Object storage, also known as object-based storage, is a strategy that manages and manipulates data storage as distinct units, called objects. These objects are kept in a single storehouse and are not ingrained in files inside other folders. Instead, object storage combines the pieces of data that make up a file, adds all its relevant metadata to that file, and attaches a custom identifier.
Object storage adds comprehensive metadata to the file, eliminating the tiered file structure used in file storage, and places everything into a flat address space, called a storage pool. This metadata is key to the success of object storage in that it provides deep analysis of the use and function of data in the storage pool.
DATA CENTER
- On-Premises
- SP Multi-Data Center
- Public Cloud (AWS, Azure, ...)
RESOURCE
- Shared
TENANT
- Multi-tenant
MANAGEMENT
- End-customer self-managed
SERVICE
- Big Data Storage Service
- Data Protection Service
- Backup as a Service
ADVANCED SERVICE
- Deployment Service
- Migration Service
- Managed Service
Grid & Tenant Dashboard
- Grid & Account specific console GUI
Usage Monitoring
- Usage by bucket
- Total usage in account
Identity Management
- Local users/groups
- Federated: LDAP/AD, Keystone
Bucket Management
- Tune data consistency by bucket
- Enable LAT metadata
Tenant Management
- Create, list, delete accounts by grid mgmt. UI or API
Tenant Mgmt. APIs
- HTTP REST APIs
Hard Usage Quota
- Grid admin-specified
- Total data stored in account
Access Management
- S3 IAM bucket and group policies
- Swift container ACLs
Platform Services
- Manage CloudMirror, notification, search integration by bucket
Tenant Admin Role
- Zero to root admin privilege in tenant
Greater data analytics
Object storage is driven by metadata, and with this level of classification for every piece of data, the opportunity for analysis is far greater.
Infinite scalability
Keep adding data, forever. There's no limit.
Faster data retrieval
Due to the categorization structure of object storage, and the lack of folder hierarchy, you can retrieve your data much faster.
Reduction in Cost
Due to the scale-out nature of object storage, it's less costly to store all your data.
Optimization of resources
Because object storage does not have a filing hierarchy, and the metadata is completely customizable, there are far fewer limitations than with file or block storage.