C2 Object Storage

No. Unlike other cloud object storage services, C2 Object Storage does not have a minimum storage duration policy. We do not charge data deletion penalties.

Object storage is a unique storage structure where the smallest unit of each stored file is an object. It has a flat namespace, as opposed to a hierarchical folder structure. There is no limit on the number of objects stored, making it perfect for large scale data storage. Each object has a unique ID and associated metadata, making it easily searchable. A single object can be up to 5 TB. Data must be accessed via web-based HTTP API.

Object storage is a perfect match for unstructured data. It is cost-effective, offers unlimited scalability, and supports convenient management and access through HTTP APIs. Object storage can be used to store many types of data, which makes it an efficient tool to help break down data silos. Today, most data is unstructured.

Designed to access large amounts of data via APIs, cloud object storage can be integrated with various applications, making it highly suitable for developers. In comparison, cloud storage services are designed for home or business users with file-sharing needs.

The main difference between the three types of storage is their file systems. Object storage is based on objects and is highly expandable and easily accessible. Block-based storage uses the same abstraction as a hard drive, where blocks of data can be read or written at a specific location on a disk. Common applications are DAS, SAN, database, and virtual storage. File storage has a hierarchical folder structure. It is commonly used on NAS and for file management in general operating systems.

No. Object storage has no hierarchies, but users can simulate a hierarchical structure within a container by adding a slash "/."

Object storage is different from NAS and SAN in both storage structure and protocol. NAS, short for network-attached storage, is file system storage that is accessed over a network. Using mostly protocols such as SMB and NFS, NAS is best for file sharing, while its performance processing large volumes of files is average. SAN, on the other hand, is block-based storage that uses protocols such as iSCSI and Fibre Channel. SAN delivers high transfer performance, but the cost can be higher, and file sharing is relatively difficult. Object storage is accessed via HTTP and combines the advantages of SAN and NAS, making it perfect for large-scale data storage. It is easily accessible without having to sacrifice performance.

There are three main categories of storage device: magnetic, optical, and semiconductor. Magnetic media, such as tapes and floppy disks, were the earliest storage devices. Hard disk drives (HDD) followed. Optical storage refers to CDs and DVDs, while semiconductor technology is used in SSDs, which store data electronically.