Explanation
Object storage runs on its own independent systems, which have their own redundancy and distribution. To ensure data consistency, sufficient time is needed for objects to fully replicate to all potential locations before being accessed. Object storage is optimized for high availability and will not be any less reliable than any other virtual machine within a cloud environment. It is hosted on a separate system that does not have dependencies in local host servers for access control, and it is optimized for files of all different sizes and uses.

An SOC 1 is a report on controls at a service organization that may be relevant to a user entity's internal control over financial reporting. An SOC 2 report is based on the existing SysTrust and WebTrust principles. The purpose of an SOC 2 report is to evaluate an organization's information systems relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy. An SOC 3 report is also based on the existing SysTrust and WebTrust principles, like a SOC 2 report. The difference is that the SOC 3 report does not detail the testing performed.

Explanation
With cloud providers hosting a number of different customers, it would be impractical for them to pursue additional certifications based on the needs of a specific customer. Cloud environments are built to a common denominator to serve the greatest number of customers. Especially within a public cloud model, it is not possible or practical for a cloud provider to alter its services for specific customer demands. Resource pooling and virtualization within a cloud environment would be the same for all customers, and would not impact certifications that a cloud provider might be willing to pursue. Regulations would form the basis for certification problems and would be a reason for a cloud provider to pursue specific certifications to meet customer requirements.

Baselines are a set of configurations and policies applied to all new systems or services, and they serve as the basis for deploying any other services on top of them. Although standards often form the basis for baselines, the term is applicable in this case. Hardening is the process of securing a system, often through the application of baselines. Leveling is an extraneous but similar term to baselining.