Courses IB Computer Science (Standard) Computer Architecture Cloud Storage

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is a technology that allows users to store and manage digital data, such as files, documents, photos, and videos, on remote servers accessed via the internet.

This data is stored and managed by a third-party provider, which eliminates the need for local storage on a user's device.

What is cloud storage?

{"answers": {"A": "Storing data on a portable hard drive", "B": "Storing data on the internet through a third-party provider", "C": "Storing data on a physical device connected to the computer", "D": "Storing data on a computer's local hard drive"}, "question_text": "What is cloud storage?", "correct_answer": "B"}

Advantages of Cloud Storage

Remote Storage

Cloud storage stores data on remote servers rather than on the user's local device or computer. This allows users to access their files from anywhere with an internet connection.

Scalability

Cloud storage services typically offer various plans or tiers, allowing users to choose the amount of storage that suits their needs. Users can increase or decrease their storage as needed.

Accessibility

Cloud storage services provide access to data through web-based applications or desktop and mobile apps, making it easy to view, edit, and share files on multiple devices.

What is a key advantage of cloud storage compared to local storage?

{"answers": {"A": "It has unlimited storage without any costs.", "B": "It stores data only on personal devices.", "C": "It allows access to files from any location with internet.", "D": "It never requires an internet connection."}, "question_text": "What is a key advantage of cloud storage compared to local storage?", "correct_answer": "C"}

Advantages (cont)

Data Synchronization

Many cloud storage solutions offer synchronization features that keep files and folders up to date across all linked devices. This ensures that the latest version of a file is accessible from any device.

File Sharing and Collaboration

Users can easily share files and collaborate with others by providing them with access to specific folders or files. Some cloud storage services offer real-time collaboration on documents.

Data Backup

Cloud storage serves as an automatic backup solution for critical data, helping to protect against data loss due to hardware failures, theft, or accidental deletion.

Disadvantages of Cloud Storage

Internet Dependency

No Internet, No Access: Access to cloud-stored data requires a reliable internet connection. Lack of connectivity can hinder access and productivity.

Data Privacy Concerns

Users may have concerns about the ownership of their data, potential data breaches, or unauthorized access by the cloud provider.

Security Risks

While cloud providers implement strong security measures, there is always a risk of data breaches or hacking attempts.

Data Loss

Cloud outages, provider errors, or unexpected service termination can result in data loss.

What is a major disadvantage of relying on cloud storage for important documents?

{"answers": {"A": "You need a reliable internet connection to access your data.", "B": "Cloud storage automatically backs up your data without any risks.", "C": "You can access your data from any device without any limitations.", "D": "Cloud providers are immune to any data breaches or hacking attempts."}, "question_text": "What is a major disadvantage of relying on cloud storage for important documents?", "correct_answer": "A"}

Disadvantages of Cloud Storage(cont...)

Data Transfer Speeds

The speed at which data can be uploaded to or downloaded from the cloud may be slower than transferring files locally, especially with large files.

Recurring Fees

While cost-effective for some, ongoing subscription costs for storage plans can accumulate over time.

Limited Control

Users have limited control over the hardware and infrastructure, relying on the cloud provider to ensure uptime and service quality.

Service Changes

Cloud providers can modify service terms, features, or even discontinue services, impacting users' storage strategies.

Data Compliance and Regulations

Organizations may face challenges complying with industry-specific regulations or data sovereignty laws when using cloud storage.

Downtime and Service Availability

Cloud services may experience outages, temporarily limiting access to data and applications.

What happens to data stored in cloud storage if the provider goes out of business?

{"answers": {"A": "The data is returned to the user", "B": "The provider cannot go out of business", "C": "The data is lost forever", "D": "The data remains in the cloud"}, "question_text": "What happens to data stored in cloud storage if the provider goes out of business?", "correct_answer": "C"}

Personal Cloud Storage

Purpose:
Personal cloud storage is designed for individual users to securely store and access their personal files and data from anywhere. It allows users to back up important documents, media, and other digital content without relying on physical storage devices.

Examples:
Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive

Use Cases:

Storing photos, videos, and music
Backing up important documents and files
Accessing files across multiple devices
Sharing personal files with friends and family
Syncing data between computers, tablets, and smartphones

One common use case for personal cloud storage is [[backing]] up important documents and files.

{"cloze_text": "One common use case for personal cloud storage is [[backing]] up important documents and files."}

Business Cloud Storage

Purpose:
Enterprise cloud storage is designed for businesses and organizations to securely store, manage, and share data across departments, employees, and teams. These platforms typically include advanced security controls, user access management, collaboration tools, and integration with other enterprise applications.

Examples:
Dropbox Business, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft SharePoint

Use Cases:

Collaborative file sharing between employees and teams
Document management and version control
Team collaboration on shared documents and projects
Secure internal data storage for organizations
Centralized access to company files across multiple devices

Why might an organization choose a cloud storage solution over traditional on-premises storage?

{"answers": {"A": "Cloud storage is only suitable for small businesses with limited data.", "B": "Traditional storage requires less maintenance than cloud solutions.", "C": "Cloud solutions offer increased flexibility and remote access to files.", "D": "Cloud storage eliminates the need for any form of data backup."}, "question_text": "Why might an organization choose a cloud storage solution over traditional on-premises storage?", "correct_answer": "C"}

Public Cloud Storage

Purpose:
Public cloud storage services are provided by third-party cloud providers and are accessible over the internet for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Instead of maintaining their own physical servers, users can store and manage data in remote data centers operated by cloud companies. These services offer high scalability, reliability, and availability.

Examples:
Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage

Use Cases:

Hosting website assets such as images, videos, CSS, and JavaScript files
Backups and disaster recovery for important data
Data storage and processing for large datasets or analytics
Content storage for applications that distribute media globally (often combined with CDNs)

Private Cloud Storage

Purpose:
Personal cloud storage allows individual users to securely store, manage, and access their files and data from anywhere. It provides an easy way to back up photos, documents, videos, and other digital content without relying on physical storage devices.

Examples:
Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive

Use Cases:

Storing photos, videos, and music
Backing up important documents and files
Accessing files across multiple devices
Sharing personal files with friends and family
Syncing data between computers, tablets, and smartphones

Review: Fill in the Blanks

Cloud storage is a technology that enables users to store and manage digital data on accessed via the internet. This system eliminates the need for local on a user's device by having a third-party provider manage the data.

One of the main advantages of cloud storage is its , which allows users to choose the amount of storage that meets their needs. Additionally, cloud storage provides through web-based applications or mobile apps, making it simple to view, edit, and share files across multiple devices.

However, there are disadvantages to consider, including the dependency on a reliable to access cloud-stored data. Users also face concerns about , as there may be risks related to data ownership and potential breaches by the cloud provider.

There are different types of cloud storage, such as , which is designed for individual users, and , which is tailored for organizations. Public cloud storage is offered by third-party providers for general use, while private cloud storage is maintained by a specific organization for its exclusive use.

Click the keywords below to fill in the blanks:

Business Cloud Storage Personal Cloud Storage Remote Servers Internet Connection Data Privacy Scalability Accessibility Storage

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