Cloud block storage implementations, such as Ceph RADOS Block Device (RBD) and Microsoft Azure Page Blobs, are considered flexible, reliable and relatively performant.

Exposing these implementations for access via an embedded USB storage gadget can solve a number of factors limiting adoption, namely:

Interoperability - Cloud storage can now be consumed by almost any system with a USB port

Ease of use - Configure once, then plug and play

Security - Encryption can be performed on the USB device itself, reducing reliance on cloud storage providers

This presentation will introduce and demonstrate a USB cloud storage gateway prototype developed during SUSE Hack Week, running on an embedded Linux ARM board.

Learning Objectives: 1) Knowledge of existing Ceph and Azure block storage implementations; 2) Awareness of problems limiting cloud storage adoption; 3) Evaluate a USB cloud storage gateway device as a solution for factors limiting adoption.