Technology has come a long way in the last few decades, with many people having witnessed the transition from analogue to digital technology in phones, computers and more. In most cases, advances in technology have made a lot of aspects of our lives much easier.

One form of technology that has advanced in recent times is cloud storage. We all know of (and probably use) ‘the cloud’, but we’re betting very few of us, aside from folks with a masters program in cyber security or other tech boffins, have much of an understanding of what it really is and how it actually works.

In this article, we’ll give you a basic run-down of cloud storage. We’ll cover what cloud storage is, the different types of cloud storage and some of the benefits and drawbacks of this digital storage type. So, read on to learn more.

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a type of computer data storage in which digital data is stored on servers in off-site locations instead of locally on a hard drive or USB drive. These servers are built and maintained by a third-party provider who is responsible for managing, hosting and securing the various data stored on its infrastructure. The cloud storage provider ensures that data on its servers is always accessible via public or private internet connections, usually via a user interface application or website.

This type of storage enables individuals and organisations to easily and seamlessly store, access and maintain their data without the need to own and operate their data centres. This shifts storage expenses from a capital expenditure model to an operational one. Cloud storage is scalable, allowing individuals and organisations to either expand or reduce their data storage capacity depending on their current needs.

Also, cloud storage users utilise these remote servers to save data, such as business data, videos, files or images. Users will upload their data to servers via an internet connection, where the data is saved on a virtual machine on a physical server. To maintain availability and provide redundancy and security, cloud storage providers will often spread data across multiple virtual machines in various data centres located across the world. If a user’s storage requirements increase in size, the cloud provider will simply spin up more virtual machines to handle the increased load.

Types of Cloud Storage

There are four types of cloud storage – public, private, hybrid and multicloud.

Public

Public cloud storage is a model where an organisation chooses to store data in a service provider’s data centers that other companies also use. Data in public cloud storage is spread across multiple regions and is often offered for a subscription or pay-as-you-go model.

Private

Private cloud storage is a different type of model in which an organisation uses its own servers and data centres to store data within its network. Alternatively, organisations can work closely with cloud service providers and request that they provide dedicated servers and private connections that are not used by any other company.

Hybrid

A hybrid cloud model is a mixture of the other types of models—public and private. A hybrid cloud storage model allows companies to decide what data they want to store in which cloud. Sensitive data and data that must meet strict regional compliance regulations may be stored in a private cloud, while less sensitive data is stored in the public cloud.

Multicloud

A multicloud storage model is when a company sets up more than one cloud model from more than one cloud service provider (either public or private). Organisations might choose this model if they require data to be stored in a specific country, but not all data.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Cloud Storage

There are several benefits to cloud storage and some disadvantages, too.

Cloud storage is scalable, so there are no limits on the amount of cloud computing power you have access to, depending on if you can afford to scale up. This is great for companies during growth periods. It is also a secure type of storage. It is not vulnerable to overload from too many users accessing data at once or common software problems such as out-of-date applications or inaccurate data. 

Companies also benefit from increased processing power as servers for cloud computing are linked together to boost power for variable workloads, which can play a crucial role in application development and building tools or digital environments. Cloud servers are also reliable, providing an uninterrupted connection and rapid access to authorised users. They are also flexible, allowing users to access the same server from different places, which is excellent for multinational companies or those with remote or hybrid workforces. 

However, cloud computing has some disadvantages. These include security risks, as hosting sensitive data on third-party providers can put a company at risk of unauthorised access and data breaches. Relying too heavily on a single cloud vendor can also make it challenging to switch due to migration complications and various proprietary technologies. Cloud storage is also dependent on a stable internet connection, which can mean performance issues or outright inaccessibility if you have a bad connection. There is also the potential for downtime if the vendor has an outage. 

This informative article has covered all things digital data and how cloud storage actually works. We’ve also shared the different types of cloud storage and their benefits and disadvantages.