18 Best Cloud Storage Services for Your Business
Nearly 60% of corporate data is currently stored in the cloud, and the global cloud computing market is valued at $545.8 billion.
97% of IT leaders stated they plan to further expand their cloud systems. If you are one of them looking for reliable cloud storage services, this post will help you get started.
What cloud storage services do you need?
Depending on the data type you're working with, you'll need to look for an object, a file, or a block cloud storage.
Object storage
Stores data as objects in a flat address space
Each object contains data, metadata, and a unique identifier
Scales horizontally, making it suitable for massive amounts of unstructured data
Ideal for storing large volumes of unstructured data such as images, videos, backups, and archives.
Popular object data storage services: Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob Storage, IBM Cloud Object Storage, OCI Object Storage, DigitalOcean Spaces.
File storage
Organizes data into a hierarchical file structure with directories and files
Provides shared access to files, enabling multiple users to read and write
Suitable for storing data accessed by applications or users via a network
Ideal for file sharing, network-attached storage (NAS), and collaborative work environments.
Popular file data storage services: Amazon EFS, Google Cloud Filestore, Azure Files, IBM Cloud File Storage, OCI File Storage, Rackspace Cloud Files.
Block storage
Divides data into blocks and stores them as separate entities with unique addresses
Typically used for virtual machines and databases that require low-latency access
Allows for direct control over individual blocks of data
Ideal for applications that demand high-performance, low-latency storage, such as databases and virtual machines.
Popular block data storage services: Amazon EBS, Google Cloud Persistent Disks, Azure Managed Disks, IBM Cloud Block Storage, OCI Block Volumes, DigitalOcean Block Storage.
Not sure which data storage type you need?
Six best object cloud storage services: comparison table
Benefits of using object cloud storage services
Scalability. You can easily scale storage capacity to handle growing volumes of unstructured data, such as images, videos, and backups.
Cost-effectiveness. You get an efficient storage solution, as pricing models often allow payment for actual usage.
Durability and redundancy. By replicating data across multiple servers and locations, you reduce the risk of data loss.
Content delivery. The object cloud storages often integrate with content delivery networks (CDNs), enabling you to efficiently deliver content to users globally.
Built-in metadata and versioning. Each object in the storage includes metadata for efficient organization, and versioning support allows you to track changes and revert to previous versions.
Accessibility and global reach. Objects stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere. This facilitates data access for distributed teams or global operations.
Six best file cloud storage services: comparison table
Benefits of using file cloud storage services
Organized file structure. By using file cloud storage services, you can organize files into a hierarchical structure with directories. This will simplify the work with files by making it more organized.
Shared access. You can enable multiple users to read and write files, fostering collaboration in shared work environments.
Ease of use. File cloud storage services usually have an intuitive interface that simplifies file organization, retrieval, and collaboration.
Network-attached storage. This allows easy access to files for multiple users over a network.
Compatibility with applications. File cloud storage services are often integrated with a variety of applications, making them suitable for businesses with diverse software ecosystems.
Six best block cloud storage services: comparison table
Learn how much you can save on your cloud storage costs
Benefits of using block cloud storage services
Low-latency access. A block cloud storage divides data into blocks. This provides direct control and enables low-latency access to individual blocks of data, which is crucial for high-performance applications.
Scalability for performance. The block cloud storages are easily scalable. This makes them suitable for scenarios where quick access to data is essential, such as databases or virtual machines.
Customization and сontrol. You can have direct control over individual blocks of data, providing customization options for applications that require specific storage configurations.
Support for virtual machines. With the help of cloud storage services, you can provide timely configurations and adjustments to applications running in virtualized environments.
Consistent performance. You can maintain predictable performance levels, crucial for applications that demand stable and reliable data access.
Cloud storage services as a crucial part of IT infrastructure
Cloud storage services are a vital component of modern IT infrastructure. They offer scalable and cost-effective solutions to store different types of data for organizations. By leveraging cloud storage services, you can manage your data without extensive on-premises hardware. Moreover, you can accommodate the growing volumes of information while enhancing data reliability and availability.
Choosing the most suitable cloud storage services may be tricky. However, with the right development team on your side, you can rest assured that the best solution will be identified for your project requirements.
If you are looking for expert assistance in setting up your IT infrastructure, feel free to contact us. We will help you choose the most efficient technologies for your project.
FAQ
When choosing a cloud storage service, prioritize end-to-end encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and compliance with industry standards like ISO 27001. Ensure features like data encryption at rest and in transit, multi-factor authentication, and granular access controls are in place to safeguard sensitive business data.
Yes, reputable cloud storage services offer scalable solutions for large enterprises, providing elasticity to scale on demand. They often offer tiered storage options, flexible pricing models, and robust infrastructure to handle increasing volumes of data.
Cloud storage services enable seamless collaboration through shared folders, real-time document editing, version control, and access permissions management. They offer collaboration tools integrated into the storage platform, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously.
Yes, leading cloud storage services provide extensive integration capabilities with various business systems and applications. They offer APIs, SDKs, and support for common protocols, enabling seamless integration with CRM, ERP, productivity tools, and other enterprise applications.
