If your emails are going to spam, it’s more than just an annoyance, it can damage your reputation and lose you customers and revenue. It can even stop your recipients seeing your message altogether: Some companies and institutions use filters that prevent the delivery of spam completely. Preventing your emails from going to spam is essential. While there is no single golden rule to ensuring you’re not marked as spam, there are some techniques you can use that together will help your emails land in their recipients’ inboxes. In this article, we’ll share tips from simple ideas you can apply right now, like how to optimize your email content and why an unsubscribe button matters, through to advanced strategies, such as authentication protocols and hiring professionals, so you can be confident your emails get seen.
#1 Optimize Content
The content of your emails plays a major role in determining whether they’ll be flagged as spam. Here are three essential practices that will help you to avoid your emails going to spam:
- Avoid attachments: Email providers and spam filters are often wary of emails with attachments, especially if they’re sent to a large number of recipients. This is because attachments are a common way of distributing malware. Include important information directly in the body of your email or provide links to files hosted securely online.
- Use appropriate capitalization: Writing your subject line or body text in all capital letters can make your email appear spammy. Stick to standard capitalization rules and avoid using all caps.
- Avoid trigger words and phrases: Certain words and phrases are commonly associated with spam emails. Although there is no comprehensive list of these trigger words, it’s advisable to steer clear of phrases often found in spammy emails. These could be phrases like “Congratulations, you’ve won,” “Get out of debt fast,” or “Be your own boss.”
The frequency and context matter too. Avoiding or limiting the use of these words and phrases, especially in your subject line and early in your email’s content, can help to increase your email’s deliverability and decrease the chance of your emails going to the spam folder. The most effective emails are often straightforward, concise, and written with the reader’s needs in mind.
#2 Adopt a Respectful Approach
It’s important not to be intrusive and to avoid stealth subscription techniques or overwhelming your subscribers’ inboxes. Instead, respect users’ boundaries and strive to provide quality content that the user finds valuable. Foster user engagement by making your subscriptions genuinely appealing, focusing on the quality and relevance of your content rather than the quantity. This respectful approach can significantly reduce the chances of your emails being reported by recipients as spam.
Use best practices to craft engaging emails, balance the frequency of communication, and reduce the likelihood of your emails ending up as spam. If you’re not sure where to start, hiring a professional may be the right choice.
#3 Offer an Unsubscribe Button
Do you remember repeatedly receiving unwanted emails with no easy way to unsubscribe? Thankfully, this issue is largely a thing of the past. Modern email service providers now require the inclusion of an unsubscribe button. Email client providers like Gmail and Outlook are likely to mark your emails as spam if you don’t include an unsubscribe button.
By including an unsubscribe button in your emails, you’re not only helping to keep your mail in recipients’ inboxes, you’re also respecting your recipients’ preferences and their control over their own inboxes. This move shows consideration for their time and attention, and it is also a key strategy for ensuring your emails avoid the dreaded spam folder. It’s a win-win situation where recipients feel valued, and your messages are less likely to be flagged as spam.
#4 Monitor Your Email Reputation
Keeping track of your email reputation is crucial for maintaining high deliverability rates. There are several ways to monitor and improve your email reputation:
- Track your ESP metrics: Email service providers usually offer comprehensive analytics that can provide insights into your email performance. Key metrics to pay attention to include bounce rates, spam complaints, and open rates. Regularly monitoring these can help identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and measure the success of your email campaigns.
- Use ISP analytics dashboards: Internet service providers (ISPs)—for example, postmaster.google.com and postmaster.outlook.com—offer tools to monitor your email sending reputation. These tools provide raw data that give you insights into various health metrics associated with your email activity and can help you spot potential issues. Only by identifying problems can you remedy them to keep your reputation in good standing.
- Leverage email testing tools: Online tools like mail-tester can be invaluable for performing routine checks on your email deliverability. These tools check for common issues such as blacklisting and signature verification that might prevent your emails from reaching the recipient’s inbox.
Maintaining a strong email reputation is an ongoing process that requires consistent monitoring and adjustment. It’s the bedrock upon which successful email marketing campaigns are built.
#5 Trust the Professionals
Consider relying on professional email service providers instead of attempting to establish your own email server, particularly if your business is not focused on email communication. The set-up process involves warming up IP addresses, managing blacklists, and numerous other less apparent aspects that could easily get overlooked or be implemented less than optimally. If you’re not well-versed with these technicalities, the expertise and service quality offered by professional email service providers could prove invaluable.
Some of the top-tier email service providers (ESPs) are Mailchimp, SendGrid, and Twilio. Their robust infrastructure and in-depth knowledge of email deliverability norms can help to ensure that your emails make it to the intended recipients’ inboxes rather than their spam folders. As experts in the field, they bring a deep understanding of spam filter algorithms and email deliverability standards, and specialize in making sure your emails bypass the spam filters and reach the intended recipients’ inboxes as a top priority. They can worry about the delivery leaving you free to focus on crafting your messages.
#6 Implement Authentication Protocols
Implementing authentication protocols is an advanced strategy that ensures that your emails are authenticated and verified, to stop your emails going to spam. However, as an advanced technique, you may need to contact an IT professional such as your mail service provider to set them up.
One of the limitations of traditional email protocols is the lack of reliable sender verification and authentication measures. However, newer standards—such as SPF, DMARC, and DKIM—have remedy this by providing additional layers of security to help prevent your emails from being flagged as spam.
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF provides an effective first layer of defense against unauthorized use of your domain in email communications, especially email spoofing. Email spoofing is a deceptive tactic in which an attacker sends an email that appears to come from a trusted source. The purpose is to trick the recipient into trusting its contents, which may contain malicious links, requests for personal information, or other deceptive content. SPF is an email authentication protocol designed to combat email spoofing, one of the most common methods used for spamming.
SPF is like a VIP list for your emails. It lets email servers know which places (IP addresses) are allowed to send emails on your behalf. By having this list, it’s easier to spot fake emails pretending to be from your domain. This means if an email claims it’s from you but isn’t on the list, the email server will likely flag it as suspicious or spammy, protecting your reputation. The list of approved IPs is stored within the domain’s DNS records.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DKIM is another email authentication technique that adds a digital signature to each email you send. This signature is generated using a pair of private and public cryptographic keys. The private key is used to sign the email, while the public key, stored in your domain’s DNS records, allows the recipient’s mail server to verify the email’s authenticity. This tells the recipient that the email genuinely originated from your legitimate domain, reducing the likelihood of it being marked as spam.
You can image DKIM as a unique seal on your letters (emails). When you send an email, it gets this special seal. Upon arrival, the recipient’s email server checks the seal to ensure it’s genuinely from you. This seal is generated using a secret stamp, ensuring that only emails from you carry this specific signature.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)
DMARC checks if emails are following the rules set by SPF and DKIM. If an email doesn’t meet these rules, DMARC gives instructions on what to do next. It offers three actions: “none” for passive monitoring and reporting without affecting email delivery, “quarantine” for flagging suspicious emails as spam, and “reject” which tells the recipient’s mail server to outright reject unauthenticated emails. DMARC ensures recipients can trust emails from your domain and offers insights into any delivery issues you might encounter.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the exact algorithms used to filter emails are not fully transparent and often rely on complex AI and ML models that are continuously updated. This makes them somewhat unpredictable. However, by implementing best practices and monitoring your email analytics closely, you can significantly increase the likelihood of your emails reaching the intended recipient’s inbox rather than landing in their spam folder.
Gcore provides instant access to its virtual servers that offer worldwide coverage, excellent connectivity, and DDoS protection, making them an ideal solution for mail server setup. First, we invite you to explore Gcore Cloud VM to know more about Gcore virtual server offerings and try the virtual server configurator to find the best VM configurations for you. Then, you can set up and configure a mail server using Gcore Cloud VM (Virtual Machine.)
Explore our guide to install Gcore Cloud VM.
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Teams need new expertise in cloud-native tools, security models, and cost optimization techniques.Plan for minimal downtime: Schedule migrations during low-usage periods and use techniques like blue-green deployments to reduce service interruptions. Downtime during cloud migration can cause revenue losses averaging $5,600 per minute.Use security from the start: Apply cloud security best practices, including encryption, access controls, and compliance frameworks appropriate for your industry. Cloud security models differ greatly from on-premises approaches.How does Gcore support cloud migration?When planning your cloud migration plan, having the right infrastructure foundation becomes critical for success. 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Frequently asked questionsCan I migrate to multiple clouds simultaneously?Yes, you can migrate to multiple clouds simultaneously using parallel migration strategies and multi-cloud management tools. This approach requires careful coordination to avoid resource conflicts and ensure consistent security policies across all target platforms.What happens to my data during cloud migration?Your data moves from your current servers to cloud infrastructure through secure, encrypted transfer protocols. During migration, data typically gets copied (not moved) first, so your original files remain intact until you verify the transfer completed successfully.Do I need to migrate everything to the cloud?No, you don't need to migrate everything to the cloud. Most successful organizations adopt a hybrid approach, keeping critical legacy systems on-premises while moving suitable workloads to cloud platforms. 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What is a private cloud? Benefits, use cases, and implementation
A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated exclusively to a single organization, providing a single-tenant infrastructure that improves security, control, and customization compared to public clouds.Private cloud environments can be deployed in two primary models based on location and management approach. Organizations can host private clouds on-premises within their own data centers, maintaining direct control over hardware and infrastructure, or outsource to third-party providers through hosted and managed private cloud services that deliver dedicated resources without the burden of physical maintenance.The technical foundation of private clouds relies on several core architectural components working together to create isolated, flexible environments.These include virtualization technologies such as hypervisors and container platforms, software-defined networking that enables flexible network management, software-defined storage systems, cloud management platforms for orchestration, and advanced security protocols that protect sensitive data and applications.Private cloud adoption delivers measurable business value through improved operational effectiveness and cost control. Well-managed private cloud environments can reduce IT operational costs by up to 30% compared to traditional on-premises infrastructure while achieving average uptime rates exceeding 99.9%, making them attractive for organizations with strict performance and reliability requirements.Understanding private cloud architecture and use becomes essential as organizations seek to balance the benefits of cloud computing with the need for enhanced security, regulatory compliance, and direct control over their IT infrastructure.What is a private cloud?A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated exclusively to a single organization, providing complete control over infrastructure, data, and security policies. This single-tenant model means all computing resources, servers, storage, and networking serve only one organization, unlike public clouds, where resources are shared among multiple users. Private clouds can be hosted on-premises within an organization's own data center or managed by third-party providers while maintaining the exclusive access model.This approach offers enhanced security, customization capabilities, and regulatory compliance control that many enterprises require for sensitive workloads.The foundation of private cloud architecture relies on virtualization technologies and software-defined infrastructure to create flexible environments. Hypervisors like VMware ESXi. Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM enable multiple virtual machines to run on physical servers, while container platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes provide lightweight application isolation. Software-defined networking (SDN) allows flexible network management and security micro-segmentation, while software-defined storage (SDS) pools storage resources for effective allocation.Cloud management platforms like OpenStack. VMware vRealize, and Nutanix organize these components, providing automated provisioning, self-service portals, and policy management that simplify operations.Private clouds excel in scenarios requiring strict security, compliance, or performance requirements. Financial institutions use private clouds to maintain complete control over sensitive customer data while meeting regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS. Healthcare organizations use private clouds to securely process patient records while ensuring HIPAA compliance.Government agencies use private clouds with advanced security controls and network isolation to protect classified information. Manufacturing companies use private clouds to safeguard intellectual property and maintain operational control over critical systems.The operational benefits of private clouds include improved resource control, predictable performance, and customizable security policies. Organizations can configure hardware specifications, security protocols, and compliance measures to meet specific requirements without the constraints of shared public cloud environments.Private clouds also enable better cost predictability for consistent workloads, as organizations aren't subject to variable pricing based on demand fluctuations. Resource provisioning times in well-managed private clouds typically occur within minutes, providing the agility benefits of cloud computing while maintaining complete environmental control.How does a private cloud work?A private cloud works by creating a dedicated computing environment that serves only one organization, using virtualized resources managed through software-defined infrastructure. The system pools physical servers, storage, and networking equipment into shared resources that can be flexibly allocated to different applications and users within the organization.The core mechanism relies on virtualization technology, where hypervisors like VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V create multiple virtual machines from physical hardware. These virtual environments run independently while sharing the same underlying infrastructure, allowing for better resource use and isolation.Container platforms, such as Docker and Kubernetes, provide an additional layer of virtualization for applications.Software-defined networking (SDN) controls how data flows through the private cloud, creating virtual networks that can be configured and modified through software rather than physical hardware changes. This allows IT teams to set up secure network segments, manage traffic, and apply security policies flexibly. Software-defined storage (SDS) works similarly, abstracting storage resources so they can be managed and allocated as needed.Cloud management platforms serve as the control center, providing self-service portals where users can request resources, automated provisioning systems that use new services quickly, and monitoring tools that track performance and usage.These platforms handle the orchestration of all components, ensuring resources are available when needed and properly secured in accordance with organizational policies.What are the benefits of a private cloud?The benefits of a private cloud refer to the advantages organizations gain from using dedicated, single-tenant cloud computing environments. The benefits of a private cloud are listed below.Enhanced security control: Private clouds provide isolated environments where organizations maintain complete control over security policies and access controls. This single-tenant architecture reduces exposure to external threats and allows for custom security configurations tailored to specific compliance requirements.Improved data governance: Organizations can use strict data residency and handling policies since they control where data is stored and processed. This level of control is essential for industries such as healthcare and finance that must comply with regulations such as HIPAA or PCI DSS.Customizable infrastructure: Private clouds allow organizations to tailor hardware, software, and network configurations to meet specific performance and operational requirements. This flexibility enables optimization for unique workloads that might not perform well in standardized public cloud environments.Predictable performance: Dedicated resources eliminate the "noisy neighbor" effect common in shared environments, providing consistent performance for critical applications. Organizations can guarantee specific performance levels and resource availability for their most important workloads.Cost predictability: While initial setup costs may be higher, private clouds offer more predictable ongoing expenses compared to usage-based public cloud pricing. Organizations can better forecast IT budgets and avoid unexpected charges from traffic spikes or resource overuse.Regulatory compliance: Private clouds make it easier to meet strict industry regulations by providing complete visibility and control over data handling processes. Organizations can use specific compliance frameworks and undergo audits more easily when they control the entire infrastructure stack.Reduced latency: On-premises private clouds can provide faster response times for applications that require low latency, as data doesn't need to travel to external data centers. This proximity benefit is particularly valuable for real-time applications and high-frequency trading systems.What are common private cloud use cases?Common private cloud use cases refer to specific business scenarios and applications where organizations use dedicated, single-tenant cloud environments to meet their operational needs. These use cases are listed below.Regulatory compliance: Organizations in heavily regulated industries use private clouds to meet strict data governance requirements. Financial institutions utilize private clouds to comply with regulations such as SOX and Basel III, while healthcare providers ensure HIPAA compliance to protect patient data.Sensitive data protection: Companies handling confidential information choose private clouds for enhanced security controls and data isolation. Government agencies and defense contractors use private clouds to protect classified information and maintain complete control over data access and storage locations.Legacy application modernization: Businesses modernize outdated systems by migrating them to private cloud environments while maintaining existing integrations. This approach enables organizations to reap the benefits of the cloud, such as flexibility and automation, without having to completely rebuild their critical applications.Disaster recovery and backup: Private clouds serve as secure backup environments for business-critical data and applications. Organizations can replicate their production environments in private clouds to ensure rapid recovery times and reduce downtime during outages.Development and testing environments: IT teams use private clouds to create isolated development and testing spaces that mirror production systems. This setup enables faster application development cycles while maintaining security boundaries between different project environments.High-performance computing: Research institutions and engineering firms use private clouds to handle computationally intensive workloads. These environments provide dedicated resources for tasks like scientific modeling, financial analysis, and complex simulations without resource contention.Hybrid cloud combination: Organizations use private clouds as secure foundations for hybrid cloud strategies, connecting internal systems with public cloud services. This approach allows companies to keep sensitive workloads private while using public clouds for less critical applications.What are the challenges of private cloud implementation?Challenges of private cloud use refer to the technical, financial, and operational obstacles organizations face when using dedicated cloud infrastructure. The challenges of private cloud use are listed below.High upfront costs: Private cloud deployments require significant initial investment in hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure setup. Organizations typically spend 40-60% more in the first year compared to public cloud alternatives.Complex technical expertise requirements: Managing private clouds demands specialized skills in virtualization, software-defined networking, and cloud orchestration platforms. Many organizations struggle to find qualified staff with experience in technologies like OpenStack, VMware vSphere, or Kubernetes.Resource planning difficulties: Determining the right amount of compute, storage, and network capacity proves challenging without historical usage data. Over-provisioning leads to wasted resources, while under-provisioning causes performance issues and user frustration.Integration with existing systems: Legacy applications and infrastructure often don't work smoothly with modern private cloud platforms. Organizations must invest time and money in application modernization or complex integration solutions to ensure seamless operations.Ongoing maintenance overhead: Private clouds require continuous monitoring, security updates, and performance optimization. IT teams spend 30-40% of their time on routine maintenance tasks that cloud providers handle automatically in public cloud environments.Flexibility limitations: Physical hardware constraints limit how quickly organizations can expand their private cloud capacity. Adding new resources often takes weeks or months, compared to the instant growth available in public clouds.Security and compliance complexity: While private clouds offer better control, organizations must design and maintain their own security frameworks to ensure optimal security and compliance. Meeting regulatory requirements, such as GDPR or HIPAA, becomes the organization's full responsibility rather than being shared with a provider.How to develop a private cloud strategyYou develop a private cloud plan by assessing your organization's requirements, choosing the right use model, and creating a detailed use roadmap that aligns with your business goals and technical needs.First, conduct a complete assessment of your current IT infrastructure, workloads, and business requirements. Document your data sensitivity levels, compliance needs, performance requirements, and existing hardware capacity to understand what you're working with today.Next, define your security and compliance requirements based on your industry regulations. Identify specific standards, such as HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS for payment processing, or GDPR for European data handling, that will influence your private cloud design.Then, choose your model from on-premises, hosted, or managed private cloud options. On-premises solutions offer maximum control but require a significant capital investment, while hosted solutions reduce infrastructure costs but may limit customization options.Next, select your core technology stack, which includes virtualization platforms, software-defined networking solutions, and cloud management tools. Consider technologies such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or open-source options like OpenStack, based on your team's expertise and budget constraints.Create a detailed migration plan that prioritizes workloads based on business criticality and technical complexity. Start with less critical applications to test your processes before moving mission-critical systems to the private cloud environment.Establish governance policies for resource allocation, access controls, and cost management. Define who can provision resources, set spending limits, and create approval workflows to prevent cloud sprawl and maintain security standards.Finally, develop a monitoring and optimization plan that includes performance metrics, capacity planning, and regular security audits. Set up automated alerts for resource use, security incidents, and system performance to maintain best operations.Start with a pilot project involving 2-3 non-critical applications to validate your plan and refine processes before growing to your entire infrastructure.Gcore private cloud solutionsWhen building a private cloud infrastructure, the foundation you choose determines your long-term success in achieving the security, performance, and compliance benefits these environments promise. Gcore's private cloud solutions address the core challenges organizations face with dedicated infrastructure that combines enterprise-grade security with the flexibility needed for flexible workloads. Our platform delivers the 99.9%+ uptime reliability that well-managed private clouds require, while our global infrastructure, with over 210 points of presence, ensures consistent 30ms latency performance across all your locations.What sets our approach apart is the elimination of common private cloud use barriers—from complex setup processes to unpredictable growing costs, while maintaining the single-tenant isolation and customizable security controls that make private clouds attractive for regulated industries. Our managed private cloud options provide the dedicated resources and compliance capabilities you need without the overhead of building and maintaining the infrastructure yourself.Discover how Gcore private cloud solutions can provide the secure, flexible foundation your organization needs.Frequently asked questionsIs private cloud more secure than public cloud?No, a private cloud isn't inherently more secure than a public cloud - security depends on use, management, and specific use cases, rather than the use model alone. Private clouds offer enhanced control over security configurations, dedicated infrastructure that eliminates multi-tenant risks, and customizable compliance frameworks that can reduce security incidents by up to 40% in well-managed environments. However, public clouds benefit from enterprise-grade security teams, automatic updates, and massive security investments that many organizations can't match internally.How does private cloud differ from on-premises infrastructure?Private cloud differs from on-premises infrastructure by providing cloud-native services and self-service capabilities through virtualization and software-defined management, while on-premises infrastructure typically uses dedicated physical servers without cloud orchestration. On-premises infrastructure relies on fixed hardware allocations, whereas private cloud pools resources flexibly and offers automated provisioning through cloud management platforms.What happens to my data if I switch private cloud providers?Your data remains yours and can be migrated to a new provider, though the process requires careful planning and may involve temporary service disruptions. Most private cloud providers offer data portability tools and migration assistance, but you'll need to account for differences in storage formats, security protocols, and API structures between platforms.
What is a cloud GPU? Definition, types, and benefits
A cloud GPU is a remotely rented graphics processing unit hosted in a cloud provider's data center, accessible over the internet via APIs or virtual machines. These virtualized resources allow users to access powerful computing capabilities without the need for physical hardware ownership, with hourly pricing typically ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 depending on the GPU model and provider.Cloud GPU computing operates through virtualization technology that partitions physical GPU resources in data centers, enabling multiple users to share hardware capacity. Major cloud providers use NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel hardware to create flexible computing environments where GPU instances can be provisioned within minutes.This system allows users to scale their GPU capacity up or down based on demand, paying only for the resources they actually consume.The distinction between physical and virtual GPU resources centers on ownership, access, and performance characteristics. Physical GPUs are dedicated hardware components installed locally on devices or servers, providing direct access to all GPU cores and memory. Virtual GPUs represent shared physical hardware that has been partitioned among multiple users, offering flexible resource allocation with slightly reduced performance compared to dedicated hardware.Cloud GPU services come in different configurations to meet varied computing needs and budget requirements.These include dedicated instances that provide exclusive access to entire GPU units, shared instances that partition GPU resources among multiple users, and specialized configurations optimized for specific workloads like machine learning or graphics rendering. Leading platforms offer different pricing models, from pay-per-hour usage to monthly subscriptions with committed capacity.Understanding cloud GPU technology has become important as organizations increasingly require powerful computing resources for artificial intelligence, data processing, and graphics-intensive applications. NVIDIA currently dominates over 80% of the GPU market share for AI and cloud computing hardware, making these virtualized resources a critical component of modern computing infrastructure.What is a cloud GPU?A cloud GPU is a graphics processing unit that runs in a remote data center and can be accessed over the internet, allowing users to rent GPU computing power on-demand without owning the physical hardware. Instead of buying expensive GPU hardware upfront, you can access powerful graphics processors through cloud providers like Gcore.Cloud GPU instances can be set up within minutes and scaled from single GPUs to thousands of units depending on your computing needs, making them ideal for AI training, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations that require massive parallel processing power.How does cloud GPU computing work?Cloud GPU computing works by virtualizing graphics processing units in remote data centers and making them accessible over the internet through APIs or virtual machines. Instead of buying and maintaining physical GPU hardware, you rent computing power from cloud providers who manage massive GPU clusters in their facilities.The process starts when you request GPU resources through a cloud platform's interface. The provider's orchestration system allocates available GPU capacity from their hardware pool, which typically includes high-end cards like NVIDIA A100s or H100s.Your workload runs on these virtualized GPU instances, with the actual processing happening in the data center while you access it remotely.Cloud providers use virtualization technology to partition physical GPUs among multiple users. This sharing model reduces costs since you're only paying for the compute time you actually use, rather than the full cost of owning dedicated hardware. The virtualization layer manages resource allocation, ensuring each user gets their allocated GPU memory and processing cores.You can scale your GPU usage up or down in real-time based on your needs.If you're training a machine learning model that requires more processing power, you can instantly provision additional GPU instances. When the job completes, you can release those resources and stop paying for them. This flexibility makes cloud GPUs particularly valuable for AI training, scientific computing, and graphics rendering workloads with variable resource requirements.What's the difference between a physical GPU and a cloud GPU?Physical GPUs differ from cloud GPUs primarily in ownership model, accessibility, and resource allocation. Physical GPUs are dedicated hardware components installed directly in your local machine or server, giving you complete control and direct access to all GPU cores. Cloud GPUs are virtualized graphics processing units hosted in remote data centers that you access over the internet through APIs or virtual machines.Physical GPUs provide superior performance consistency since you have dedicated access to all processing cores without sharing resources.They deliver the full computational power of the hardware with minimal latency for local operations. Cloud GPUs run on shared physical hardware through virtualization, which typically delivers 80-95% of dedicated GPU performance. However, cloud GPUs can scale instantly from single instances to clusters with thousands of GPUs, while physical GPUs require hardware procurement that takes weeks or months.Physical GPUs work best for applications requiring consistent performance, data privacy, or minimal latency, such as real-time gaming, sensitive research, or production systems with predictable workloads.Cloud GPUs excel for variable workloads like AI model training, batch processing, or development environments where you need flexible growing. A startup can spin up dozens of cloud GPU instances for a training job, then scale back down immediately after completion.Cost structures differ especially between the approaches. Physical GPUs require substantial upfront investment, often $5,000-$40,000 per high-end unit, plus ongoing maintenance and power costs.Cloud GPUs operate on pay-per-use pricing, typically ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 per hour, depending on the GPU model and provider. This makes cloud GPUs more cost-effective for intermittent use, while physical GPUs become economical for continuous, long-term workloads.What are the types of cloud GPU services?Types of cloud GPU services refer to the different categories and use models of graphics processing units available through cloud computing platforms. The types of cloud GPU services are listed below.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) GPUs provide raw GPU compute power through virtual machines that users can configure and manage. Gcore offers various GPU instance types with different performance levels and pricing models.Platform as a Service (PaaS) GPU solutions offer pre-configured environments optimized for specific workloads like machine learning or rendering. Users get access to GPU resources without managing the underlying infrastructure or software stack.Container-based GPU services allow users to use GPU-accelerated applications using containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. This approach provides better resource isolation and easier application use across different environments.Serverless GPU computing automatically scale GPU resources based on demand without requiring users to provision or manage servers. Users pay only for actual compute time, making it cost-effective for sporadic workloads.Specialized AI/ML GPU platforms are specifically designed for artificial intelligence and machine learning workloads with optimized frameworks and tools. They often include pretrained models, development environments, and automated growing features.Graphics rendering services focus on visual computing tasks like 3D rendering, video processing, and game streaming. They're optimized for graphics-intensive applications rather than general compute workloads.Multi-tenant shared GPU services allow multiple users to share the same physical GPU resources through virtualization technology. This approach reduces costs while still providing adequate performance for many applications.What are the benefits of cloud GPU?The benefits of cloud GPU refer to the advantages organizations and individuals gain from using remotely hosted graphics processing units instead of physical hardware. The benefits of cloud GPU are listed below.Cost effectiveness: Cloud GPUs eliminate the need for large upfront hardware investments, allowing users to pay only for actual usage time. Organizations can access high-end GPU power for $0.50 to $3.00 per hour instead of purchasing hardware that costs thousands of dollars.Instant flexibility: Users can scale GPU resources up or down within minutes based on current workload demands. This flexibility allows teams to handle varying computational needs without maintaining excess hardware capacity during low-demand periods.Access to the latest hardware: Cloud providers regularly update their GPU offerings with the newest models, giving users access to advanced technology. Users can switch between different GPU types, like NVIDIA A100s or H100s, without purchasing new hardware.Reduced maintenance overhead: Cloud providers handle all hardware maintenance, updates, and replacements, freeing users from technical management tasks. This approach eliminates downtime from hardware failures and reduces IT staff requirements.Global accessibility: Teams can access powerful GPU resources from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration. Multiple users can share and coordinate GPU usage across different geographic locations.Rapid use: Cloud GPU instances can be provisioned and ready for use within minutes, compared to weeks or months for physical hardware procurement. This speed enables faster project starts and quicker response to business opportunities.Flexible resource allocation: Organizations can allocate GPU resources flexibly across different projects and teams based on priority and deadlines. This approach maximizes resource usage and prevents GPU hardware from sitting idle.What are cloud GPUs used for?Cloud GPUs are used for graphics processing units hosted remotely in data centers and accessed over the internet for computational tasks. The uses of cloud GPUs are listed below.Machine learning training: Cloud GPUs accelerate the training of deep learning models by processing massive datasets in parallel. Training complex neural networks that might take weeks on CPUs can be completed in hours or days with powerful GPU clusters.AI inference use: Cloud GPUs serve trained AI models to make real-time predictions and classifications for applications. This includes powering chatbots, image recognition systems, and recommendation engines that need fast response times.3D rendering and animation: Cloud GPUs handle computationally intensive graphics rendering for movies, games, and architectural visualization. Studios can access high-end GPU power without investing in expensive local hardware that sits idle between projects.Scientific computing: Researchers use cloud GPUs for complex simulations in physics, chemistry, and climate modeling that require massive parallel processing. These workloads benefit from GPU acceleration while avoiding the high costs of dedicated supercomputing infrastructure.Cryptocurrency mining: Cloud GPUs provide the computational power needed for mining various cryptocurrencies through parallel hash calculations. Miners can scale their operations up or down based on market conditions without hardware commitments.Video processing and streaming: Cloud GPUs encode, decode, and transcode video content for streaming platforms and content delivery networks. This includes real-time video compression and format conversion for different devices and bandwidth requirements.Game streaming services: Cloud GPUs render games remotely and stream the video output to users' devices, enabling high-quality gaming without local hardware. Players can access demanding games on smartphones, tablets, or low-powered computers.What are the limitations of cloud GPUs?The limitations of cloud GPUs refer to the constraints and drawbacks organizations face when using remotely hosted graphics processing units accessed over the Internet. They are listed below.Network latency: Cloud GPUs depend on internet connectivity, which introduces delays between your application and the GPU. This latency can slow down real-time applications like gaming or interactive simulations that need immediate responses.Limited control: You can't modify hardware configurations or install custom drivers on cloud GPUs since they're managed by the provider. This restriction limits your ability to improve performance for specific workloads or use specialized software.Data transfer costs: Moving large datasets to and from cloud GPUs can be expensive and time-consuming. Organizations working with terabytes of data often face significant bandwidth charges and upload delays.Performance variability: Shared cloud infrastructure means your GPU performance can fluctuate based on other users' workloads. You might experience slower processing during peak usage times when resources are in high demand.Ongoing subscription costs: Cloud GPU pricing accumulates over time, making long-term projects potentially more expensive than owning hardware. Extended usage can cost more than purchasing dedicated GPUs outright.Security concerns: Your data and computations run on third-party infrastructure, which may not meet strict compliance requirements. Industries handling sensitive information often can't use cloud GPUs due to regulatory restrictions.Internet dependency: Cloud GPUs become completely inaccessible during internet outages or connectivity issues. This dependency can halt critical operations that would otherwise continue with local hardware.How to get started with cloud GPUsYou get started with cloud GPUs by choosing a provider, setting up an account, selecting the right GPU instance for your workload, and configuring your development environment.Choose a cloud GPU provider: Consider your options based on geographic needs, budget, and required GPU models. Look for providers offering the latest NVIDIA GPUs (H100s, A100s, L40S) with global infrastructure for low-latency access. Consider factors like available GPU types, pricing models, and support quality.Create an account and configure billing with your chosen provider: Many platforms offer trial credits or pay-as-you-go options that let you test GPU performance before committing to reserved instances. Set up usage alerts to monitor spending during initial testing.Select the appropriate GPU instance type for your workload: High-memory GPUs like H100s or A100s excel at large-scale AI training, while L40S instances provide cost-effective options for inference and rendering. Match your GPU selection to your specific memory, compute, and budget requirements.Launch your GPU instance: This can be done through the web console, API, or command-line interface. Choose from pre-configured images with popular ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, CUDA) already installed, or start with a clean OS image for custom configurations. Deployment typically takes under 60 seconds with modern cloud platforms.Configure your development environment: Connect via SSH or remote desktop, install required packages, and set up your workflow. Use integrated cloud storage for efficient data transfer rather than uploading large datasets through your local connection. Configure persistent storage to preserve your work between sessions.Test with a sample workload: Verify performance and compatibility before scaling up. Run benchmark tests relevant to your use case, monitor resource utilization, and validate that your application performs as expected. Start with shorter rental periods while optimizing your setup.Optimize for production: Implement auto-scaling policies, set up monitoring dashboards, and establish backup procedures. Configure security groups and access controls to protect your instances and data.Start with shorter rental periods and smaller instances while you learn the platform's interface and improve your workflows for cloud environments.Gcore cloud GPU solutionsWhen choosing between cloud and physical GPU solutions for your AI workloads, the decision often comes down to balancing performance requirements with operational flexibility. Gcore cloud GPU infrastructure addresses this challenge by providing dedicated GPU instances with near-native performance while maintaining the flexibility advantages of cloud computing. This is all accessible through our global network of 210+ points of presence with 30ms average latency.Our cloud GPU solutions eliminate the weeks-long procurement cycles typical of physical hardware, allowing you to provision high-performance GPU instances within minutes and scale from single instances to large clusters as your training demands evolve. This approach typically reduces infrastructure costs by 30-40% compared to maintaining fixed on-premise capacity, while our enterprise-grade infrastructure ensures 99.9% uptime for mission-critical AI workloads.Discover how Gcore cloud GPU solutions can accelerate your AI projects while reducing operational overhead.Explore Gcore GPU CloudFrequently asked questionsHow does cloud GPU performance compare to local GPUs?Cloud GPU performance typically delivers 80-95% of local GPU performance while offering instant flexibility and lower upfront costs. Local GPUs provide maximum performance and predictable latency but lack the flexibility to scale resources on demand.What are the security considerations for cloud GPUs?Yes, cloud GPUs have several critical security considerations, including data encryption, access controls, and compliance requirements. Key concerns include securing data in transit and at rest, managing multi-tenant isolation in shared GPU environments, and meeting regulatory standards like GDPR or HIPAA for sensitive workloads.What programming frameworks work with cloud GPUs?Yes, all major programming frameworks work with cloud GPUs including TensorFlow, PyTorch, JAX, CUDA-based applications, and other parallel computing libraries. Cloud GPU providers typically offer pre-configured environments with GPU drivers, CUDA toolkits, and popular ML frameworks already installed.How much do cloud GPUs cost compared to buying hardware?Cloud GPUs cost $0.50-$3.00 per hour while comparable physical GPUs require $5,000-$40,000 upfront plus ongoing maintenance costs. For occasional use, cloud GPUs are cheaper, but heavy continuous workloads favor owned hardware after 6-12 months of usage.
What is cloud networking: benefits, components, and implementation strategies
Cloud networking is the use and management of network resources, including hardware and software, hosted on public or private cloud infrastructures rather than on-premises equipment. Over 90% of enterprises are expected to adopt cloud networking solutions by 2025, indicating rapid industry-wide adoption for IT infrastructure modernization.Cloud networking operates through advanced technologies that separate traditional hardware dependencies from network management. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) serves as a core technology, decoupling network control from hardware to allow centralized, programmable management and automation of network configurations.This approach enables organizations to manage their entire network infrastructure through software interfaces rather than physical device manipulation.The main components of cloud networking include several key elements that work together to create flexible network environments. Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) provide isolated virtual network environments within the cloud, allowing organizations to define IP ranges, subnets, and routing for enhanced security and control. Virtual network functions (VNFs) replace traditional hardware devices like firewalls, load balancers, and routers with software-based equivalents for easier use and improved flexibility.Cloud networking delivers significant advantages that transform how organizations approach network infrastructure management.These solutions can reduce network operational costs by up to 30% compared to traditional on-premises networking through reduced hardware requirements, lower maintenance overhead, and improved resource use. Cloud networks can scale bandwidth and compute resources within seconds to minutes, demonstrating superior agility compared to traditional manual provisioning methods.Understanding cloud networking has become essential for modern businesses seeking to modernize their IT infrastructure and improve operational effectiveness. This technology enables organizations to build more flexible and cost-effective network solutions that adapt quickly to changing business requirements.What is cloud networking?Cloud networking is the use and management of network resources through virtualized, software-defined environments hosted on cloud infrastructure rather than traditional on-premises hardware. This approach uses technologies like Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to separate network control from physical devices, allowing centralized management and programmable automation of network configurations. Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) create isolated network environments within the cloud. In contrast, virtual network functions replace traditional hardware like firewalls and load balancers with flexible software alternatives that can scale within seconds to meet changing demands.How does cloud networking work?Cloud networking works by moving your network infrastructure from physical hardware to virtualized, software-defined environments hosted in the cloud. Instead of managing routers, switches, and firewalls in your data center, you access these network functions as services running on cloud platforms.The core mechanism relies on Software-Defined Networking (SDN), which separates network control from the underlying hardware. This means you can configure, manage, and modify your entire network through software interfaces rather than physically touching equipment.When you need a new subnet or firewall rule, you simply define it through an API or web console, and the cloud platform instantly creates the virtual network components.Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) form the foundation of cloud networking by creating isolated network environments within the shared cloud infrastructure. You define your own IP address ranges, create subnets across different availability zones, and set up routing tables exactly like you would with physical networks. The difference is that all these components exist as software abstractions that can be modified in seconds.Network functions that traditionally required dedicated hardware appliances now run as Virtual Network Functions (VNFs).Load balancers, firewalls, VPN gateways, and intrusion detection systems all operate as software services that you can use, scale, or remove on demand. This approach can reduce network operational costs by up to 30% compared to traditional on-premises networking while providing the flexibility to scale bandwidth and compute resources within seconds to minutes.What are the main components of cloud networking?The main components of cloud networking refer to the key technologies and services that enable network infrastructure to operate in virtualized cloud environments. They are listed below.Software-defined networking (SDN): SDN separates network control from hardware devices, allowing centralized management through software controllers. This approach enables automated network configuration and policy enforcement across cloud resources.Virtual private clouds (VPCs): VPCs create isolated network environments within public cloud infrastructure, giving organizations control over IP addressing, subnets, and routing. They provide secure boundaries between different workloads and applications.Virtual network functions (VNFs): VNFs replace traditional hardware appliances like firewalls, load balancers, and routers with software-based alternatives. These functions can be deployed quickly and scaled on demand without physical hardware constraints.Cloud load balancers: These distribute incoming network traffic across multiple servers or resources to prevent overload and maintain performance. They automatically adjust traffic routing based on server health and capacity.Network security services: Cloud-native security tools include distributed firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption services that protect data in transit. These services combine directly with cloud infrastructure for consistent security policies.Hybrid connectivity solutions: VPN gateways and dedicated network connections link on-premises infrastructure with cloud resources. These components enable secure data transfer between different network environments.Network monitoring and analytics: Real-time monitoring tools track network performance, bandwidth usage, and security events across cloud infrastructure. They provide visibility into traffic patterns and help identify potential issues before they affect users.What are the benefits of cloud networking?The benefits of cloud networking refer to the advantages organizations gain when they move their network infrastructure from physical hardware to virtualized, cloud-based environments. The benefits of cloud networking are listed below.Cost reduction: Cloud networking eliminates the need for expensive physical hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls. Organizations can reduce network operational costs by up to 30% compared to traditional on-premises networking through reduced maintenance, power consumption, and hardware replacement expenses.Instant flexibility: Cloud networks can scale bandwidth and compute resources within seconds to minutes based on demand. This flexibility allows businesses to handle traffic spikes during peak periods without over-provisioning resources during normal operations.Centralized management: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enables administrators to control entire network infrastructures from a single dashboard. This centralized approach simplifies configuration changes, policy enforcement, and troubleshooting across distributed locations.Enhanced security: Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) create isolated network environments that prevent unauthorized access between different applications or tenants. Cloud networking achieves compliance with strict standards like GDPR and HIPAA through built-in encryption and access controls.High availability: Cloud providers maintain network uptime SLAs of 99.99% or higher through redundant infrastructure and automatic failover mechanisms. This reliability exceeds what most organizations can achieve with on-premises equipment.Reduced complexity: Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) models eliminate the need for specialized networking staff to manage physical infrastructure. Organizations can focus on their core business while cloud providers handle network maintenance and updates.Global reach: Cloud networking enables instant use of network resources across multiple geographic regions. This global presence improves application performance for users worldwide without requiring physical infrastructure investments in each location.What's the difference between cloud networking and traditional networking?Cloud networking differs from traditional networking primarily in infrastructure location, resource management, and flexibility mechanisms. Traditional networking relies on physical hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls installed and maintained on-premises, while cloud networking delivers these functions as virtualized services managed remotely through cloud platforms.Infrastructure and management approachesTraditional networks require organizations to purchase, install, and configure physical equipment in data centers or office PoPs. IT teams must handle hardware maintenance, software updates, and capacity planning manually.Cloud networking operates through software-defined infrastructure where network functions run as virtual services. Administrators manage entire network configurations through web interfaces and APIs, enabling centralized control across multiple locations without physical hardware access.Flexibility and speedTraditional networking scales through hardware procurement processes that often take weeks or months to complete. Adding network capacity requires purchasing equipment, scheduling installations, and configuring devices individually.Cloud networks scale instantly through software provisioning, allowing organizations to add or remove bandwidth, create new network segments, or use security policies in minutes. This agility enables businesses to respond quickly to changing demands without infrastructure investments.Cost structure and resource allocationTraditional networking involves significant upfront capital expenses for hardware purchases, plus ongoing costs for power, cooling, and maintenance staff. Organizations must estimate future capacity needs and often over-provision to handle peak loads.Cloud networking operates on pay-as-you-go models where costs align with actual usage. According to industry case studies (2024), cloud networking can reduce network operational costs by up to 30% compared to traditional on-premises networking through improved resource effectiveness and reduced maintenance overhead.What are common cloud networking use cases?Common cloud networking use cases refer to the specific scenarios and applications in which organizations use cloud-based networking solutions to meet their infrastructure and connectivity needs. Below are some common cloud networking use cases.Hybrid cloud connectivity: Organizations connect their on-premises infrastructure with cloud resources to create cooperative hybrid cloud environments. This approach allows companies to maintain sensitive data locally while using cloud services for flexibility.Multi-cloud networking: Businesses distribute workloads across multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and improve redundancy. This plan enables organizations to choose the best services from different providers while maintaining consistent network policies.Remote workforce enablement: Companies provide secure network access for distributed teams through cloud-based VPN and zero-trust network solutions. These implementations support remote work by ensuring employees can safely access corporate resources from any location.Application modernization: Organizations migrate legacy applications to cloud environments while maintaining network performance and security requirements. Cloud networking supports containerized applications and microservices architectures that require flexible connectivity.Disaster recovery and backup: Businesses replicate their network infrastructure in the cloud to ensure continuity during outages or disasters. Cloud networking enables rapid failover and recovery processes that reduce downtime and data loss.Global content delivery: Companies distribute content and applications closer to end users through cloud-based edge networking solutions. This approach reduces latency and improves user experience for geographically dispersed audiences.Development and testing environments: Teams create isolated network environments in the cloud for application development, testing, and staging. These environments can be quickly provisioned and torn down without affecting production systems.How to implement a cloud networking strategyYou implement a cloud networking plan by defining your network architecture requirements, selecting appropriate cloud services, and establishing security and connectivity frameworks that align with your business objectives.First, assess your current network infrastructure and identify which components can move to the cloud. Document your existing bandwidth requirements, security policies, and compliance needs to establish baseline requirements for your cloud network design.Next, design your Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) architecture by defining IP address ranges, subnets, and routing tables. Create separate subnets for different application tiers and establish network segmentation to isolate critical workloads from less sensitive traffic.Then, establish connectivity between your on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources through VPN connections or dedicated network links. Configure hybrid connectivity to ensure cooperation communication while maintaining security boundaries between environments.After that, use Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controls to centralize network management and enable automated configuration changes. Set up network policies that can flexibly adjust bandwidth allocation and routing based on application demands.Configure cloud-native security services, including network access control lists, security groups, and distributed firewalls. Apply the principle of least privilege by restricting network access to only necessary ports and protocols for each service.Use network monitoring and analytics tools to track performance metrics like latency, throughput, and packet loss. Establish baseline performance measurements and set up automated alerts for network anomalies or capacity thresholds.Finally, create disaster recovery and backup procedures for your network configurations. Document your network topology and maintain version control for configuration changes to enable quick recovery during outages.Start with a pilot using non-critical workloads to validate your network design and performance before migrating mission-critical applications to your new cloud networking environment.Learn more about building a faster, more flexible network with Gcore Cloud.Frequently asked questionsWhat's the difference between cloud networking and SD-WAN?Cloud networking is a broad infrastructure approach that virtualizes entire network environments in the cloud. At the same time, SD-WAN is a specific technology that connects and manages multiple network locations through software-defined controls. Cloud networking includes virtual networks, security services, and compute resources hosted by cloud providers, whereas SD-WAN focuses on connecting branch offices, data centers, and cloud resources through intelligent traffic routing and centralized management.Is cloud networking secure?Yes, cloud networking is secure when properly configured, offering advanced security features like encryption, network isolation, and centralized access controls. Major cloud providers maintain 99.99% uptime SLAs and comply with strict security standards, including GDPR and HIPAA, through technologies like Virtual Private Clouds that isolate network traffic.How much does cloud networking cost compared to traditional networking?Cloud networking costs 20-40% less than traditional networking due to reduced hardware expenses, maintenance, and staffing requirements. Organizations save on upfront capital expenditures while gaining predictable monthly operational costs through subscription-based cloud services.How does cloud networking affect network performance?Cloud networking can both improve and reduce network performance depending on your specific setup and requirements.Cloud networking typically improves performance through global content delivery networks that reduce latency by 40-60%, automatic growing that handles traffic spikes within seconds, and advanced routing that optimizes data paths. However, performance can decrease if you're moving from a well-optimized local network to a poorly configured cloud setup, or if your applications require extremely low latency that adds overhead from internet routing and virtualization layers.What happens if cloud networking services experience outages?Cloud networking outages cause service disruptions, including loss of connectivity, reduced application performance, and potential data access issues lasting from minutes to several hours. Most major cloud providers maintain 99.99% uptime guarantees and use redundant systems to reduce outage impact through automatic failover to backup infrastructure.
What is block storage? Benefits, use cases, and implementation
Block storage is a data storage method that divides data into fixed-size chunks called blocks, each with a unique logical block address (LBA). Over 70% of enterprise mission-critical applications rely on block storage for data persistence, making it one of the most widely adopted storage architectures in modern computing environments.Block storage operates by treating data as uniform blocks rather than files in folders, which enables the operating system to access storage as a continuous range of LBAs. This approach abstracts the physical location of data on the storage media, allowing for effective random read and write operations.The system can achieve latency as low as sub-millisecond on NVMe SSDs, making it ideal for performance-sensitive applications.The architecture of block storage differs from file storage and object storage in how it organizes and accesses data. While file storage uses hierarchical directory structures and object storage employs metadata-rich containers, block storage provides raw storage volumes that operating systems can format with any file system. This flexibility makes block storage the underlying foundation for other storage types, offering greater control over data organization and access patterns.Block storage delivers several key advantages for enterprise environments, including high-performance random access, consistent low latency, and support for transactional workloads.Major cloud providers offer block storage services with performance specifications reaching up to 256,000 IOPS and 4,000 MB/s throughput. These capabilities make block storage particularly valuable for databases, virtual machine storage, and applications requiring predictable performance characteristics.Understanding block storage is important for IT professionals because it forms the backbone of most enterprise storage infrastructures and directly impacts application performance, data availability, and system flexibility in both on-premises and cloud environments.What is block storage?Block storage is a data storage method that divides data into fixed-size chunks called blocks, each assigned a unique logical block address (LBA) for independent access. The operating system treats these blocks as a continuous range of addresses, abstracting the physical location of data on storage media like HDDs, SSDs, or NVMe drives. This approach enables effective random read/write operations since each block can be accessed directly without reading through other data, making it ideal for applications requiring high performance and low latency.Block storage serves as the foundational layer for other storage types, such as file and object storage. It's typically accessed over networks using protocols such as iSCSI over Ethernet or SCSI over Fibre Channel.How does block storage work?Block storage works by dividing data into fixed-size chunks called blocks, each assigned a unique logical block address (LBA) that the operating system uses to locate and access information. The system treats each block as an independent unit, typically ranging from 512 bytes to 4 KB in size, allowing for effective random read and write operations across the storage medium.When you save data, the block storage system breaks it into these uniform blocks and distributes them across available storage space on physical media like HDDs, SSDs, or NVMe drives. The operating system maintains a mapping table that tracks which LBAs correspond to specific physical locations, creating an abstraction layer that hides the complexity of data placement from applications and users.The key advantage of this approach is that blocks can be accessed independently and in any order, making it ideal for applications requiring high performance and low latency.Unlike file storage systems that organize data hierarchically in folders, block storage presents a flat address space where each block is directly addressable. This design enables consistent throughput and supports demanding workloads like databases and virtual machines that need predictable storage performance.Block storage typically connects over network protocols such as iSCSI over Ethernet or SCSI over Fibre Channel, allowing multiple servers to access the same storage resources. The system requires a file system layer to organize these raw blocks into recognizable files and directories for end users.How does block storage compare to file storage and object storage?Block storage compares to file storage and object storage by operating at different levels of data abstraction and serving distinct use cases. Block storage divides data into fixed-size chunks with unique addresses, file storage organizes data in hierarchical folders, and object storage manages data as discrete objects with metadata.Performance and access patternsBlock storage delivers the highest performance with sub-millisecond latency on modern NVMe drives and effectively supports random read/write operations. It provides direct access to storage blocks without file system overhead, making it ideal for databases and virtual machines that require consistent high IOPS.File storage offers good performance for sequential access but can struggle with random operations due to file system processing. Object storage prioritizes flexibility over speed, with higher latency but excellent throughput for large file transfers.Architecture and flexibilityBlock storage requires a file system layer to organize blocks into usable files and directories, giving applications complete control over data layout. File storage includes built-in file system management with features like permissions, metadata, and hierarchical organization.Object storage uses a flat namespace where each object contains data, metadata, and a unique identifier, eliminating the need for complex directory structures and enabling virtually unlimited flexibility.Use cases and applicationsBlock storage excels in scenarios demanding low latency and high performance, such as database storage, virtual machine disks, and enterprise applications requiring consistent throughput. File storage works best for shared access scenarios like network file shares, content management systems, and collaborative environments where multiple users need simultaneous access. Object storage suits applications requiring massive flexibility, such as backup systems, content distribution, data archiving, and cloud-native applications that can handle eventual consistency.What are the key benefits of block storage?The key benefits of block storage refer to the advantages organizations gain from using this foundational data storage method that divides information into fixed-size chunks with unique addresses. The key benefits of block storage are listed below.High performance: Block storage delivers exceptional speed with sub-millisecond latency on modern NVMe SSDs and can achieve up to 256,000 IOPS. This performance makes it ideal for demanding applications like databases and real-time analytics.Flexible scalability: Storage capacity can be expanded or reduced independently without affecting application performance. Organizations can add or remove storage blocks as needed, paying only for what they use.Direct hardware access: Block storage provides raw, unformatted storage that applications can access directly at the hardware level. This direct access eliminates file system overhead and maximizes throughput for performance-critical workloads.Snapshot capabilities: Point-in-time copies of data can be created instantly without interrupting operations. These snapshots enable quick backup, recovery, and testing scenarios while consuming minimal additional storage space.Multi-protocol support: Block storage works with various network protocols, including iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and NVMe over Fabrics. This compatibility allows it to be combined with existing infrastructure and diverse operating systems.Data persistence: Storage volumes maintain data independently of compute instances, ensuring information survives server failures or restarts. This separation provides reliability for mission-critical applications that can't afford data loss.Fine-grained control: Administrators can configure specific performance characteristics, encryption settings, and access permissions for individual storage volumes. This granular control enables optimization for different application requirements and security policies.What are common block storage use cases?Common block storage use cases refer to the specific applications and scenarios where organizations use block-level storage solutions to meet their data management needs. Typical block storage use cases are listed below.Database storage: Block storage provides the high-performance foundation that database systems require for consistent read and write operations. The direct access to individual blocks enables databases to quickly retrieve and update specific data records without processing entire files.Virtual machine storage: Virtual machines rely on block storage to create virtual disks that function like physical hard drives within the virtualized environment. This approach allows each VM to have dedicated storage space with predictable performance characteristics.Boot volumes: Operating systems use block storage as boot volumes to store system files and launch applications during startup. The low-latency access ensures fast boot times and responsive system performance.High-performance computing: Scientific simulations and data analysis workloads depend on block storage for its ability to handle intensive input/output operations. The consistent throughput supports applications that process large datasets or perform complex calculations.Backup and disaster recovery: Block storage serves as a reliable target for backup operations, allowing organizations to create point-in-time snapshots of their data. The block-level approach enables effective incremental backups that only copy changed data blocks.Container persistent storage: Containerized applications use block storage to maintain data persistence beyond the container lifecycle. This ensures that important application data survives container restarts and updates.Enterprise applications: Mission-critical business applications require the consistent performance and reliability that block storage delivers. The predictable latency and throughput support applications like ERP systems and customer databases that can't tolerate storage-related delays.What are Storage Area Networks (SANs), and how do they use block storage?A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network that connects storage devices to servers, providing block-level data access across the network infrastructure. SANs use block storage by presenting storage volumes as raw block devices to connected servers, where each block has a unique logical block address that servers can access directly without file system overhead. This architecture allows multiple servers to share centralized storage resources while maintaining the performance characteristics of directly-attached storage, with enterprise SANs typically delivering sub-millisecond latency through protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI. The block storage foundation enables SANs to support mission-critical applications like databases and virtual machine environments that require consistent, high-performance data access.How to implement block storage in cloud environmentsYou use block storage in cloud environments by provisioning virtual block devices that attach to compute instances and configuring them with appropriate file systems and performance settings.First, choose your block storage service from your cloud provider's offerings. Most platforms offer multiple tiers with different performance characteristics, from general-purpose volumes delivering up to 3,000 IOPS to high-performance options supporting over 64,000 IOPS for demanding workloads.Next, create your block storage volume by specifying the size, type, and performance requirements. Start with general-purpose SSD storage for most applications, then upgrade to provisioned IOPS volumes if you need consistent high performance for databases or other I/O-intensive applications.Then, attach the volume to your compute instance through the cloud console or API. The volume appears as a raw block device that your operating system can detect, similar to adding a new hard drive to a physical server.After that, format the attached volume with your preferred file system. Use ext4 for Linux systems or NTFS for Windows, depending on your application requirements and compatibility needs.Mount the formatted volume to your desired directory path and configure automatic mounting on system restart. Update your system's fstab file to ensure the volume mounts correctly after reboots.Configure backup and snapshot policies to protect your data. Most cloud platforms offer automated snapshot scheduling that creates point-in-time copies without downtime, allowing quick recovery from data corruption or accidental deletion.Finally, monitor performance metrics like IOPS, throughput, and latency to ensure your storage meets application requirements. Set up alerts for capacity thresholds and performance degradation to prevent service disruptions.Always test your block storage configuration with your actual workload before going into production, as performance can vary, primarily based on instance type, network conditions, and concurrent usage patterns. Find out more about optimizing your infrastructure with Gcore's high-performance storage solutions.Frequently asked questionsWhat's the difference between block storage and direct-attached storage (DAS)?Block storage and direct-attached storage (DAS) differ in their connection method: block storage connects over a network using protocols like iSCSI, while DAS connects directly to a single server through physical cables like SATA or SAS. Block storage can be shared across multiple servers and accessed remotely, whereas DAS provides dedicated storage exclusively to one connected server.How much does block storage cost compared to other storage types?Block storage costs 20-50% less than file storage for high-performance workloads but costs more than object storage for long-term archival needs. The price difference comes from block storage's direct-attached architecture requiring less processing overhead than file systems, while object storage wins on cost for infrequently accessed data due to its distributed design and lower redundancy requirements.Can block storage be used for backup and archival?Yes, block storage works well for backup and archival with features like point-in-time snapshots, versioning, and long-term retention policies. Many organizations use block storage for both operational backups and compliance archiving due to its reliability and data integrity guarantees.What is IOPS, and why does it matter for block storage?IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) measures how many read/write operations a storage device can perform each second. It matters for block storage because it directly determines application performance and responsiveness. Higher IOPS means faster database queries, quicker virtual machine boot times, and better user experience for applications that frequently access stored data.Is block storage secure for sensitive data?Yes, block storage is secure for sensitive data when properly configured with encryption, access controls, and network security measures. Enterprise block storage systems provide multiple security layers, including data-at-rest encryption, in-transit encryption, and role-based access management to protect sensitive information.How does block storage handle failures and redundancy?Block storage handles failures through data replication across multiple drives and servers, automatically switching to backup copies when primary storage fails. Most enterprise block storage systems maintain 2-3 copies of data with automatic failover that completes in under 30 seconds.
What is blob storage? Types, benefits, and use cases
Blob storage is a type of object storage designed to handle massive amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, video, audio, and binary data. This cloud-based solution delivers 99.999999999% durability, ensuring extremely high data reliability for enterprise applications.The core architecture of blob storage centers on serving content directly to web browsers and supporting distributed file access across global networks. Major cloud providers design these systems to handle streaming media, log file storage, and complete backup solutions for disaster recovery scenarios.Users can access stored objects worldwide through HTTP/HTTPS protocols using REST APIs and client libraries.Blob storage operates as a specialized form of object storage, where data exists as discrete objects paired with descriptive metadata. This approach differs from traditional file or block storage systems by focusing on flexibility and unstructured data management. The system supports advanced protocols, including SSH File Transfer Protocol and Network File System 3.0 for secure, mountable access.Storage tiers provide different performance and cost options, with hot tier storage starting at approximately $0.018 per GB for the first 50 TB monthly.Archive tiers offer lower costs but require up to 15 hours for data rehydration when moving content back to active storage levels. These tiers include hot, cool, and archive options, each optimized for specific access patterns and retention requirements.Understanding blob storage becomes critical as organizations generate exponentially growing volumes of unstructured data that require reliable, flexible storage solutions accessible from any location worldwide.What is blob storage?Blob storage is a cloud-based object storage service designed to store massive amounts of unstructured data, such as images, videos, documents, backups, and log files. Unlike traditional file or block storage systems, blob storage organizes data as discrete objects with metadata, making it highly flexible and accessible from anywhere via HTTP/HTTPS protocols. This storage method excels at serving media content directly to browsers, supporting data archiving, and enabling distributed access across global applications. Modern blob storage platforms offer multiple access tiers that automatically improve costs based on how frequently you access your data, with hot tiers for active content and archive tiers for long-term retention.How does blob storage work?Blob storage works by storing unstructured data as discrete objects in containers within a flat namespace, accessible through REST APIs and HTTP/HTTPS protocols. Unlike traditional file systems that organize data in hierarchical folders, blob storage treats each piece of data as an independent object with its own unique identifier and metadata.When you upload data to blob storage, the system breaks it into objects called "blobs" and assigns each one a unique URL for global access. The storage platform organizes these blobs within containers, which act as top-level groupings similar to buckets.Each blob contains the actual data plus metadata that describes properties like content type, creation date, and custom attributes you define.The system operates on three main blob types optimized for different use cases. Block blobs handle large files by splitting them into manageable blocks that can be uploaded in parallel, making them perfect for media files and backups. Append blobs allow you to add data to the end of existing files, which works well for logging scenarios.Page blobs provide random read/write access and support virtual hard disk files.Blob storage platforms typically offer multiple access tiers to improve costs based on how frequently you access your data. Hot tiers serve frequently accessed content with higher storage costs but lower access fees. Cool tiers reduce storage costs for data you access less than once per month.Archive tiers provide the lowest storage costs for long-term retention, though retrieving archived data can take several hours.How does blob storage relate to object storage?Blob storage relates to object storage by being a specific type of object storage service designed for storing massive amounts of unstructured data like images, videos, documents, and backups. Both blob storage and object storage share the same core architecture, where data is stored as discrete objects with metadata, rather than in traditional file hierarchies or block-level structures.Object storage works by organizing data into containers or buckets, with each object having a unique identifier and associated metadata. Blob storage follows this same pattern but adds specific optimizations for web-scale applications and cloud environments.It's designed to serve content directly to browsers, support streaming media, handle log files, and manage backup operations through HTTP/HTTPS protocols.The key connection is that blob storage implements object storage principles while adding enterprise-grade features like multiple access tiers for cost optimization. Hot tiers serve frequently accessed data. Cool tiers handle monthly access patterns, and Archive tiers store long-term backups at reduced costs. This tiered approach allows organizations to balance performance needs with storage expenses.Both storage types use REST APIs and support multiple programming languages, including .NET. Java. Python, and Node.js for application combination.They also provide global accessibility and can scale to handle petabytes of data across distributed systems, making them ideal for modern cloud applications that need flexible storage solutions.What are the different types of blobs?Types of blobs refer to the different categories of binary large objects used in cloud storage systems to handle various data storage and access patterns. They are listed below.Block blobs: These store text and binary data as individual blocks that can be managed separately. They're perfect for storing files, images, and documents that need frequent updates or modifications.Append blobs: These are optimized for append operations, making them ideal for logging scenarios. You can only add data to the end of an append blob, which makes them perfect for storing log files and audit trails.Page blobs: These store random-access files up to 8 TB in size and serve as the foundation for virtual hard disks. They're designed for frequent read and write operations, making them suitable for database files and virtual machine disks.Hot tier blobs: These are stored in the hot access tier for frequently accessed data. They offer the lowest access costs but higher storage costs, making them cost-effective for active data.Cool tier blobs: These are designed for data that's accessed less frequently and stored for at least 30 days. They provide lower storage costs but higher access costs compared to hot-tier storage.Archive tier blobs: These offer the lowest storage costs for data that's rarely accessed and can tolerate several hours of retrieval latency. They're perfect for long-term backup and compliance data that may need to be stored for years.What are the key benefits of blob storage?The key benefits of blob storage refer to the advantages organizations gain from using this flexible object storage solution for unstructured data. They are listed below.Global accessibility: Blob storage makes data available worldwide through HTTP/HTTPS protocols and REST APIs. Users can access files from any location using web browsers, command-line tools, or programming libraries in languages like .NET, Java, and Python.Massive flexibility: This storage type handles petabytes of data without performance degradation. Organizations can store unlimited amounts of unstructured content, including images, videos, documents, and backup files as their needs grow.Cost optimization: Multiple storage tiers allow businesses to match costs with data access patterns. Hot tiers serve frequently accessed content while archive tiers store rarely used data at especially lower costs.High durability: Enterprise blob storage platforms provide 99.999999999% durability, meaning extremely low risk of data loss. This reliability makes it suitable for critical business data and long-term archival needs.Flexible data types: Blob storage supports various content formats, from simple text files to large media files and application binaries. Different blob types, such as block, append, and page blobs, improve performance for specific use cases such as streaming or logging.Protocol compatibility: Modern blob storage supports multiple access methods, including SFTP for secure transfers and NFS 3.0 for mounting storage as network drives. This flexibility integrates easily with existing workflows and applications.Disaster recovery: Built-in redundancy and backup capabilities protect against hardware failures and regional outages. Organizations can replicate data across multiple locations for business continuity planning.What are common blob storage use cases?Common blob storage use cases refer to practical applications in which organizations store and manage large amounts of unstructured data using object storage systems. The common blob storage use cases are listed below.Media streaming: Organizations store video, audio, and image files that need global distribution to end users. Blob storage serves this content directly to browsers and applications, supporting high-bandwidth streaming workloads across different geographic regions.Data backup and archiving: Companies use blob storage to create secure copies of critical business data and store historical records for compliance. The archive tier provides cost-effective long-term storage, though data retrieval can take several hours when needed.Log file management: Applications generate massive volumes of log data that require effective storage and occasional analysis. Append blobs allow systems to continuously add new log entries without rewriting entire files, making it perfect for operational monitoring and troubleshooting.Static website hosting: Web developers store HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and media files that don't change frequently. Blob storage serves these static assets directly to visitors, reducing server load and improving website performance globally.Big data analytics: Data scientists store raw datasets, processed results, and machine learning models for analysis workflows. The hierarchical organization helps manage petabytes of structured and unstructured data across different processing stages.Document management: Organizations store business documents, contracts, and files that employees access from multiple locations. Blob storage, in combination with office applications and mobile devices, is ideal for distributed teams and remote work scenarios.Application data storage: Mobile and web applications store user-generated content like photos, documents, and profile information. The REST API access allows developers to build applications that can upload, download, and manage user data seamlessly.Discover more about Gcore storage options. Frequently asked questionsWhat's the difference between blob storage and file storage?Blob storage stores unstructured data as objects with metadata, while file storage organizes data in a traditional hierarchical folder structure with files and directories. Blob storage excels at web content delivery and massive data volumes, whereas file storage works better for applications requiring standard file system access.Can blob storage handle structured data?No, blob storage is explicitly designed for unstructured data like images, videos, documents, and binary files rather than structured data with defined schemas and relationships.How much does blob storage cost?Blob storage costs vary by provider and usage, typically ranging from $0.01-$0.05 per GB monthly, depending on access frequency and storage tier. Hot tier storage for frequently accessed data costs around $0.018 per GB for the first 50 TB monthly, while archive storage for long-term backup can cost as little as $0.001 per GB.Is blob storage secure for sensitive data?Yes, blob storage is secure for sensitive data when properly configured with encryption, access controls, and compliance features. Modern blob storage platforms provide enterprise-grade security through encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, and compliance certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.Can I search data stored in blob storage?Yes, you can search data stored in blob storage using metadata queries, tags, and full-text search services. Most cloud platforms provide built-in search capabilities through REST APIs and support combination with external search engines for complex queries across blob content and metadata.What's the maximum size for a blob?The maximum size for a blob is 4.77 TB (approximately 5 TB) for block blobs, which are the most common type used for general file storage. Page blobs can reach up to 8 TB and are typically used for virtual machine disks.How do I migrate data to blob storage?You can migrate data to blob storage using command-line tools. REST APIs, or migration services that transfer files from your current storage system. Most cloud providers offer dedicated migration tools that handle large-scale transfers with progress tracking and error recovery.
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