Buzz
A standard cloud storage setup typically includes a master control server alongside several storage servers.
Mytour 2008Comedian George Carlin once joked about how humans spend their lives collecting "stuff." Once enough of it is gathered, the next challenge becomes finding a place to store it. If Carlin were to update this bit today, he'd likely make the same point about computer data. It seems everyone with a computer spends a lot of time collecting data and then scrambling to figure out how to store it.
For many computer owners, finding enough space to store all their collected data is a real challenge. Some opt for larger hard drives, while others turn to external storage devices such as thumb drives or compact discs. In a desperate move, some people may even delete entire folders of old files to make room for new data. However, many are now turning to a rising trend: cloud storage.
While cloud storage might sound like it's related to weather and storms, it actually refers to storing data on an off-site system that is managed by a third party. Rather than saving information directly to your computer's hard drive or another local storage device, it gets stored in a remote database. The Internet serves as the bridge between your computer and this remote storage.
At first glance, cloud storage offers several benefits over traditional data storage. For instance, by using a cloud storage service, you can access your data from any place with an internet connection. There's no need to carry a physical storage device or rely on a single computer for saving and retrieving your files. With the appropriate storage system, you could even grant others access, turning a personal project into a collaborative one.
Cloud storage is convenient and flexible, but how does it operate? Learn more in the next section.
One topic that sparks debate among information experts, computer scientists, and business owners is the question of data ownership. Who holds the rights to the data stored on a cloud system? Is it the client who originally uploaded the data? Or does it belong to the company that owns the physical hardware housing the data? What happens if a client goes out of business? Can the cloud service provider delete their data? Views on these issues vary widely.
Cloud Storage Fundamentals
Cloud storage systems come in many varieties. Some are tailored for specific purposes, such as storing web-based e-mail or digital photos. Others are designed to store all types of digital data. While some cloud services are small-scale operations, others are so vast that the physical infrastructure can fill entire warehouses. These facilities that house cloud storage systems are known as data centers.
At its core, a cloud storage system only requires a single data server connected to the Internet. A client (such as a computer user subscribing to a cloud service) sends copies of files over the Internet to the server, which stores the data. When the client needs to retrieve the files, they access the server via a web-based interface. The server then either sends the files back or allows the client to access and edit the files directly on the server.
Cloud storage systems typically depend on hundreds of data servers. Since computers occasionally need maintenance or repair, it’s crucial to keep copies of the same data across multiple machines. This practice, known as redundancy, ensures that the system can always provide access to client data. Most systems store the data on servers with separate power supplies, so that clients can still retrieve their information if one power supply fails.
Not every cloud storage client is concerned with running out of space. Many use cloud storage simply to create backups of their data. If something happens to their computer system, the data remains safe off-site. It’s a modern twist on the old adage, "don't put all your eggs in one basket."
What are some popular examples of cloud storage systems? Continue reading to find out.
Cloud storage is a type of cloud computing. Cloud computing systems provide users with not just storage, but also remote access to processing power and computer applications hosted on a distant network.
Examples of Cloud Storage
These servers house Electronic Health Records (EHR) for the Military Health System, enabling doctors to instantly access patient health records.
David S. Holloway/Getty ImagesThere are hundreds of cloud storage providers across the Web, and their numbers continue to grow daily. Not only are there numerous companies competing in the storage market, but the amount of storage each provider offers seems to increase regularly.
You’re likely familiar with several cloud storage providers, even if you don’t always think of them in those terms. Below are a few well-known companies that offer cloud storage in some form:
- Google Docs enables users to upload documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to Google's servers. Users can edit files using Google’s applications and publish documents for others to read or edit, making Google Docs a form of cloud computing.
- Email services like Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail store email messages on their servers. Users can access their email from various internet-connected devices.
- Services like Flickr and Picasa host millions of digital images, allowing users to create online albums by uploading photos directly to the platforms' servers.
- Website hosting companies such as StartLogic, Hostmonster, and GoDaddy store the files and data for client websites.
- Social media sites like Facebook and MySpace allow users to upload pictures and content, which are then stored on the site’s servers.
- Storage providers like Xdrive, MediaMax, and Strongspace offer space for various types of digital data.
Some of the services mentioned above are free of charge, while others charge a fixed rate for a set amount of storage. There are also options with flexible pricing, based on the specific needs of the client. Overall, the cost of online storage has decreased as more companies have joined the market. Even those that charge for storage often offer a free tier with a limited amount of space.
Is the demand for storage large enough to sustain all the companies entering the market? Some believe that where there’s available space, someone will take advantage of it. Others predict that the industry may face a collapse similar to the dot-com bubble burst in 2000. Only time will tell.
What are some of the possible issues with cloud storage? Keep reading to find out.
Some envision a future where the entire Internet becomes one massive cloud storage system. People would continuously upload and download data from the cloud. In this scenario, the concept of data ownership would become irrelevant, everyone would have access to everything, and privacy would disappear. However, others dismiss such ideas, viewing cloud storage as merely a tool. While some may use it effectively, it is unlikely to lead to the end of civilization as we know it. Who’s right? Only time will tell.
Concerns about Cloud Storage
The primary concerns with cloud storage are reliability and security. Clients are unlikely to trust their data to another company unless they are assured that they can access their information at any time and that no unauthorized individuals can access it.
To protect data, most systems implement a variety of strategies, such as:
- Encryption, which involves using a complex algorithm to encode data. To decrypt the information, the user needs the encryption key. While cracking encrypted data is possible, most hackers lack the computing power needed to do so.
- Authentication methods, which require users to create a username and password.
- Authorization procedures – clients specify who is allowed to access their stored data. Many organizations have multiple authorization levels; for example, a front-line employee may have restricted access, while the head of human resources may have full access to all files.
Despite these protective measures, many remain concerned about the vulnerability of data stored remotely. Hackers may find ways to bypass security and steal information. They could also target physical devices containing data or exploit their access through employee credentials. Cloud storage providers invest heavily in security to minimize the risk of data theft or loss.
The second major concern, reliability, is just as critical as security. A cloud storage system that is unstable can pose a significant risk. No one wants to store their data on a system prone to failure, nor would they trust a company that lacks financial stability. While many cloud services use redundancy methods to mitigate this, there is always the risk of a system-wide crash that could leave clients unable to retrieve their stored data.
Cloud storage providers are highly dependent on their reputations. It is in their best interest to offer the most secure and dependable service possible. If a company fails to meet these fundamental client expectations, it faces significant challenges — the competition is simply too fierce in the market.
- Physical security is just as crucial as network security. Data servers are valuable not just because the machines themselves are costly, but because the data they store may contain sensitive information. Hackers don’t only target systems through electronic means—they sometimes attempt to breach security by physically accessing the machines.
- A single data server doesn’t require much power. However, with hundreds of servers in a data center, it becomes essential to ensure that the electrical infrastructure can handle the demand.
- Data servers, like all computers, produce heat. Excessive heat can harm or degrade servers, so a reliable cooling system is critical to avoid overheating issues in the data center.
