The cloud storage is a method of storing data in the cloud that provides servers and applications with access to data through shared file systems. This compatibility makes the storage of files in the cloud ideal for workloads that depend on shared file systems and provides simple integration without the need to make changes to the code.

The storage of file data in the cloud offers advantages in three main areas:

Scalability: The most advanced solutions offer the possibility to start with the capacity and performance levels that you currently need and increase their capacity according to your needs. It is no longer necessary to supply excess capacity to test and anticipate future needs.

Interoperability: File storage solutions in the cloud offer a distinct advantage, since it is not necessary to write new code to achieve shared and secure access to files.

Budget and resources: Cloud storage helps reduce resources that can be used in other projects of the company. It also eliminates the budget for hardware, constant maintenance, electricity supply, cooling and physical space, etc.

How is cloud storage different from insite file storage?

While object storage solutions allow the storage of files as objects, access with existing applications requires new code and the use of APIs and direct knowledge of the semantics of the nomenclature.

File storage solutions that support file system semantics and existing permission models have a unique advantage because they do not need to write new code to integrate with applications that are easily configured to work with shared file storage.

Block storage can be used as the underlying storage component of a self-managing file storage solution.

However, the one-to-one relationship between the host and the volume makes it difficult to have the scalability, availability and affordability of a fully managed file storage solution and would require additional budget and administration resources.

The use of a fully managed cloud file storage solution eliminates complexities, reduces costs and simplifies administration.

There are some free alternatives for cloud storage, such as:

Dropbox: a multiplatform file hosting service in the cloud.
The service allows users to store and synchronize files online, between computers, share files and folders with other users on tablets and phones.

Google Drive: is the file hosting service introduced by Google in 2012
It has 15 gigabytes of free space for each user, expandable through different payment plans.

iCloud: The Apple platform that offers services to Mac and iOS clients.
In this platform you can edit and share documents and allow users to store data to be able to access them from any iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC and you can even make backup copies of the equipment.

Amazon Web Services: The Amazon platform offers different options for storage in the cloud. It proposes different solutions depending on whether you want to store it by blocks, files or objects and offers its own technology designed especially for the cloud called Aurora.

Onedrive: Provided by Microsoft, it gives users the possibility to store photographs, videos, and all kinds of files and documents. It offers different options to share the stored contents. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac and iOs platforms, Android or Windows Phone.