Cloud storage becomes a possibility because of cloud computing — a phenomenon that took the world by storm. Cloud computing is often referred to as the “cloud” and it is better understood as a platform of shared computers connected to each other via the Internet.
Cloud storage has displaced the storage of data in local servers to a large extent. Local servers have served people quite efficiently for years, so why are businesses, individuals and enterprises are switching to cloud storage? So if you are not convinced, this article will give reasons on why the cloud is better than local servers for storage.
Cost Effective
The cost of purchase and maintenance of equipment needed for local servers, in addition to miscellaneous costs like electricity and personnel is much higher than storing data over the cloud.
For cloud storage, the costs usually include a subscription to the cloud server (if paid service is chosen) and an Internet connection which connects the device to a cloud server.
Scalability
The data storage capacity of a local server cannot be scaled up and is a major disadvantage of local servers. The limited storage capacity leads to increased costs, as more equipment may be required to store data. Cloud storage has no such problem and the storage capacity can be scaled for more storage space on the cloud server with minimal costs.
Amount of Data
Cloud storage is often used for large amounts of data. The capacity of local servers is limited and hence a large amount of data is best managed on a network of shared computers rather than in one place. Loading the local servers with such vast amount of data slows down devices — cloud storage effectively tackles this problem.
Remote Access
There are certain places where data cannot be transported in hard copy, as a file and neither can a portable device be used, in those instances, cloud storage provides access to data that otherwise would have been inaccessible. Another instance is the sudden or unexpected requirement of certain documents that may not be available but is stored in the cloud. If those documents are in a local server hundreds of miles away then the inability to access them can prove to be a great hindrance.Cloud storage solves that problem as well. If the documents have been backed up onto a cloud server, they can be accessed from anywhere at any time with a working Internet connection.
File Size
There are absolutely no issues when accessing a large-sized file as long as the Internet connection is good — the file can be accessed from anywhere at any time. The file size can prove to be an issue if it is transferred to a remote location via email. There is only a limited capacity of data that can be sent through an email. This
Here is an advantage of cloud storage over local servers.
The cloud has a large storage capacity where large files can be easily stored. Instead of emailing large files, there is an option to share files with an e-mail address. This way everyone has access to the files and saves us from the hassle of sending it via email.
Data Security
Servers that provide cloud services also ensure good data security. The data that is stored over the cloud is safe from cyber threats as well as malware. The security protocols of cloud computing are amongst the best in the computing world. Local servers may have malware protection, but the software is not updated regularly, as it is on cloud servers thus the security level of local servers is low as compared to the cloud.
Hackers cannot easily access data stored on the cloud. Firstly, the hackers may not be aware of the cloud server chosen by the company whose data they want to hack. Secondly, the window during which a server’s defense is low is larger in a local server than on a cloud server. The reason is that the local server system gets an update later than a cloud server, where the security loopholes are identified and modified round the clock. If security is a concern, it is best to opt for cloud storage.
Data Protection
If data gets erased, lost or corrupted due to either stealth (hacking), human error, virus or a natural disaster results in the destruction of devices, then it can never be retrieved. This is one of the biggest problems with storing data in local servers. Cloud storage eliminates all these security pitfalls and ensures that the data is protected no matter what may happen.
In certain cases, cloud computing even replicates the data and sends it to another remote location to ensure further protection. If one server is attacked or hacked or destroyed, the data backup can be safely retrieved from the other server — a valid reason to store data over the cloud rather than on a local server.
Collaboration
In the modern corporate world, a whole team looks after a project, instead of only one person. These projects often undergo several changes. Team members can easily edit or modify files stored on the cloud.
Cloud storage saves us from the hassle of sending the file back and forth multiple times. The cloud has an option to edit files (as in Google Docs), and the modified version is available as soon as the changes are made. So with cloud, everyone can stay updated on all ongoing projects.
Synchronization
Data on a local server cannot be synchronized across devices and thus can only be accessed when in the physical presence of the server. This, however, is not the case with cloud storage. Any device synced to the cloud can access data — it just needs to be connected to the Internet. One doesn’t need to be present at their workplace to edit a document or send files to a client or partner etc. Mobile devices can be synced with the cloud and the required documents can be edited or shared from any location.
A Stress-Free Choice
Knowing that your important data is secure and stored in a safe place relieves stress. You can access it on any device with an Internet connection. It saves the hassle of carrying documents or portable devices along with conferences, meetings, etc. Even if you forget to take a document to a meeting, you can just simply access it through a device if it’s uploaded on the cloud.
Cloud computing is the present and future of storage. The cloud storage experience can be further improved and made secure by paying for the services. Most cloud storage services only offer limited storage for free, but one can always scale up by paying for it.
Those who require a high level of security i.e. confidential business data etc can always upgrade and make their storage even more secure.
