# Overview

<code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud\_object\_storage</code> is a secure, scalable storage solution that offers high data availability and performance. The product adheres to the S3 API standards, enabling the storage of vast amounts of unstructured data and seamless integration into S3-compatible applications and infrastructures.

Unlike traditional hierarchical systems like block storage volumes or disk file systems, <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud\_object\_storage</code> utilizes a flat structure that is ideal for storing large chunks of unstructured, static data that you want to keep 'as is' for later access. Businesses of all sizes can use <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud\_object\_storage</code> to store files (objects) for varied [<mark style="color:blue;">Use Cases</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/use-cases).

## Service availability

The <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud\_object\_storage</code> service is available in the following locations:

| **Data Center**    | **Region**     | **Bucket Type**        |
| ------------------ | -------------- | ---------------------- |
| Frankfurt, Germany | `de`           | User-owned buckets     |
| Berlin, Germany    | `eu-central-2` | User-owned buckets     |
| Logroño, Spain     | `eu-south-2`   | User-owned buckets     |
| Frankfurt, Germany | `eu-central-4` | Contract-owned buckets |
| Berlin, Germany    | `eu-central-3` | Contract-owned buckets |
| Lenexa, USA        | `us-central-1` | Contract-owned buckets |

For the list of available points of access, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Endpoints</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/endpoints).

## How does IONOS Cloud Object Storage work?

In <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud\_object\_storage</code>, the data that you want to store in the Object Storage is called **Objects**. The data types could be archives, backups, log files, documents, images, and media assets. Each object is allocated a unique URL for direct access. Further, you can group these objects within a folder to help organize and manage these objects within a bucket. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Objects and Folders</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/concepts/objects-folders).

To begin with Object Storage, you need to generate a key, which is a unique identifier that allows you access to buckets and objects. This key is a combination of **Access Key** and **Secret Key**, listed in the **Key Management** section. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Key Management</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/concepts/key-management).

To upload objects into the Object Storage, you need to create containers known as **Buckets** by choosing the [<mark style="color:blue;">region</mark>](#service-availability) and a unique bucket name. The objects are stored in these buckets which are accompanied by rich metadata. For more information, see [<mark style="color:blue;">Buckets</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/concepts/buckets) and [<mark style="color:blue;">Bucket Types</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/concepts/bucket-types).

Based on access permissions, buckets, and objects can be publicly accessible or kept private and shared with only intended users. Use the [<mark style="color:blue;">Access Control List (ACL)</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/settings/access-control-list) or [<mark style="color:blue;">Bucket Policy</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/sections-test/guides/storage-and-backup/ionos-object-storage/settings/bucket-policy) settings to manage access.