Overview
Cloud storage is not one-size-fits-all. Providers offer multiple storage tiers to help users balance cost and performance based on how frequently data is accessed and how quickly it must be retrieved.
Common Tiers
- Standard/Hot: For frequently accessed data requiring low latency.
- Infrequent Access (IA)/Cool: For data accessed less often but requiring rapid access when needed.
- Archive/Cold: For long-term retention of data that is rarely accessed (e.g., backups, compliance logs).
Benefits
- Cost Optimization: Significant savings by moving older or less active data to cheaper tiers.
- Automation: Lifecycle policies can automatically transition data between tiers based on age or access patterns.