What does cloud storage refer to?

Cloud storage refers to a model of computer data storage in which digital information is stored in logical pools, often across multiple servers located in data centers. This means that rather than relying on a single physical device to hold files, data is distributed across numerous servers that can be accessed over the internet. This decentralized approach not only enhances data availability and redundancy but also allows users to store large amounts of information without the limitations of local storage devices.

In contrast to cloud storage, physical storage devices are tangible hardware, such as USB drives or external hard drives, which do not offer the scalability or remote accessibility found in cloud solutions. Compressing files for download pertains to reducing file size to make data transfer more efficient, rather than the actual storage method itself. While online data retrieval services can refer to various methods of accessing information online, they do not encapsulate the full breadth of how cloud storage functions, particularly in terms of data management and infrastructure.