What is a cloud storage architecture that manages the data in a hierarchy of files?

File-based storage is a cloud storage architecture where data is managed in a hierarchy of files and directories, akin to traditional file systems found in operating systems. This approach allows users to organize data in a structured manner, making it intuitive to navigate through files and folders.

In a file-based storage system, data is stored as individual files which can be organized within directories, reflecting a familiar structure that is easy to use for individuals and organizations alike. This type of storage often supports various file types, providing versatility for applications that require rich data management capabilities.

In contrast, object-based storage organizes data as discrete units (objects) where each object includes data, metadata, and a unique identifier, which does not lend itself to a hierarchical structure. Content Delivery Networks (CDN) distribute copies of data across various locations for optimized performance and speed, while databases manage structured data that can be queried but typically do not emphasize a file hierarchy as their core functionality.