What is Online Storage?

Online storage allows a user to keep their information stored on an external server which they can access via the internet. Online storage is often used to store large files which a user doesn’t want to keep on their hard drive. The user can upload files to the online storage via the web often using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) access.

Most online storage sources are offered and priced per gigabyte and often includes bandwidth charges depending on the amount used. Some online storage companies will require you to download a file to each machine that wants to access the storage space while others allow access through a web browser.

Online Storage can also be used for:

• Personal storage
  Online storage provides a personal user the ability to make off site backups of their files at an affordable price. This method also allows file access and file distribution without using their own bandwidth or having to set up a network.


• Software File hosting
  When authors create a piece of Shareware, Freeware or Open Source software they often need to find a way of sharing their software. As they will generally have a number of users downloading their software online storage allows access without the author incurring large bandwidth costs.

Click here to see a list of companies who offer online storage