What is an essential requirement for cloud storage?

Network connectivity is a fundamental requirement for cloud storage because it enables users to access, upload, and manage their data stored in remote data centers. Cloud storage solutions operate over the internet, allowing users to retrieve their data from anywhere and at any time, as long as they have a stable internet connection. Without reliable network connectivity, users would be unable to interact with the cloud storage services, thus rendering the entire concept of cloud storage ineffective.

In contrast, limited access controls would undermine security rather than serve as a requirement. Local hardware compatibility is less relevant, as cloud storage is typically hardware-independent and designed to work with various devices. Expert knowledge in data encryption, while beneficial for security and data protection, is not inherently necessary to utilize cloud storage; many services provide built-in encryption without requiring users to have specialized knowledge. Therefore, network connectivity stands out as the essential requirement for accessing cloud storage solutions effectively.