Cloud storage is a model of computer data storage in which digital data is stored in logical pools, said to be on "the cloud". The physical storage spans multiple servers, sometimes in multiple locations around the world, and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a third-party provider. Cloud storage allows users to save data and files in an off-site location that is accessible via the public internet or a dedicated private network connection.
Cloud storage provides users with immediate access to a broad range of resources and applications hosted in the infrastructure of another organization via a web service interface. It can be used for copying virtual machine images from the cloud to on-premises locations or to import a virtual machine image from an on-premises location to the cloud image library. In addition, cloud storage can be used to move virtual machine images between user accounts or between data centers.
Cloud storage is scalable, allowing organizations to expand or reduce their data footprint depending on need. It can be used as natural disaster proof backup, as normally there are 2 or 3 different backup servers located in different places around the globe. Cloud storage can be mapped as a local drive with the WebDAV protocol, and it can function as a central file server for organizations with multiple office locations.
Cloud storage is delivered by a cloud services provider that owns and operates data storage capacity by maintaining large data centers in multiple locations around the world. Cloud storage providers manage capacity, security, and durability to make data accessible to applications over the internet. Cloud storage is a way for organizations to save data securely online so that it can be accessed anytime from any location by those with permission. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, cloud storage can deliver the agility, cost savings, security, and simplicity to focus on your core business growth.
