Cloud Storage | Computer for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage entails storing data on remote servers accessible via the internet, rather than on local storage devices like SSDs or HDDs. 
  • The physical servers housing the data are owned and managed by a hosting company, often comprising thousands of servers with hard drives.
• The hosting company offers services such as data backup, access management, and overall security.
• Data stored in the cloud can be accessed anytime, from any device with an internet connection.
• Access to the data is facilitated through a web browser or dedicated software that connects to the cloud storage service.
• While cloud storage offers potentially unlimited storage capacity, it typically requires payment.
• Online storage simplifies data sharing and collaboration with others.
• However, slow or lost internet connections can impede access to your data.

Advantages of Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage provides numerous benefits compared to storing data on local secondary storage devices.

• You are not required to invest in local secondary storage devices.
• A single cloud storage center is more eco-friendly than millions of individual servers.
• However, there are certain drawbacks associated with using cloud storage:
  • Users with slow or unreliable internet connections may face difficulties accessing their files.
  • Storing large amounts of data can be costly.
  • Users need to pay the cloud storage provider, possibly committing to an annual subscription.
  • Additional charges may apply for high download and upload data transfer limits.
  • Data transmitted over the internet is susceptible to interception.
  • While security is overseen by the cloud storage provider, users are legally accountable for safeguarding personal and sensitive data.