Cloud storage is a model of networked online storage where data is stored on multiple virtual servers, generally hosted by third parties, rather than being hosted on dedicated servers. Hosting companies operate large data centers; and people who require their data to be hosted buy or lease storage capacity from them and use it for their storage needs. The data centeroperators, in the background, virtualize the resources according to the requirements of the customer and expose them as storage pools, which the customers can themselves use to store files or data objects.
Physically, the resource may span across multiple servers. Cloud storage services may be accessed through a web service application programming interface (API), or through a Web-based user interface. Contents [hide] * 1 Cloud storage advantages * 2 Potential concerns * 3 See also * 4 References| ------------------------------------------------- [edit]Cloud storage advantages * Companies need only pay for the storage they actually use. 1] * Companies do not need to install physical storage devices in their own datacenter or offices, which reduces IT and hosting costs. [1] * Storage maintenance tasks, such as backup, data replication, and purchasing additional storage devices are offloaded to the responsibility of a service provider, allowing organizations to focus on their core business [1] ------------------------------------------------- [edit]Potential concerns See also: Cloud computing security Security of stored data and data in transit may be a concern when storing sensitive data at a cloud storage provider [1] * Performance may be lower than local storage [1] * Reliability and availability depends on wide area network availability and on the level of precautions taken by the service provider.
* Users with specific records-keeping requirements, such as public agencies that must retain electronic records according to statute, may encounter complications with using cloud computing and storage.
