A cloud storage is a computing model that helps store data on the internet using a cloud-computing provider who operates and manages the storage of data as a service. Cloud storage is delivered based on capacity demand and cost. Cloud storage eliminates the need for managing an independent data storage infrastructure. The gives the user the agility, durability, and scalability with constant data access all around the world. Cloud storage space is purchased from vendors who owns and operates data storage capacity and delivers it on the internet on a subscription plan. These vendors ensure sufficient capacity, security, and durability of data for easier efficient access all around the world. The users can access the data through applications, which use traditional storage protocols, or directly via API. Using cloud storage, the user does not need to purchase any hardware for storage. The user can add or remove storage capacity depending on the demand.
A cloud storage provider is a company that offers individuals, companies the ability to store, and retrieves data in an off-site storage system. The companies host the data of the customer in their own data centers, providing them with computing, networking and storage infrastructure at a fee. The customers can get unlimited storage space at a low gigabyte price on the servers of the cloud storage providers. Organizations and individuals prefer to use cloud data storage as a data backup plan and easier retrieval in case of loss or damage. According to Quick (2014), “The key to cloud-based data storage is to ensure that the data remains available even after the local data storage systems fails.” This is to make sure those businesses, organizations remain competitive, and that they comply with the government regulations.
The main advantages of cloud storage usage are elasticity, cost control, and self-service provisioning. Customers have the freedom to scale their computing resources on demand as the need arises and thereafter spin down those resources when the tasks are complete. Therefore, customers do not have to worry about storage limitations of the networked storage system of their premises. Some of the popular cloud storage providers are Dropbox, one drive, google drive and Amazon cloud drive.
Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage services, especially in home cloud solutions. Customers can store and retrieve data from any location through an online system. Users can store up to two gigabytes worth of free data storage. However, it also features a personal paid plan that offers a lot more storage space and advanced features. Pricing is relatively simple. Each pricing plan comes with extra storage space and features that were included in the previous tier. Dropbox offers an all-out integrated feature that allows easy file and folders backup. The user can simply upload files by dragging and dropping them in the drop box drive.
The user can alternatively upload files using web-based manager by clicking the upload icon in the browser. According to Eisenmann (2014), “Dropbox is designed with real-time sync features, which has made drop box stand out for many years, that enables people to share documents and group projects quickly.” File restoration is also an easy a drag and drop procedure. Depending on the file size, file restoration takes as much time as moving a file from one folder to another.
Google drive is a device-integrated product that offers backup, restoration and cloud-based storage of files. Furthermore, Google drive has many built-in apps such as the google drive slides. Google drives enables the user to backup files and folders, retrieve lost files and folders and create or edit the contents of pdf documents using google drive’s docs’ application. According to Mayward (2015), “The user also has the ability to create impressive photo albums, instantly share files, create duplicates of the uploaded files and review the versions of files that have already been uploaded.”
Google drive has a feature that enables the user to connect with other applications of google such as google drawings, google maps and google forums. Google drive offers up to 15 gigabytes of data storage once a user subscribes. Google drives offer an exceptional operating system integration and a variety of top-notch mobile applications, therefore providing a cloud-based service that can suit any type of storage needs. Google drive does not offer home, professional or enterprise payment plans but offers a comprehensive combination of both business and private plans.
To back up files, the user must create a google drive account. Alternatively, the user can use a desktop-based application, which will give the user a link to download the app. Google drive offers a simple drag and drops way of uploading files.
OneDrive is a windows Microsoft based cloud storage system. Any software that is made with Microsoft comes with a one-drive function. OneDrive cloud storage is integrated into windows operating system such that the user does not have to download or install anything. OneDrive offers a great option to sync favorite files and folders across all devices. It enables the user to manage files in real-time and share information and projects with his/her workmates.
OneDrive offers a free 5 GB of data storage. OneDrive offers additional storage plans which users can purchase at a very low price. According to Couch (2015), “OneDrive has a feature which enables the user to use it without relying on the internet.” OneDrive offers no restrictions on the file size when it comes to uploading. The only requirement is that the file size should not exceed 10 GB.
Amazon cloud drive is a cloud-based data backup and restoration service that offers unlimited storage of photos. Amazon drive offers up to 5GB of data storage space for the rest of the user’s files if the user subscribes to a basic account.
Amazon allows the user to back up files to the local drive or the cloud. It also enables restoration of files from the cloud using a desktop manager or a web-based platform. According to Edwards (2013), “Amazon drives gives the user the ability to manage and preview photos and videos.” This will help the user to organize the photos using integrated timeline function. Amazon drive enables the user to use prime photos and access and share files through the Amazon drive apps for android apple mac and windows. Amazon drives mostly concentrates on the storage of photos and videos.
