Virtual storage

• Network attached storage (NAS)


  A dedicated stand-alone device that is installed as part of a LAN
• NAS devices


  • Small for home networks
  • Much larger for business use
• Using network attached storage

  • The user will see the drive listed alongside their local storage
  • They do not need to be aware of its physical location
  • They will lose access in the event of network (or device) failure
• Cloud storage


  Facilitated by the internet, usually owned and managed by commercial organisations
• Cloud storage business model

  • Provide a certain amount of cloud storage (typically 1GB) free of charge
  • Charge per GB for additional storage needs
• Cloud storage


  Has had a huge impact on the way that we store files and move data between devices
• Cloud storage


  Has affected the market for portable storage devices such as optical discs and USB flash drives
• Nowadays, it is quite rare to get an optical disc drive as standard when you buy a desktop or laptop computer
• Cloud storage configuration


  • Can be set to automatically synchronise with local drives
  • There is always a local copy, in case there is no available internet connection
  • Any changes made locally will be synchronised when the connection is next available