Item: Google Cloud Storage
Rating: 9
Author: Spencer Baselice

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Cloud Storage is used to store files exported from Big Query. When larger data sets are pulled, the tables can be exported into the cloud storage. It is also used for other purposes but my main use is exportation from Big Query. This is needed whenever you have to query data sets containing more than 10,000 rows.

Pros and Cons

Stores files that are large and otherwise difficult to send or store.
Alleviates storage issues.
Receives larger data exports from Big Query.
Allows easy folder creation and organization.

Currently can't delete folders which means there are cluttered folders on my cloud.
Easier upload options would be nice. The ability to upload and store other file types with an easier interface.
Managing files and storage could be improved a little for easier access and editing.

Return on Investment

It allows the use of large Big Query data sets, this enables better data analysis.
It helps the business maintain a central storage solution for data.
Secure and easy to learn and use, it allows for fast adoption which improves productivity.
It does not enable collaboration and has limits on flexibility.

Alternatives Considered

Sumo Logic

Google Cloud Storage is really a different application. It does not have the data parsing capabilities and it is simply a cold storage option in our use case. This means it is less flexible and has limited uses, but the uses it does have it, performs very well. There is a very low ramp-up time and almost no learning curve. It is basic and simple to use but does the job properly.

Other Software Used

Sumo Logic, Google Analytics, Google BigQuery

Performance

I have never had an issue or problem, asides from a want for some of the features it lacks. The storage organization capabilities are good enough, and using the product is simple. There are few other options for exporting Big Query data, so this is really the one choice we had, and it serves the purpose well enough.

Usability

Usability is very easy and good. It is a simple interface and uploading and downloading is fast and very straight forward. There is no need to learn any additional programming and its easy to navigate the platform. User set up and management is also simplified and the platform is secure enough for large businesses.

Likelihood to Recommend

Google Cloud Storage is ideal when you need to export large data samples from Big Query. It is also fairly good when managing a lot of users in a corporate environment. While there are other storage options available, Cloud Storage gives you enough options and flexibility to control and manage your large file sets quickly and efficiently. It is also a viable option for federated accounts. It is not the best when you need a lot of flexibility or features. Folders can't be deleted for instance, and managing or organizing folders is not its best feature. It's more a solution for simple exports and handling of larger BQ data sets.

Google Cloud Storage Exports BigQuery Data Reliably

Overall Satisfaction with Google Cloud Storage