Cloud Storage

Technically, cloud storage can be defined as a service model in which crucial business data or information record is maintained, managed and backed up remotely. With the help of this cloud storage, users can access their data or information over a network or simple Internet connection from anywhere and anytime.

The biggest advantage of the cloud storage is that your data gets saved on a remote database instead of storing information on your computer's hard drive or other local storage devices. The Internet connects your computer and the database for further processing as per your convenience.

Cloud Storage Gateway

The gateway bridges between various application interfaces and allows them to collaborate and function as a single unit. Cloud storage gateway will thus bridge the connection between the client and the underlying database.

When you log in to your cloud account and request access to the files, the gateway quickly establishes a connection between the cloud panel and the backend servers. This is essential because without bridging the two interfaces, you might never be able to access files you so deeply desire.

What are the advantages of cloud storage?

On the surface, Cloud Storage has several advantages over the traditional way of data storage. For instance, there would be no need to carry around a physical storage device or use the PC to save and retrieve your data. The real challenge of acquiring enough space on your hard drive or local storage device will be over. With the right storage system, you could even allow other authorized users to access the data and share it as well according to the hour of need. Another benefit is that cloud storage provides organizations with off-site (remote) backups of data which reduces costs associated with disaster recovery.

Cloud technologies are not replacing conventional storage methods without reason.

- Cloud storage is convenient. It is easy to carry around as there is no physical device to roam around with.

- Cloud storage has top-notch accessibility. With accessibility, we mean the ease with which you can have access to your files under various test conditions. With cloud storage services, you can quickly download files anywhere around the globe.

- Online storage is safer. Our facts might sound as jinxed, but we have underpinning research and decade-long experience to prove our credibility. Physical storage drives are way too vulnerable and sit ducks for prying thieves.

- Anyone in possession of your disk can easily access your data. Though there are folder lockers, they are not unbreakable. Any capable technician can easily break into folders in not more than an hour.

Cloud storage API

Cloud storage API (application program interface) connects the local application to the cloud storage in such a way that data can be sent back and forth from the application to the cloud server. The API is able to initiate conversation between the server and the application overlying it.

Cloud storage with API is the most common in businesses developing applications while also configuring principal online storage to interact with it.

What is Cloud SLA?

SLA stands for service-level agreement. It is an agreement between the provider and the customer, promising a certain minimum level of services. The SLA protects both the provider and the client from harassment. The client is liable to sue the vendor solely based on the Terms & Conditions the provider has failed to comply with.

Cloud providers, on the other hand, leverage the SLA to keep their services a margin above what’s promised. This helps them continue saving bucks while still being able to keep customers happy at their end.

What are the things covered in Storage SLA and Cloud SLA?

Storage SLAs typically cover the following –

Note the terms and conditions differ for cloud companies; the below list is only indicative of what SLAs should typically cover –

- Uptime

- Bandwidth

- Minimum transfer speed

- Storage allowed

- File types allowed on the cloud server

- RAM, Cores, Thread

- Allowed traffic

Some SLAs also cover topics that help eradicate the difficulties of providers while solving dispute –

- Charges when storage limit gets exceeded (typically uploads get denied when the storage limit is exceeded) 

- Traffic surcharge

- Charges per unit of extra bandwidth

- Provider’s liability in case of downtime