1. Cloud Storage - an introduction
© EIT, Author Gay Robertson, 2017

2. History of Data Storage
Computers have stored data using a range of different technologies over the years
Originally, computer data was stored using punch cards which represented computer data
Later Magnetic tape became the most popular method of storing data
Over the years this technology has be used in the forms of Tape cassette, Floppy Disks and Hard Drives

3. Another common form of storage used is optical storage - this comes in the form of CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray Disc
More recently, Flash memory devices have gained in popularity, mostly in the form of removable storage such as Flash Drives and SD cards
Now many computer manufactures are using Flash technology to make Hard Drives over Magnetic and optical forms of storage due to the much faster speeds and longer life for the device

4. Cloud storage
Today, one of the quickest growing forms of storage is Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage is not a physical storage device that you can walk into a shop and buy like you can with a Flash Drive or Hard Drive
Instead companies offer Cloud Storage in a different location from you and your device, you store and access stored information through the use of internet technologies

5. Why use Cloud storage?
Users/Companies store their data most commonly on the Hard Drive on their device Or they might have a server in their office building where data is stored, or multiple servers if they store a lot of data
This can prove expensive if you are a small business, servers are very expensive for quality equipment
Servers use a lot of power and require cooling to keep them functioning
With this comes the need of specialized staff, space for the equipment, and software to manage all the processes

6. The idea of cloud technology is to eliminate all these requirements
Instead of a company dealing with all these requirements, they can go to a cloud storage provider who has all this setup and simply charges an annual fee for storing data on their equipment
Cloud technology still allows advantages of shared storage where multiple devices can access the same information

7. How does it work?
Cloud Storage is not actually a cloud like some may think, instead Cloud Providers own and operate large sites with buildings containing large numbers of Servers
These buildings are known as Data Centres
Cloud Providers run much like an ISP or a Power Company
A Cloud Provider purchases and sets up equipment and servers for storage
This includes the power, cooling, and technical staff necessary for the site

8. Cloud providers then allow others to use and store data on their equipment for an annual fee
This means a company or business can simply rent the storage and services they need instead of setting up expensive equipment themselves
If an organization finds they need more storage or services they simply make an agreement with the Cloud provider and pay for the increased service
Cloud Provider
Company Office

9. Clients access these facilities through the use of the internet
One Cloud Storage provider may have hundreds or even thousands of different organizations storing and accessing data from them
Clients access these facilities through the use of the internet
Cloud Provider

10. Cloud storage providers
There are many cloud storage providers today
Most commonly, both Google and Microsoft offer cloud storage through the use of Google Drive and OneDrive
Some providers offer limited cloud storage for free when using their applications, such as free OneDrive storage when you create a Microsoft account

11. Many vendors charge a monthly subscription for additional storage space
There are also private Cloud providers, these organizations are not so well known, but offer private cloud services to organizations and businesses
Cloud Providers may be based globally and have Data centers across the globe, or some are based locally in their country of operation

12. Cloud Applications
There are now a range of applications that use Cloud Technology to allow storage and synchronization of data across multiple devices
For example you can now use an Online version of Microsoft Office for free with a Microsoft account
Although these applications are more basic and don’t include all the features of the full software, it allows users to edit and create basic documents, spreadsheets, etc. online and stores the work on the user’s Cloud OneDrive Storage
You are then able to access that data and online applications from any device (your Smartphone, Tablet – can be iOS or Android) providing you have access to the internet and work in real-time with other users collaborating on the development of the document, video, images, workbook etc etc

13. Videos to watch:
What is Cloud computing - Duration 3m 20s Traditional business applications and platforms are too complicated and expensive. They need a data center, a complex software stack and a team of experts to run them. This short video explains what Cloud Computing is and why it's faster, lower cost and doesn't eat up your valuable IT resources.  
You can also go to and read about Cloud Computing

14. Cloud Security – Duration 4m 10s Data is shifting rapidly to the cloud and hackers are constantly looking to breach these valuable data sources. Take a look at one scenario that illustrates the importance of security on the cloud.

15. You can also look at this tutorial
Introduction to OneNote - Duration 1m 18s See the new OneNote for the Windows Store. This major update to OneNote redefines the way you take and review notes in OneNote. OneNote is your digital notebook. 
You can also look at this tutorial

16. OneDrive for Business - Duration 2m 55s OneDrive for Business is online storage for organizations and is part of Office 365. It’s the place where employees can store, sync, and securely share their work files across multiple devices and access them anywhere, anytime with ease.

17. And a Microsoft link to everything you might need to know
Introduction to OneDrive - Duration 2m 15s In this short video, we show your storing your documents in the cloud for free allows you to work on multiple devices, share docs more easily, plus other benefits​. Go to OneDrive for free at
And a Microsoft link to everything you might need to know

18. Setting up a OneDrive Account Look at the video to see how you create a OneDrive account.

19. We will use Google Drive & Microsoft OneDrive

20. Okay, let’s go use the workbook