Analyzing Cloud Storage: Advantages and Disadvantages in IT Infra

This report provides an overview of cloud-based storage, detailing its advantages and disadvantages within an IT infrastructure context. It begins with an introduction to cloud storage, defining it as a model where data is stored on remote servers rather than local hard drives, accessible via the internet. The report outlines different cloud computing models, including client-server, grid computing, fog, and peer-to-peer. It then delves into the types of cloud storage: private, public, and hybrid, explaining their respective features and benefits. The advantages discussed include cost savings, accessibility, data recovery, automatic syncing, and increased security. Conversely, the disadvantages cover internet dependency, potential high costs, the need for physical drives, limited customer support, and privacy concerns related to third-party cloud providers. The report concludes by summarizing the key considerations for adopting cloud storage solutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the benefits and drawbacks to make informed decisions.

IT Infrastructure
The cloud based Storage. Its Advantages and disadvantages. The report is based on the background of
the cloud-based and details on some of the advantages and disadvantages of uses of cloud based
storage. How these advantages can be applied and one make an informed decision on which type of
cloud one can migrate to depending on the access and the privacy of the data.
MARCH 28, 2018
Name
Course

Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Overview............................................................................................................................................2
2.0 Background........................................................................................................................................3
3.0 Research methodology........................................................................................................................4
3.1 introductions.....................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Research design.................................................................................................................................4
3.3 Data collection Methods....................................................................................................................4
4.0 Types of Cloud Storage.......................................................................................................................5
5.0 Advantages of Cloud Storage..............................................................................................................6
6.0 Disadvantages of Using Cloud Storage..............................................................................................7
7.0 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................7
References...................................................................................................................................................7

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Overview
Nowadays we may ask ourselves about this recent technology, wondering what cloud storage is
and what are this clouds storage used for? In real sense there are no easy words or theories to
explain that but they are ways used in describing this latest technologies that are very promising
to the ICT world. Normally according to layman’s way of describing and explaining cloud
storage it is considered as the model of computing in situations where data is stored on very
secure and on servers that are in remote areas rather than on the hard drives we are used to.
When we refer to cloud we define it as servers that are ensemble serving as host all of the info
they always receive globally. This study will explain the way they work, the type of cloud
storage, and the other as outlined here below.
Definition of cloud storage technology and how it is applied
Background of cloud storage
Use of cloud storage
Advantage and disadvantages of cloud storage in details
Types of cloud storage
Research methodology
Cloud based data storage
Cloud computing
Conclusions
In contrast with the devices of storage such as compact disks or the hard disks, in cases where
info is always physically stored, where all the data is virtually on entirely on stored servers.
Additionally everything can be accessed as far as it is on the cloud and the gadget to be used has
connection with the internet.
Figure 1 cloud storage diagram

Recent surveys that has been conducted with more than 1000 business decision makers and users
globally, the organization of numbers has gained competitive advantage through the clouds that
are high adopting almost doubles in the previous years and by last year the cloud services that is
the (public cloud) was predicted to be exceedingly be over 244 billion dollars (baiju, 2014).
Computing in cloud has been seemed to be buzzword over a decade and this has led to manty
business making a lot of switch each and every day like it is on a daily basis. While hitching on
the computing power of the cloud in streamlining the information technology procedures make
daily computations very easier and hence it may be not something to hurry and rush on to. Lastly
before one can make a switch then it might be important one to ask oneself such question such as
are you ready? (Stratosphere, 2018).
2.0 Background
Speaking of the history of cloud computing we may term it as model of computer that is very
functional and hence it is not new. However the so called cloud will go back to the 1970s and
1980s and this when the ARPANET and CNET, all acting as predecessors of current internet
were in control and in application to what the today storage of today will be like or will become.
Nowadays some of the most and popular used type of cloud services are such as the OneDrive,
google and the dropbox. Each may offer same but very slightly different services but which
make it hard in assessing which is the best cloud.
There are some explained and outlined cloud computing models as below.
Client server Model which distinguishes the difference between the provider of th
service and the client receiving the service.
Grid computing which is the model for the supercomputers that are for supercomputers.
It’s called grid because it consists of many (multiple) physical terminus.
Fog Model which excludes uses of remote location while sending the data to the clients.
Peer-2-peer computing model- Which works like the client-server but the difference
being that the client is the supplier and at the same the client.

3.0 Research methodology
3.1 introductions
This chapter will consider all the research methodologies that were very helpful in defining this
project and also qualify to be selected over all other possible designs. This research begins by
addressing in details all the projects requirements that are to be employed in the study. Further it
will explore all the steps that are deployed and the necessary and convincing techniques of
collecting the required data that will be significant in this study.
3.2 Research design
This study is an experiment one which is very fundamental especially when it comes to analyses
the characteristics or the features of any given sensation that must be experimented or even
modelled in a given scenario. Cooper & Schindler argues that in experimenting type of analysis
one may be helped discover and measure very different and various attributes of numerous
parameters of any given model which is representing a case scenario in real life. We use the
rapid application development (RAD).
3.3 Data collection Methods
Data collection methods are ways through which the gathered data that is to be used for
computation is gathered and collected so that it can be analysed. There are two types of
collecting data that is the primary data and secondary data. This study the primary data way of
collecting data was put in place in doing investigation for this advantages and disadvantages of
cloud based services.

4.0 Types of Cloud Storage
After discussing about what cloud storage and its uses we may now take another level of an eye
by describing the classifications of the cloud-storage. The need for the increased solutions in the
cloud-based, has made the nature of many services to become more complex.
Figure 2 Types of Cloud Deployments models
What follows below is the discussion of three major types of the cloud services that is as follows.
Private Cloud
Private clouds tailored in accommodating and handling the requests of data from the
small and large based companies. This type of service of cloud is one of the best solution
and recommendation for a company that might need to migrate its data where it will
need to apply third party cloud as the provider.
This types of cloud a client may opt to choose in any of the two types of private clouds.
One is the on premise that will use a server found in the similar premise. The server may
host them on the cloud. In on premise this clouds are easier to supervise. Staffs are able
to easily check what may go wrong. It is good to know that the on premise type of
service is meant and suited for those companies which are big. Second option is the
externally hosted cloud storage. The server is not necessarily in the same premise as that
of the company.

Public clouds
In public clouds one does not need to concern in maintenance or the secutity of data
because of the externalization of the data. The clouds in public are easier in accessing
and maintaining than most private clouds. Furthermore, if anyone has any right
credentials one may have the permission to submit their access to the cloud, may it be
either from a computer terminal or even joined over the internet.
Hybrid clouds
A hybrid is a type of cloud that combines all the characteristics and features of both the
private and public clouds. The greatest and most appealing and convincing advantages
of hybrid cloud is use of many customization options in great numbers. Some of this
customizations include such as the Add, Delete, Edit etc. being some of the application
currently running ion the hybrid cloud. If one may wish in sharing information that is
very sensitive one may opt to for the private cloud features as they offer best security.
Another option is migrate some data that is not sensitive on public side of clouds.
5.0 Advantages of Cloud Storage
The cost
Many companies and individuals who uses this services of the cloud may be able to cut
costs like the one for operating when compared to those who still uses the hosting
companies with solutions or even the use external hard drives. Recent polls on the usage
of cloud services has been marked to be average cost of 1 GB of space of storage to be
approximately 3cts.when one consider to migrate such operating costs must be
considered
Accessibility
Accessing of files, the folders, videos and photos in the cloud anywhere if anyone has
the gadgets that have some internet connection as far as one provides the necessary
credentials (Tracy, 2016).
Recovery
The backup solution in cloud services is very and one of the greatest advantage as in case
something goes wrong one can be able to recover. Incase an error occurs may be to files
one can always access and do retrieval of any data that may have been lost or even
damaged.
Syncing
If some commitments in any changes in more files , the cloud may sync automatically to
changing across all affiliated devices.
Increased Security
An extra layer of storage and security protocol is added by most storage providers. It is
done in order of preventing the files and folders to avoid them being accessed by the
wrong people or even from being lost.

6.0 Disadvantages of Using Cloud Storage
Dependent on Internet Connection
Dependence of the internet speed and speed of downloading the existence of low latency
have impended one to access data in real time (Mike, 2018).
Costs
Not all in all cases the cost may be favorable as in other cases especially in small homes
hence the cost too high in handling.
Hand drives
Large number of physical drives are needed for storage of information remotely on the
cloud. This may lead to also increase in space and cost.
Customer support
There is no much support as one is most directed to get instructions on the FAQ or the
online forums.
Privacy issues
When one migrates the 3rd party cloud storage provider as there is much issue to be
concerned with who owns the info. One have to ask is it the company, the client or the
service provider of the cloud.
7.0 Conclusion
We discussed the cloud storage. This is a concept that is new in computing in clouds models
allowing faster information deploying, management and supervision being little. The discussed
advantages and disadvantages above gives one a hint whether it is good to opt the kind of
services that suits you. Nowadays, however, most large cloud storage providers have a diverse
offer when it comes to storage plans and pricing. Plans and offers vary from provider to provider.
However, most include at least some service packages for home use, as well as cloud storage
plans for small businesses or large corporations.
References
baiju, N., 2014. 5 advantages and disadvantages of Cloud Storage. big data made simple, 27th July.p. 66.
Mike, 2018. What Is Cloud Storage and What Are Its Advantages?, s.l.: Cloud Storage Device.
Stratosphere, 2018. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing. [Online]
Available at: https://www.stratospherenetworks.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cloud.html
[Accessed 28 march 2018].
Tracy, P., 2016. Cloud computing 101: Advantages and disadvantages. Cloud Computing, Fundamentals,
Internet of Things (IoT}, 01 september, Volume 23, pp. 32-37.