Cloud Storage (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)
Revision Note
Written by: James Woodhouse
Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham
Cloud Storage
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a term to describe long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet)
Data is stored on remote servers, typically using magnetic storage (HDD), but increasingly using solid state (SSD)
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Reliability - Access data anywhere, any time, from any device | Cost - Typically a monthly/yearly subscription plan |
Security - Automatic backups | Availability - No access without an internet connection |
Capacity - Endless storage space (cost permitting), uses less space on own device |
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Collaboration - Multiple people can access the same file at the same time |
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Advantages of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage offers several advantages over storing data on a local secondary storage device
Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
Accessibility |
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Scalability |
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Reliability |
|
Security |
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You also do not need to purchase local secondary storage devices
One cloud storage centre is more environmentally friendly than millions of individual servers
There are some drawbacks to using cloud storage
If the user has a slow or unreliable internet connection they would have problems accessing their files
If you are storing a lot of data it can be expensive
You have to pay the cloud storage provider
You may need to commit to an annual subscription
You may have to pay for high download and upload data transfer limits
Data being sent over the internet has the potential to be intercepted
Security is managed by the cloud storage provider which means the user does not have complete control over it but is still legally responsible for ensuring any personal and sensitive data is secure
Worked Example
A school currently stores all of their data on local servers. They are considering upgrading their system to utilise cloud storage.
Explain two disadvantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.
[4]
You need a constant internet connection [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access lesson files [1]
if the internet connection failed, teachers would not be able to access student data/take electronic registers [1]
if the internet connection failed, students would not be able to access their work/coursework [1]
Reliant on third party to carry out security procedures [1]
but the school is still legally responsible if data is accessed by unauthorised people [1]
Data stored on the cloud could be hacked or intercepted [1]
Explain two advantages to the school of storing their data in the cloud.
[4]
Additional storage can be purchased if needed [1]
The cloud hosting company provides back up [1]
The cloud hosting company provides security [1]
Data can be accessed from anywhere and from any device provided there is an internet connection [1]
So teachers would be able to access data from home [1]
So students would be able to access work from home [1]
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