Cloud storage will replace local storage in the future

Parallel to local installations, local storage space is also increasingly being replaced by cloud storage. Storage space is becoming cheaper and more and more companies are opting for cloud-based storage.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a model of cloud computing by a provider that provides storage using a cloud. Cloud storage is provided on demand, eliminating the need for your own data storage infrastructure to manage. As a rule, the costs are only calculated for the storage space made available.

Types of cloud storage

For different requirements there are different types of cloud storage with certain advantages, which differ in their properties and costs. A distinction is made between object storage, file storage and block storage.

Object storage

Object storage is often used for large amounts of data in unstructured form, such as for the delivery of applications and apps.

File storage

File storage is used when applications need to share large files or use them as user folders/media storage.

Block storage

Block storage is often used for ERP systems or databases. This type of storage can be compared with a SAN or DAS storage. Block memory offers particularly low latencies and high performance.

Why is cloud storage being used more and more?

The daily amounts of data for applications, updates and files are constantly growing. The more storage space is required. Any administrator can sing a song about how much time it takes to redundantly back up several terabytes of local data. The timing of the backup is becoming more and more of a problem so that there are no time overlaps. Added to this is the technical effort involved in expanding memory. Depending on the system, memory expansion may take long replication times, e.g. B. in raid systems. Cloud storage offers flexibility with simultaneous redundancy (depending on the provider / booked cloud storage).

Comparison of local & cloud storage

Both on-premises and cloud-based storage have advantages and disadvantages. In terms of flexibility, cloud storage scores. Memory expansion is usually possible "on the fly", i.e. during operation with just a few clicks. Depending on the type of storage, both variants offer cheap storage space. Cloud storage scores in terms of security. Unlike local storage, cryptolockers cannot be executed due to the swapped out storage.

In addition to higher availability, geographic redundancy is easier to enable or, depending on the storage booked, is already included. Data protection for cloud storage within the EU is less of a concern. More attention needs to be paid to providers who host their storage outside the EU and thus offer different data protection principles. However, a comparison is easily possible due to the large number of providers in the cloud storage sector.