What role does "cloud storage" play in data management?

Cloud storage fundamentally serves as a means to store and manage data on remote servers accessed via the internet. This allows users to retrieve and store their data without needing physical hardware on their premises. The primary advantage of cloud storage is its convenience and flexibility, as it provides scalable storage solutions that can be adjusted based on demand. Users can access their files from various devices and locations, facilitating collaboration and data sharing.

In contrast, local storage is limited to the physical hardware an individual owns, which can restrict accessibility and versatility. Enhancing hardware performance or increasing data access speed are not inherent functions of cloud storage. While cloud storage can improve access in some circumstances, it does not directly enhance the hardware's capabilities, nor is its primary function to increase speed, as actual access time can depend on internet bandwidth and server performance.