What type of storage architecture manages data as distinct units called objects?

Object storage is a storage architecture that manages data as distinct units, known as objects, rather than as files within a hierarchy or as records in a database. Each object is a self-contained unit of data that includes not only the data itself but also metadata and a unique identifier. This allows for efficient management of large amounts of unstructured data, such as media files, backups, or big data analytics.

In object storage systems, these objects are stored in a flat address space, making it possible to scale horizontally as more data is added. This scalability is crucial for cloud storage and modern applications that require the ability to accommodate large volumes of data with varying structures. The built-in metadata also enhances data management and retrieval processes, enabling better organization and searching capabilities.

While database storage typically involves structured data managed within a schema and file storage focuses on maintaining hierarchical file systems, object storage's unique approach is specifically tailored for unstructured data, which is increasingly prevalent in today’s digital environment. Distributed storage involves spreading data across multiple physical locations but does not inherently define how that data is structured or accessed; object storage is more focused on categorizing and managing the data itself as objects.