What additional information is stored alongside a file in an object storage system?

In an object storage system, metadata is critical as it provides additional information about the stored objects. This metadata can include information such as the object's size, the date it was created, the last modified date, and potentially user-defined tags or descriptions. Metadata allows for the efficient retrieval, organization, and management of objects within the storage system, enabling users to better understand and search through the data they have stored.

While access control lists can define who can access a file, and version history can track changes made to the object, these aspects do not encompass the broad range of descriptive attributes provided by metadata. The compression ratio refers specifically to how much a file has been reduced in size and is not a general descriptor applicable to every object stored within the system. Overall, metadata is essential for the operation and utility of object storage, facilitating better data management and user interaction.