What is Mobile Cloud Storage?

The cloud storage has the advantage of pay for use and also it offers elastic scalability. There are challenges of mobile devices like limited bandwidth, limited computing power, and also limited storage (for backup) which has led the manufacturers and service providers to develop some value-added mobile cloud storage services.

Mobile cloud storage is a storage service which is accessible from the mobile devices including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Mobile cloud storage providers, like other cloud storage providers offer services which allow the user to upload organize files, folders, music, and photos, backup. These cloud storage services are used by both by the individuals and companies. Most cloud storage providers offer a limited free usage tier. Some of the mobile device manufacturers include mobile cloud storage service in their product. These applications facilitate the users for synchronization of files across multiple platforms including that of Smart TV. Setup of up new mobile devices frequently involves configuring the cloud storage service to the device’s settings. Some mobile cloud storage apps are platform-independent. Some companies offering Cloud Storage have secure websites to access files.

Difference between generic cloud storage and mobile cloud storage is at mobile application, operating system integration and at web UI. The backend often just like common cloud storage. Most of these cloud storage services does not provide enterprise grade security. The industry around mobile cloud storage not yet fully matured at technical part due to rapidly changing needs.

The data security risk destroys the relation between the cloud service provider and user. Encryption of data before data stored in the cloud is a good way to ensure some security. But while using the mobile device such as smart phone, the performance issue becomes a bottleneck because of the encryption scheme. Mobile cloud storage is a growing industry itself as it differs in design principle, security function model, and deployment model.