The idea of cloud based storage has been around since the 1960s. It is believed that Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider was the person to invent it. He also allowed the development of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) Although it wasn't until 2002 that it was put into action by Amazon Web Services. Now there are quite a few very different services offering cloud storage. Including Amazon Cloud Storage, Windows Live SkyDrive and Dropbox.
Storing something "in the cloud" is not actually being saved in the clouds or in the air. The phrase refers to something being stored over the internet on a servicer's servers. In this case, and most cases when in regards to the internet, being in the cloud means that it is accessible through the internet. Now, what happens when something is stored in the cloud is it is sent, over the internet, to the servicer's servers and then sent to their storage units. Most places will perform what is called a redundancy. When that occurs, it means that they copied everything onto a separate drive in case of a drive failure or so that if you delete it, you may be able to access the files and information again. For example, while using Dropbox, a certain amount of files that are deleted by the user can be recovered later on. Cloud storage systems are contained of many distributed resources while still acting as one; very secure against faults through, like stated earlier, redundancy and distribution of data; and durable through the creation of versioned copies
There are various advantages to using a cloud based storage system to back up files. For companies, they only need to pay for storage that is actually used by them and there is no need to install their own physical storage devices. Now not only for companies, there is no need to worry about maintenance tasks, such as data replication, backup and purchasing more storage devices. It also allows users immediate access to resources and applications in the infrastructure of another organization.
Now, along with advantages, there are disadvantages or concerns. When something is sent to the cloud it is also copied and that increases the number of places the information is and the possibility of an unauthorized user accessing it. That can be decreased through the use of encryption. Now, the number of people with access to the data is usually drastically increased and these people might also be bribed or coerced into allowing access or receiving data. If encryption is used, keeping the key with the user and not the servicer will decrease this possibility of unauthorized access. There is also an increase in the number of networks the data travels through. Another concern is that the supplier of this cloud storage could do a number of things, such as, going bankrupt, expanding and changing focus, being purchased by another larger company, or suffering an irrecoverable disaster. If any of those happens, there is a high possibility of the user's data being lost.
I am someone who uses Dropbox almost every day, and as a frequent user I think cloud storage is a wonderful technology.
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