How extreme data hoarders with 75TB+ storage caused cloud providers to end unlimited plans
By
Monica J. White
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
This article explains how a small number of users (data hoarders storing 75TB+ each) exploited unlimited cloud storage plans from providers like Google, Microsoft, and Dropbox, leading these companies to abandon unlimited storage offerings. It details the economics of cloud storage, how these extreme users cost companies thousands per year while paying standard subscription fees, and the ripple effect that ended "unlimited" storage for all consumers. The piece explores the tension between offering generous services and protecting against abuse.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWe used to have unlimited cloud storage, until a few users ruined it
A few users storing 75TB or more were costing cloud providers thousands of dollars per year while paying the same flat subscription fee as everyone else
The economics simply didn't work when a tiny fraction of users consumed the vast majority of storage resources
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