A service model in which data is maintained, managed, backed up remotely and made available to users over the internet, rather than on physical hard drives or local storage devices.
The benefits of cloud storage include accessibility from any device with internet access, enhanced security through encryption and regular backups, scalability to accommodate growing storage needs, and cost-effectiveness as it often eliminates the need for maintaining and upgrading physical hardware. It also facilitates collaboration by enabling multiple users to access and work on files simultaneously. Understanding cloud storage and its implications can help when discussing data storage, processing, and privacy with customers.