Online Data Storage

Online Data Storage

1. Cloud computing means using computer services on another organisations computers, which are hosts. The services are provided by organisations known as hosting companies. Some well-known hosting companies for cloud computing include Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Rackspace. Cloud users can access software, data and storage on the host computers, which will be at a remote location. Users do this through a web browser or mobile app, without ever directly accessing the servers that the information is stored on.

2. Data storage is anothe type of online service. Many organisations are providing facilities for you to store and back up your data on their computers, and to make files available to share with others. The current term used for online data storage is 'cloud storage'.

3. Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage

   • Availability (Benefit) - Date and files may be available anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection.
   • Potentially lower performance (Concern) - The speed of retrieval of data may be slower than it would be ona local database in the house.
   • Cost and convenience (Benefit) - You only pay for the storage that you have used. You dont have to provide and maintain the hardware locally.
   • Reliability of the network (Concern) - You need to be able to get through to the host to access and process the data.
   • Secruity of data (Concern) - As the files are being stored by the host, you have no control over them. You need to be aware of their security terms and policies.
   • Software (Concern) - The host might not be using the latest, fastest and most secure version.

4. Data backup is a method of making copies of files. These copies can be retreived if disater recovery is needed as it will be stored in more than one database across the globe.