Cloud: Data Storage

Data Storage

Cloud Storage providers enable users to store their data remotely on data storage solutions that are owned and operated by them. It also follows the Pay-as-you-use model where the user pays for the capacity consumed. Users have the ability to access their data via API’s or traditional procedures.

Devices for Storage

It is possible to classify storage devices narrowly into two categories:

• Block devices for storage
• File devices for storage

Block Storage

Block Storage Devices provide clients with raw storage. It is possible to partition this raw storage to create volumes.

File Storage

File Storage Devices provide clients with storage in the form of files, while retaining their own file system. This storage uses the Network Attached Storage (NAS) format.

Cloud Storage categories:

Cloud Storage can be divided generally into two categories:

• Cloud Storage – Unmanaged
• Cloud Storage – Managed

Cloud Storage – Unmanaged

Unmanaged Cloud Storage implies that for the user, the storage is preconfigured. The customer is unable to format, nor can the customer install their own file system or alter the properties of the drive.

Cloud Storage – Managed

On demand, Managed Cloud Storage provides online storage space. The operated cloud storage framework displays what seems to the user to be a raw disc that can be partitioned and formatted by the user.

Cloud Storage System Creation

Across several servers and in numerous places, many copies of data are stored in the cloud storage system. If one system fails, it just involves changing the pointer to the position of another copy of the stored object.

Virtualization software meant predominantly for storage systems are used to bring together storage resources into cloud storage systems. Storage is aggregated via a virtualization layer across various storage systems into one system that facilitates easier management. It can also handle multiple file management systems such as CIFS and NFS file system details over the Internet.

How virtualization software aggregates data into storage clouds is shown in the following diagram:

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Containers for Virtual Storage

Digital storage containers deliver cloud storage systems with high performance. In virtual storage containers, the Logical Unit Number (LUN) of the system, files and other objects are generated. A virtual storage container is shown in the following diagram, defining a cloud storage domain:

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The Challenges

Data management in the cloud is not such an easy process. While it offers a level of convenience and flexibility, customers also face multiple problems. Consumers expect the service to:

• Provide on-demand extra storage.
• Know and limit the stored data’s physical location.
• Verifying how the data has been erased?
• Have access to a documented method for the secure disposal of hardware for data storage.
• Data access management for administrators.

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