Storing items in the cloud is becoming increasingly popular. This type of storage puts all the hardware and resource demands on the provider, as well as the security concerns. This leaves the owner with peace of mind. Cloud storage provides potentially unlimited space for the right price, and can offer a variety of benefits over traditional document document management. The main benefits of cloud storage are as follows: accessibility, recovery, cost efficiency, space efficiency, and security.
Accessibility
Cloud storage provides unlimited accessibility (with internet access). Instead of needing a piece of hardware, cloud storage can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. Being able to access information from anywhere enables someone to begin work on a project in one place and complete it another. It also makes it easy to share files, collaborate on group projects, and store massive amounts of information at lower costs.
Recovery
Data recovery is another area where cloud-based storage is inherently more efficient. The cloud operates off of virtual machines ran from many different server locations. If one server goes down, it is simply a matter of migrating information to another area of the cloud until service is restored. The transfer of information between data centers also moves faster due to how information is bundled for cloud storage. The ability to move data from one virtual component to another also reduces cost.
Cost Efficiency
The bottom line for any business is money, and cloud storage is a way for companies to reduce their data storage costs significantly. By storing data on the cloud, the need for physical data centers is reduced, or even eliminated, which frees up space, cuts costs, and reduces the number of people the company needs to employ. Using cloud storage also takes a burden off of computer hardware, making them last longer, saving the company even more money. The cloud also increases efficiency and reduces the likeliness (and length, if it happens to occur) of customer downtime.
Space Efficiency
Along with being cost-efficient, cloud storage is space-efficient, as well. As business and personal lives grow more digital, more storage is needed to house various kinds of data. The issue, however, is that physical space is limited and costly. Storing records, files, pictures, video, and more can quickly consume available space. As more information is stored off-site through third-party cloud vendors, less physical space is needed. Instead of multiple computers, servers, and storage sites being necessary to maintain information, one can store everything in online virtual environments to be accessed from a drastically smaller number of machines.
Security
Security is another great benefit offered by cloud storage. This protection comes in many different forms. Part of the reason that cloud storage is safer is that it’s easier to control who accesses information within the cloud than it is at a physical location.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are used to enhance cloud security by controlling access to data, while cloud providers also use firewalls to detect incoming DOS attacks (Denial of Service) and filter addresses and ports. Authentication measures such as password protection, required verification of new devices accessing accounts, and two-step verification can add even more protection. Encryption of data is also important. Cloud providers are required to follow certain compliance standards guaranteeing levels of security, as well, ensuring that consumers are protected.
Final Thoughts
The cloud is an answer to many, if not all, of any company’s data problems. The accessibility of the cloud makes it an attractive option. Due to the storage methods of the cloud, recovery is an easy process. Cost-efficiency and space-efficiency are greatly increased by taking advantage of off-site resources. Security is also increased in the cloud as third-party vendors employ the best methods of security in an effort to gain and maintain customer business.
Cloud storage enables users to access data anywhere at virtually no cost. Many companies are beginning to offer these services. As technology continues to advance, the cloud will become a valuable area to store, develop and collaborate. It is important to continue to develop this virtual technology to ensure the safety of its use in the future.