of system operation, these are completely different concepts. Cloud folders are the same Dropbox, OneDrive and Cloud@mail.ru that have already been mentioned.

A cloud folder is a popular and useful resource for setting up work and business processes and private use. All the advantages of cloud folders will be discussed in detail below.

• DBMS, data warehouses (datasets)

DBMS is a database management system. The most widespread are control systems based on special SQL queries to relational databases. Rarely used unstructured or poorly structured databases. DBMS accept queries and returns data sets (datasets) – selections arranged in lists and tables.

• Object stores (objects)

Object stores allow you to store files and additional information (metadata). This information allows you to process files as application objects – videos, goods, projects, and accounting documents.

A programming interface (API) interacts with the cloud object storage, which allows you to write an object to the storage using special commands rather than dragging and dropping. The choice of cloud storage depends on your goals and preferences.

The most “understandable” and commonly used type of cloud storage is cloud folders. Folders allow you to share files and documents. Let’s talk about them in more detail.

Cloud Folders

Suppose a data storage service is needed only as a file hosting service. When choosing a service, you should pay attention to the free storage space, tariffs, and the uploaded file’s maximum size (some services have such a limitation). These are the main characteristics, but others also affect convenience.

Almost all cloud folders support file previews. However, in each case, files may mean different things. For example, you can view only photos and documents and audio and video files somewhere. If this is important to you, you should pay attention to the list of supported formats.

For some services, you can connect security enhancement services that allow you to encrypt files – all materials become available only with a key located on the device.

You can determine whether this or that cloud folder is right for you by evaluating the following parameters: the amount of free space, additional paid and free features, and file upload/download speed.

Let’s take a quick look at the most popular cloud folders.

Yandex.Disk

Russian service from Yandex. The basis of work is data synchronization between different devices, for example, Yandex. By mail. It can be integrated into the Microsoft Office suite. It is possible to automatically upload video files and photos from digital cameras to a folder.

Volume :

• 10 GB is free. There are regular promotions to expand the place as a gift;
• Expansion to an infinite volume (you can order several packages) – for a fee.

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS app development, Android, and LG Smart TV applications.

Synchronization: high speed.

Additional features :

• The ability to create online photo albums, sort photos by date and share them on social networks
• Using the utility for taking screenshots and autosaving them to Yandex. disk
• Free photo editor
• Checking downloaded content with an antivirus

Google Drive

Cloud folder for storing data from Google. Designed for integration with other Google Photos, Google Docs, etc. Convenient for Android device owners – the application is installed on devices initially.

Google Drive can store 30 types of files (music, photo, video). Designed in the general style of Google services. Avid Google users will be familiar and comfortable.

Volume :

• 30 GB – free
• Expansion up to 100 GB or up to 1 TB for a group of users – for a fee

There are applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Synchronization: high speed.

Additional features:

• The ability to rollback to a previous version (after changes)
• Scanning and automatic saving to pdf format
• Playing a video in a window stylized as YouTube
• Automatic data analysis
• Built-in search
• Connection to a premium account

However, besides increasing the available disk space, a premium account does not provide any other benefits: all the features of Google Drive are equally available to all its users.

OneDrive

Cloud Internet service for storing files and file sharing from Microsoft. It has a built-in Photos app that allows you to use OneDrive to sync all your pictures. It also integrates with Office 365, so you can create and edit Excel, Word, and PowerPoint documents directly from the application.

For Windows users, the advantage of Microsoft OneDrive over analogues is obvious – it does not need to be installed. You also do not need to create a separate account – to enter the cloud, enter your Microsoft account details.

Volume :

• 5 GB – free
• Expansion up to 50 GB or 1 TB is paid. Discounts when you sign up for a personal or family subscription to Office 365

Windows, macOS, iOS, Android app development, Windows Phone, and Xbox applications.

Synchronization: medium speed.

Additional features :

• The user has remote access not only to the one drive folders but also to all the contents of the computer on which the Microsoft account is installed
• You can view and edit documents through the Office suite application
• Creation of photo albums
• Built-in Skype
• Built-in search

In paid versions:

• You can create links with a limited duration;
• Multi-page scanning and automatic saving to pdf format.