What type of storage allows customers to access parts of a hierarchy based on their assignments?

The correct choice refers to object storage, which is designed for managing large amounts of unstructured data in a way that enables accessibility and retrieval based on a flat or hierarchical structure. In object storage, data is stored as objects, each of which includes the data itself, metadata, and a unique identifier, allowing users to access parts of a hierarchy according to their specific assignments or permissions.

This method is particularly effective for applications that require scalability and the ability to manage metadata efficiently, as it does not impose the same directory structure limitations as traditional file storage. Instead, it presents a more flexible means of organizing and accessing data, enabling users to retrieve specific objects without the constraints of a strict file path.

The other types of storage mentioned serve different purposes: block storage is used for structured data in fixed-size blocks typically associated with virtual machines and databases; file storage organizes data in a hierarchical format similar to traditional file systems; and mass storage refers to large-capacity storage systems without specifying the structure or access methods. Thus, object storage stands out for its ability to provide access based on specific assignments within a more flexible system.