Although object storage solutions enable storage of files as objects, accessing with existing applications requires new code and the use of API’s and direct knowledge of naming semantics. File storage solutions that support existing file system semantics and permissions models have a distinct advantage in that they do not require new code to be written to integrate with applications that are easily configured to work with shared file storage.

Block storage can be used as the underlying storage component of a self-managed file storage solution. However, the one-to-one relationship required between the host and volume makes it difficult to have the scalability, availability, and affordability of a fully managed file storage solution and would require additional budget and management resources to support. Using a fully managed cloud file storage solution removes complexities, reduces costs, and simplifies management.