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Cloud Storage Explained: Essential Insights for Modern Data Management

The exponential growth of data, largely driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of big data, is radically transforming how companies manage and store information in the cloud.

In this article, we explore how cloud storage can effectively optimise the organisation and management of your business data, preparing it for future challenges.

Data Growth in the Technological Era

Like numbers, data is infinite. Did you know that approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are generated worldwide every day? And that’s not all—by 2025, data growth is expected to reach around 175 zettabytes annually.

In recent years, the technological era has prompted businesses to rethink how they work, protect their data, and adopt new technological policies. This shift is all about working smarter, not harder. The same applies to data—using a smart, strategic approach to storing and protecting information in the cloud can prevent businesses from becoming overwhelmed by data bottlenecks, lack of cloud backups, or runaway costs. It can also determine the success or failure of your organisation's digital transformation.

What is Cloud Storage?

Techopedia defines cloud storage as “a cloud computing model where data is stored on remote servers and accessed via the Internet or through a dedicated private network connection. Cloud storage infrastructure is maintained, operated, and managed by the cloud storage provider.”

Leading cloud storage providers include Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. Cloud storage allows businesses and users to store, back up, and access files from any device and location, facilitating collaboration, scalability, and reducing the costs associated with physical infrastructure.

Discover more about how cloud storage works in this video.

Types of Cloud Storage

According to Techopedia, cloud storage offers end users and applications a scalable virtual storage structure, tailored to the needs of each application. There are several types of cloud storage:

  • Public Cloud
    Public cloud storage is offered by external providers and is available to anyone or any business wishing to use their services. It’s a popular option due to its scalability, accessibility, and relatively low cost. Data is stored on shared servers and accessed via the internet.
  • Private Cloud
    Private cloud storage is used exclusively by one organisation. Data is stored on dedicated servers and managed internally or by a service provider. This option offers greater control and security, making it ideal for companies with strict privacy and regulatory requirements.
  • Hybrid Cloud
    Hybrid cloud storage combines elements of both public and private clouds. Companies can store sensitive data in the private cloud while using the public cloud for less critical data or to manage demand spikes. This approach offers flexibility and resource optimisation.
  • Multi-Cloud
    Also known as multicloud, this strategy uses services from multiple public and/or private cloud providers to meet diverse organisational needs. Rather than relying on a single provider, businesses can distribute workloads and data across multiple platforms, optimising performance, security, and flexibility.

Advantages of Cloud Storage

Cloud storage not only offers agility and time savings but also brings other essential benefits to your business strategy:

  • Accessibility
    One of the primary advantages of cloud storage is its accessibility. Users can access their files from any device with an internet connection, making remote work and real-time collaboration easier, regardless of location.
  • Scalability
    Cloud storage allows users to easily adjust their capacity according to changing needs, eliminating concerns about space or additional hardware. Providers offer flexible plans that scale with storage demands.
  • Advanced Security
    Cloud providers implement robust measures like data encryption, two-factor authentication, and automatic backups to protect information. Although risks exist, these security investments help minimise potential vulnerabilities.
  • Cost Reduction
    Cloud storage can be more cost-effective than maintaining physical servers, reducing hardware, maintenance, and energy expenses. Pay-as-you-go models allow businesses to optimise spending based on actual capacity used.
  • Data Recovery
    Cloud storage facilitates disaster recovery through automatic backups and data replication across multiple locations, ensuring business continuity in the event of hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.

Why Choose NetApp for Cloud Data Storage?

NetApp offers the utmost reliability with cloud storage solutions and enterprise data management for your preferred clouds and data centres. Recognised with Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Company of the Year Award, NetApp is an undisputed leader in the industry.

NetApp’s key cloud partners—AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud—have integrated NetApp® technology into their cloud storage and services. No matter where your data resides, NetApp creates a holistic data fabric using the cloud as a pillar for a successful digital transformation.

Discover how NetApp can help you today by connecting with our chat.