The future of File Services based on Object Storage (S3)

Every data exchange has an infrastructure side. The files have to be physically stored, managed and backed up. However, distributed data storage and cloud-like structures shift the focus. Where files are located is becoming less important. What matters is how they can best be managed. Control, security and integration are just as important as seamless expansion into a hybrid or public cloud – it is just a matter of time before this option becomes common practice.

What is Object Storage?

In Object Storage, data is managed as independent units, so-called objects. An object can be imagined as a package containing numerous metadata and a unique, user-defined identifier in addition to the data itself. This identifier enables a flat structure, because instead of a complex folder structure, data is stored next to each other in an object-based storage. The actual storage location is irrelevant.

Any properties or attributes can be assigned to each file as metadata. Instead of only storing information about the name, creation date, etc., individual metadata can be specified for each file. For example, information from the associated application can be integrated or user data can be added. Metadata is the key to the success of object storage because it enables a comprehensive analysis of the use and function of data.

In addition, Object Storage is extremely scalable thanks to its flat structure and can literally store billions of files. If additional resources are needed, they can be added in the form of a new storage node. Cloud storage of large providers from Amazon to YouTube is based on this principle.

Which advantages does Object Storage have?

Object storage offers the following advantages:

• Better data analysis       
  Object storage is controlled by comprehensive metadata – this makes it much easier to analyze data
  
  
• Extreme scalability
  Keep on adding new data, there are no limits
  
  
• Quick access
  Thanks to the flat structure and due to the missing folder hierarchy, you can retrieve your data much faster
  
  
• Fewer costs
  Due to its scalability object storage is cost-efficient
  
  
• Resource optimization
  The system determines the storage space, for the user it is not visible where the object is actually located, but this is also not necessary, because the object can be found and accessed directly via the unique identifier