When looking for a storage service, there are several options. You can either manage the storage infrastructure yourself or hire a provider to provide a fully managed service. With the former, a vendor installs the storage infrastructure and provides support for it. The managed services provider runs the storage for the company, and IT professionals handle the day-to-day tasks. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. You may find the right one for your business by reading this article.
Object storage
Object storage services are a popular and reliable solution for storing data, and they are especially useful in today’s digital age, when the amount of web-based multimedia data is continually increasing. While traditional file storage methods require a large amount of disk space, an object-based service uses a network of storage devices to store data across the globe. Its API uses standard HTTP requests, and libraries were quickly developed for most programming languages. It’s now easier than ever to save a blob of data using an object storage service. Retrieving the same file requires a simple HTTP GET request. Most object storage services also make files available publicly, eliminating the need for a web server.
Object Storage uses a WSGI model to provide general extensibility and authentication for end-point clients. Its authentication provider defines user types and roles for access, and may leverage API key tokens or client-side x.509 certificates. OBS supports custom authentication providers, and comes with two authentication middleware modules by default. These middleware modules are also available as sample code for custom middleware development. In addition to defining user roles and data storage policy, OBS also supports authentication middleware for various application scenarios.
Block storage
A Block Storage Service is a type of cloud storage that allows server applications to mount their own hard drives on the cloud. By using Block Storage Service, you can easily scale your storage without paying more for additional compute resources. This service is a great option for businesses that need high performance storage without sacrificing flexibility. Block Storage volumes are descripted by volume types. You can associate SSD, SATA, or any combination of these types with each other to create a flexible storage solution for your application.
Cloud Block Storage volumes are provisioned in one-gigabyte increments and range in size from 100 GB to 1 TB. Each Cloud Block Storage volume is attached to up to ten cloud servers. These volumes are exposed via an iSCSI over a logical network and presented to the servers as virtual devices. However, you must format and partition the volume before using it. You can also mount the volume through the server operating system.
File storage
The File Storage service at Stanford University is a centralized, secure file-sharing solution that uses CIFS and NFS protocols to provide access to files across a local area network. The service is available to faculty and staff on a subscription basis and charges are billed to department IT billing statements. A file storage service provides users with secure access to named file shares and supports multiple operating systems. With a high-speed connection and a low cost per gigabyte, this service provides the benefits of a traditional file-sharing solution.
As part of the File Storage Service, ITS provides an enterprise-class file-storage system that enables users to store and access files from a single location. All files are accessible through a mapped drive, and users can control access permissions. The service allows users to create drives for individual users, teams, or entire departments. The cost is based on provisioned space, used space, and snapshot retention. Depending on the size of your data, you can select the appropriate tier for your storage needs.
Block storage as a service
Traditionally, block-level storage has been provided by network-attached storage area networks. However, cloud services have changed that, and today block-storage is considered a distinct server rather than an array of bare discs. Those advantages can make block-storage an ideal choice for mission-critical applications. It provides efficient data structure and data management, while allowing for scalability and ease of use.
With IBM’s Block STaaS, clients only pay for the capacity they need, and variable consumption over a base capacity allows for virtually unlimited space. Block storage as a service can be ordered for one to five years, with an option for extending contracts as needed. However, it is not a perfect fit for every company. You should take a few things into account before committing to a subscription to a provider.
Object storage as a service
Object storage as a service is a type of cloud storage solution that allows you to store data in the cloud. This type of cloud storage can be used for archiving data and real-time analytics. It is often used to replace NAS systems, especially since object storage provides configurable metadata. However, before you move forward with an object storage as a service solution, you must determine how it works for you. If you’re not sure, here are some benefits of object storage:
Object Storage as a service abstracts the lower layers of storage from administrators and exposes data in the form of objects with additional descriptive properties for better management and indexing. It also allows users to distinguish individual objects by more than just their file names. Each object has an unique identifier within the bucket and across the system, and administrators no longer need to worry about name collisions. Object storage as a service has many benefits and is a must-have for modern IT organizations.