What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage refers to storing of data on remote servers of a third party cloud storage provider. In this type of data storage model, digital data is stored in logical pools with physical storage spanning multiple servers and sometimes locations. Cloud storage works the same way any cloud hosting does. While cloud hosting primarily involves uploading java and PHP scripts – and other website-related data – cloud storage is more focused on storing personal files, especially for backup purposes. Thus, any photo, video, or apps stored on your hard drive can be moved to cloud servers for round-the-clock availability and enhanced reliability. The physical environment is usually owned and managed by a hosting company. These cloud storage providers are responsible for keeping the data available and accessible, and the physical environment protected and running. People and organizations buy or lease storage capacity from the providers to store user, organization, or application data.
Almost all cloud hosting providers offer cloud storage solutions. Cloud storage services may also be accessed through a co-located cloud computer service, a web service application programming interface (API) or by applications that utilize the API, such as cloud desktop storage, a cloud storage gateway or Web-based content management systems.
