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Almost all of us now use the cloud to store files on. Anybody with an iOS device is automatically given access to the iCloud. The cloud is used in the world of business as well, particularly because it facilitates mobile and remote working to a great extent, as well as it being a far safer method of storing files. Because of the increase in popularity and the high demand, new cloud providers keep on appearing. Besides this, existing cloud storage providers need to up their game in order to stay ahead of the competition. This is great news for consumers, who have greater levels of choice available to them. Let’s take a look at the greatest new developments in the world of cloud storage.
Cloud Storage as a Utility
Cloudian is a software company from California that has been offering a cloud platform for some time now. However, they have updated their provision, creating a novel storage-as-a-utility idea. This means that companies that want to create their own clouds, be that for public or private use, are able to do so.
With this release, Cloudian offers near total compatibility with Amazon’s S3 API to enable bucket lifecycle and web content management. New API calls include Delete Bucket Lifecycle, Delete Bucket Website, Put Bucket Lifecycle and Put Bucket Website, among others.
This is perfect for those who want to get in on the game of cloud storage provision, but it is also perfect for those who want the ultimate security in cloud storage and don’t want to work through providers for fear that these might have access to the files, or leave themselves open to potential virus attacks.
Cloud Storage Becomes Neat
For many, cloud storage has become something like that drawer in the sink or cupboard under the stairs we all seem to have. It is the place to put things that we don’t really need anymore, but aren’t ready to throw away yet. People store all sorts of different things in them, but don’t really bother to use it to its full potential. However, Doctape is trying to change that by offering cloud storage that is not just a bin, but that is actually “neat”.
Doctape relies on tags to organize your files. Tags let you organize ALL your stuff in an easy-to-use flexible structure. It’s as easy as typing some keywords into the file’s label box.
There are four new features which, taken on their own, are perhaps not very impressive. What makes Doctape so impressive, however, is that they have combined these four features. Firstly, the UI is far classier. Secondly, uploading goes through simple drag and drop. Thirdly, organizing is really easy with the search function. Last but not least, you can download original files or pdf copies.
OpenStack-Based Cloud Computer
The Nebula One has recently been launched, which is a cloud computer using OpenStack technology. So what is the Nebula One?
Essentially, the Nebula One is a turnkey computer, that takes an ordinary rack of servers and turns them into a full-fledged cloud storage system running OpenStack, which is an open source cloud computing platform. CEO and former NASA CTO Christopher Kemp says that these systems combine computing powers, storage, and networking all into one machine.
This system is great, because it automatically configures a server that plugs into it. It supports various APIs, including Amazon Web Services and OpenStack, but also HP, IBM and Dell. It is a true self service feature, in other words. Made for ease of use, it is a plug and play device. Configuration is fully automatic and you don’t have to purchase any extra services. Anybody can set it up, meaning you don’t have to hire technicians either. It literally is a case of switching it on as soon as you receive your Nebula One. The standard model has 2,400TB of storage, 1,600 processing cores and 9,600GB of memory. However, there are cheaper models out there too, such as the one that offers just 64 processing cores, 384GB of RAM and 96TB of storage.
There are various other features you can expect to see within the world of cloud storage. Amazon, for instance, has added file synching and has lowered their prices. This means they are now more affordable than DropBox, a royal kick in the teeth for Apple as well. NetApp and Equinix, not to be outdone, now offer full data control to their cloud users. These are but a few of the developments in terms of the provision of cloud based storage services. Others are developing the physical technology that is used in order to provide the service, such as some now using nanotechnology.
What matters is that, as a consumer, you have the opportunity to get the best service and deal that is out there. However, you have to make sure that you do this at the right time and that you don’t miss out on yet another new development because you have signed up to a specific service. Many would now recommend that you use a service with which you have no contractual obligation, so that you can easily switch over if something better comes along. However, what you have to bare in mind is that the cloud is still very much like that drawer or cupboard discussed earlier. If you start to switch between providers regularly, you will end up with various drawers and cupboards spread about the place. Psychologists have looked into the “messy drawer syndrome” for years and it even took up pride of place in one of the episodes of Friends, where it transpires compulsive cleaner and neat-freak Monica has a messy cupboard (locked of course). Psychological research tells us that
The beauty of a decluttered home is that once it holds only the things you use it is a lot easier to put things right even if they do get a little out of hand. Simply because there is a place for everything and enough room for every thing it fit in it’s place.
This is exactly the same for your cloud storage.
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