Data storage forms the foundation for storing, managing, and processing data. In this post, we will explore two different approaches for storing data including on-premises storage solutions (1) and cloud-based storage solutions (2).
1. On-Premises Storage
On-premises storage, also known as local storage, refers to storing data on servers located within an organization’s premises. Users have complete control over their data, as they own and manage the hardware and software used to store and manage their data. So, even if cloud storage providers typically invest heavily in security measures to protect their users’ data, some organizations may prefer to have complete control over their data and choose to store it on-premises for greater security. Another plus is that users can customize the storage to their specific needs.
Google, one of the world’s largest technology companies and a pioneer in cloud computing, still maintains on-premises data centers for advanced research in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. These research projects may involve sensitive or experimental data that is best handled within controlled on-premises environments.
2. Cloud-Based Storage
Cloud-based storage refers to storing data on remote servers managed by a third-party cloud service provider. Users can access their data from anywhere with an internet connection and typically pay for the storage they use on a subscription basis. This storage is usually less expensive than on-premises storage because users only pay for the storage they use and do not have to invest in costly hardware, software, and maintenance. Cloud-based storage is also highly scalable, meaning users can easily adjust the amount of storage they use as their needs change, whereas on-premises storage requires more planning and investment in hardware and software to scale. Below are some of the most popular cloud-based storages supporting both structured and unstructured data:
| Cloud-based Storage | Amazon S3 | Microsoft Azure Storage | Google Cloud Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | No | No | No |
| Open-source | No | No | No |
| Developer | Amazon | Microsoft | |
| Main use cases | High scalability and performance, integration with AWS | Advanced security features, integration with Azure | Simple and intuitive user interface, integration with Google Cloud |
If you happen to work for big tech companies other than Amazon, Microsoft and Google, you will be asked to use their respective proprietary Cloud-based Storage: IBM Cloud Object Storage at IBM, Facebook Object Store (FOS) at Facebook.
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Check my post that introduces the full stack: Baking Up The Ultimate Data Science Tech Stack