Cloud storage is a service that has become popular over the last couple of years. But what is Cloud Storage and what benefits does the cloud really have over physical storage? In this brief guide we will explore how cloud storage works and what options you have to saving to the cloud. We will discover if cloud storage is a new short term trend or a viable long term solution.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is an alternative to physical options, such as hard drives, disc media and USB devices. In recent years, with the rise of super-fast always on internet connections and wireless networks, saving data away from your computer has become a realistic option. However, using an offshore storage option has its issues and considerations.
How does Cloud Storage work?
You may have heard about “The Cloud”. This is a term used by data organizations to describe a network of computers, systems and servers just like the internet. It’s named after the cloud because often a cloud diagram graph is drawn when planning to send or access offsite data. Today a lot of popular services that you use also run in the cloud. Services like Gmail, Google Docs and social network photos are all stored away off your computer. When using cloud storage, you decide to send your files to a location somewhere else, often a huge data centre which can be hundreds or even thousands of miles away. However, thanks to the speed of internet, these files can be saved and accessed almost instantly.
Pros of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage has several benefits including:
• Backup – Cloud storage companies have huge backup servers and data storage centres which mean that once you have saved your data to the cloud, your files are safe forever. Unlike physical media which can become corrupt, lost or stolen.
• Costs – Cloud storage is cheap, for most people it’s even free. Large companies like Google currently offer free basic storage packages, with the option to upgrade should you need more space. Often the costs of cloud storage can be cheaper than physical alternatives.
• Convenience – being able to save your photos, documents and other files without worrying about storage space offers great convenience.
Cons of Cloud Storage
There are some negative issues of using Cloud storage including:
• Require Online Access – Cloud Storage requires always on internet. However if your internet connection goes down or you’re in a location that has no WIFI, then you won’t be able to access or backup your files.
• Privacy Fears – When you use Cloud storage you have to agree to the service’s terms and conditions, which often means your files may be stored offshore, in another Country or Continent. While most companies use the best security available to protect your files, there will always be a small element of risk when sending your files away.
Popular cloud storage services
There are plenty of cloud storage services currently available for you to try. Here is a look at 3 of the most popular solutions:
• Dropbox – This is the most popular Cloud Storage service in the US. Currently Dropbox offers a minimum of 2 GB free storage, rising up to 18 GB free. Beyond that there are low cost pricing tariffs. Dropbox offers a free download tool making syncing your documents easy on your PC and even has free mobile apps.
• Google Drive – If you use Google’s services a lot, then Google Drive is a great cloud storage solution. Offering 5GB of free space or 25GB for just $2.49 per month.
• Microsoft SkyDrive – A guaranteed minimum of 7GB is on offer with SkyDrive and works seamlessly with Microsoft’s popular Office suite.
Apple also offers its customers their own cloud storage solution. The iCloud service for Apple Hardware helps sync your iPhone, iPad and Mac files and photos in a synchronized space.
We hope this guide has helped you with a better understanding of Cloud storage including how it works. With all the major countries moving towards ‘The Cloud’, online storage is not just a new short term trend, but a long term viable storage solution for now and the future.
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