Which of the following best describes cloud storage?

Cloud storage is best described as a system that enables storing data on remote servers via the internet. This definition highlights the core aspect of cloud storage, which allows users to access and manage their data from anywhere with an internet connection, rather than being limited to a local storage solution, such as a hard drive.

Utilizing remote servers has several benefits. It provides users with scalable storage options, meaning they can easily increase or decrease their storage capacity based on their needs. Additionally, cloud storage offers redundancy and backup, protecting data from local hardware failures and ensuring higher levels of data security.

In contrast, a local hard drive solution pertains to physical storage that restricts access to a specific machine. An application for large file transfers may facilitate the movement of files, but it doesn’t inherently provide storage capabilities. Similarly, data compression is a technique for reducing file sizes but does not define the nature of storage itself. The unique characteristic of cloud storage is its ability to store data remotely and make it accessible over the internet, which is a significant shift in how personal and enterprise data can be managed.