DigitalOcean has designed their block storage plan for cloud data storage and retrieval. It’s not a website hosting account, so anyone building a website will want to look at other options. However, if you need a secure, scalable, and fast data storage solution, you will want to learn more about block storage. Our review goes into detail about what DigitalOcean offers and how it compares to other options.
Pros
- Data is replicated across multiple servers, so it’s always available.
- You can easily scale storage as needed.
- The system encrypts all stored information.
- The company uses very fast solid state drives to store all data.
- Price is per GB, so you’re only paying for what you use.
Cons
- You do have to purchase Droplets (what DigitalOcean calls servers) – this is an add-on to their hosting option.
- No control panel or other easy-to-use configuration system.
- You will need to do some research into block storage to ensure it’s the right option for you.
DigitalOcean Block Storage Plan Review & Analysis
DigitalOcean’s block storage option isn’t a full cloud computing or hosting plan. This does make it harder to compare to options such as a2hosting unmanaged dedicated server hosting. However, it really isn’t meant to be compared to dedicated servers or other options. Instead, it’s a unique type of solution for data storage. If you need a webhost, you will want to look elsewhere. If you need flexible data storage, though, we’ve compared how DigitalOcean stacks up to some of its competitors.
Who This Hosting Plan is For
- Projects that require a large amount of data storage.
- Computer experts who can configure their own servers.
- Applications that need a large amount of flexibility.
Who This Hosting Plan is Not For
- Anyone looking to host a website.
- Individuals who aren’t knowledgeable about cloud servers or willing to learn.
Bottom Line
Block storage is a unique solution that isn’t as well-known as some options. With solid state drives, multiple backups, and other features, DigitalOcean provides exactly what some projects need. If you haven’t found what you need in other cloud computing options, take a look at what block storage has to offer.
DigitalOcean Block Storage Hosting Features
- Spend less
- Reduce complexity
- Move faster
- Easily integrate
- Access globally
- Outstanding performance at an amazing price
- Highly available
- Live resize
- Reliable and secure
DigitalOcean Block Storage Hosting Prices
What Is Block Storage?
Block storage or block-level storage is a way of storing data in the cloud. This storage system breaks data up into small blocks. It gives each block a unique identifier that can be used to quickly find that data no matter where it’s stored in the cloud. The system then places these blocks across the cloud in the most efficient locations. They aren’t all on the same server, although each block is replicated and stored in several places. This creates multiple backup copies.
The block storage system also configures each block of data independently. This means the system can save blocks on servers that are running a different operating system from other servers in the cloud. When you need to retrieve your data, the system uses the unique identifier tags to find and assemble the blocks requested.
Why Use Block Storage?
Block storage is ideal for a number of situations. For example, when looking at block storage vs object storage, block storage excels at storing static files. However, if you will be editing or changing files often, it’s not the best option. You can also save more descriptive metadata using object storage, which can be useful in some situations.
When it comes to file storage, it’s easier to determine a winner. Block storage outperforms file storage in speed and flexibility. However, there are times when file storage is the better option because it’s easier to set up and configure.
Do You Need Block Level Storage?
You should now have an answer to the question of what is block storage. Next, it’s time to consider if you need it. Block storage is ideal for very complicated projects that involve a large amount of data. Block storage is the best solution if you need to quickly retrieve this data. It’s also a good solution if you need to be able to quickly scale your data storage capabilities. You can increase your block storage amount without adding new Droplet servers to your hosting. You can also move block storage between Droplets quickly and easily.
There are a few downsides to using DigitalOcean’s block storage. First, you do have to be comfortable with doing much of the behind the scenes work yourself. You need to be experienced with Linux and managing your own databases.
Another downside is security. These servers require you to configure and manage your own security applications. If you’re not comfortable doing so and don’t have the budget to hire someone who is, you may want to consider other cloud computing options.
DigitalOcean Verses Other Block Storage Hosts
While DigitalOcean block storage is one option if you need cloud data storage, it’s not the only one. There are two other major options: Upcloud and Linode.
When compared, Linode comes out as being strong in most areas. However, it’s not the best in any. It’s not as fast as Upcloud. Linode does have some nice features the other options don’t have, though. They offer automated updates, regular backups, and more. Upcloud stands out because of their speed and their new hardware. They have upgraded their servers and continue to do so regularly.
What about DigitalOcean? The company is behind the others in security. However, they make up for that inconvenience. You can very easily create a new Droplet, so you can expand your storage space and processing power within a few minutes. They’ve made it just as easy to create new block storage solutions and connect them to your servers.
Selecting the Right Option for You
If you need web hosting, the DigitalOcean block storage option isn’t something to consider. You may want to go a hosting option such as Hostgator value dedicated server even if you’re building a very large website. If, though, you need a flexible solution for storing a very large amount of data, block storage is ideal. Compare what DigitalOcean has to offer against its competitors and make the decision that best fits your needs.
Review DigitalOcean Block Storage Cloud Computing Review.