Online data storage is a virtual storage method that permits users to store their data in a remote network. Rather than using an external hard drive or local server, data is sent to the service provider via the Internet which manages and maintains the data servers and infrastructure. It is typically an element of cloud-based service offerings, and it also can be used as an alternative to other options which require backups on-site.
In recent years the number of vendors providing online storage for business and consumers has increased substantially. Some companies offer specific types of data such as backups, photos, music or music, and others can store any kind of file. The majority offer a small amount of storage for free, and additional capacity is usually available for a cost on a monthly or annual basis.
File storage is a popular type of online storage for data. It employs a hierarchy to organize data into folders, which are then identified with meta-data* to make it easy to identify. This system is compatible with desktop computers and is the most common method of backing up files using cloud-based platforms.
Cloud-based online storage provides numerous advantages over traditional methods for storing and sharing files, including improved physical security and automated backup capabilities. This type of storage is more flexible as business requirements can change over time. It reduces the chance that critical data will be lost because of natural disasters or human error. It also prevents the unauthorized access of sensitive information by restricting access to stored files only to authorized users do so.
