In “Cloud Storage…the First 50 Years”, James Maynard writes that cloud storage was first invented by J.C.R. Licklider in 1960. However, storage techniques pioneered at the time wouldn’t catch on for 50 years. Since 2010, cloud storage providers have seen geometric growth. As Forbes points out, the cloud computing industry is set to grow at a sustained annual rate of 36% through 2016, ballooning into an industry with a market worth of $19.5 billion by that same year.

Despite the popularity of online file storage and computing solutions, many businesses are left wondering exactly what they can get out of such an arrangement. Old habits die-hard, after all, and making the switch from localized storage to cloud storage solutions is a hard pill to swallow for many. As recently highlighted by NetworkWorld, many are worried about lack of access, vulnerability to hackers, and the overall security of their data; any one of these problems could mean trouble for any business.

Times Have Changed
Even if past criticisms of cloud service providers were accurate, new secure cloud storage providers, like CEPH storage, are pushing online storage to a whole new level.

• Block Storage

According to TechRepublic, block level storage works essentially the same way as a local hard drive disk. Unlike an HDD installed in local servers, however, block storage utilizes a virtual drive that can be accessed through a secure fiber channel, increasing processing speed and security. As BusinessBee points out, utilizing digital CEPH storage can actually cut in-house costs. After all, there are no costs for in-house servers and maintenance to worry about.

• Object Storage

Block storage is not a viable option for every business application. Subsequently, online storage solutions, like CEPH storage, are increasingly offering block storage along with object-based storage. As StorageReview.com writes, unlike block storage which relies on a file system and file folders, object-level solutions organize data into multiple containers, or objects, creating a hierarchy that is both highly organized and easy to use.

• Revolutionary File Systems

By using the combination of object level and block level storage systems, secure cloud storage options, like CEPH storage, give users access to nearly unlimited data storage space. Further, since the new-age storage technology inherent in object storage, for example, is used to bolster traditional systems, not overwrite them, these solutions can easily be configured to work with legacy operating systems and hardware.

Of course, in this age of cyber crime, the FBI reported 280,000 cases in 2012, convenient, reliable storage systems are nothing if they are not secure. High-end cloud storage services, such as CEPH storage, offer a wide range of authentication solutions. CEPH monitors and OSD daemons, for example, add layers to any authentication process, blocking unqualified users from modifying, deleting, and executing any of the files in storage.

Many businesses remain reticent to implement digital file storage into their daily usage. However, as examiner.com points out, more and more businessmen are being convinced of the importance of cloud storage and computing solutions, paving the way to an industry worth $240 billion by 2020. Regardless of the amount of data or the type of data that needs to be stored or protected, businesses need to do right by themselves and at least consider cloud computing.