What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage services like Frontier’s Content Anywhere are electronic storage solutions that store data and files (including documents) on remote servers that are accessed via the internet. Instead of data or files being stored under your roof—as is the case with a hard drive or USB—it’s stored digitally at an off-site location.
A so-called “cloud provider” is responsible for the data transferred off-site, so you don’t have to worry about maintaining the infrastructure that houses your data and files. As a cloud storage provider, Frontier handles the data center’s hosting, security and maintenance.
This is all made possible thanks to cloud computing, which refers to the ability of computing services (including document storage services and networking, software, database, analytics, intelligence and server services) to be offered over the internet—the cloud.
Cloud-based services are advantageous because they can free you from the burden of maintaining in-house computing infrastructure. This improves efficiency, streamlines operations and cuts costs.
Types of cloud storage solutions
There are different types of cloud storage options available to suit different needs. Here are the main categories of cloud storage.
- Public cloud storage is used and shared by multiple organizations across the internet. The benefits of public storage include low maintenance costs, minimal complexity and flexible pricing. Public clouds are also very agile and scalable, but they don’t offer a high degree of control and can be less secure than a private cloud.
- Private cloud storage is a type of proprietary storage solution used by only one organization, and companies often pay to have their own cloud storage solution created. Private cloud benefits include customizability, high degree of scalability and compliance with regulations. They’re also more secure since they’re dedicated to just one company. While it has the benefit of keeping all operations within the organization, it can add significant operational burdens and costs. Learn more about private cloud service.
- Hybrid cloud solutions use both public and private cloud storage. Hybrid cloud solutions support diverse workload needs and are highly reliable and secure. They aren’t as compatible and easy to integrate as fully proprietary solutions, however, and they can be extremely complex.
Why use cloud storage
Aside from Frontier’s Content Anywhere, other examples of cloud-based storage solutions include iCloud, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Web Services, Dropbox and others. Finding the right provider will depend on your personal or business needs—such as how many people need access to your chosen cloud storage solution.
- Easy to implement: Cloud storage is fast and easy to implement. This is because it doesn’t require any hardware or in-house infrastructure installation (the exception being personal cloud storage). Depending on the complexity of the solution you select, you can start using it within days or even hours.
- High level of security: Cloud storage providers invest significant resources in enhanced security measures, like multi-factor authentication and data encryption. Physical cloud security of the actual storage servers is also stringent to better ensure your sensitive data is kept safe.
- Simplified collaboration: Cloud storage solutions allow you to easily carry out file sharing and real-time data transfers off-site. This can be a big boon if you need to collaborate with others remotely or handle cloud storage syncing from afar.
- Minimal risk of data loss: Cloud storage is also notable for its resilience. In a natural disaster, you don’t have to worry about losing data or dealing with disaster recovery. This is quite different if you store data under your own roof.
- Potential for cost savings: Cloud storage is overall cost-effective (unless you pay significantly for a proprietary in-house solution). Businesses can further treat cloud storage as an ongoing operating expense, which can be helpful in terms of tax deductions.
- High level of scalability: The levels of storage capacity for cloud-based solutions vary widely, allowing you to tailor your storage space to your needs. Most cloud data solutions offer tiered pricing plans, allowing you to choose an option to accommodate your requirements.
