Cloud Storage

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud Storage is basically a service model in which data is stored, managed, maintained and shared over the Internet.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is nothing more than remote storage. Rather than storing information on your computer’s hard drive or on a local server, that information is stored on a server located somewhere else, possibly thousands of miles away. In most instances, cloud storage requires the use of a service provided by a company – Dropbox and Google are just two examples of these providers.

Why Does Cloud Storage Matter?

Cloud storage is an important consideration for a number of different reasons, but there are two of primary interest. The first is the ability to store information without having it use up space on a local hard drive or server. Because information is stored offsite, it does not reduce the amount of storage space on a local machine. This allows more information to be stored locally, but it also allows the reduction of hard drive sizes and the costs associated with increasing hard drive capacity.

Consumers and businesses that rely on cloud storage can purchase workstations or PCs with smaller hard drives for less money, and still enjoy access to the same amount of information as if they had purchased a machine with a larger hard drive.

The second benefit of cloud storage is that it enables better access to important information, and allows access to that data from multiple locations. For instance, information stored in the cloud can be accessed via authorized devices from any location with an Internet connection. A work report stored in the cloud can be accessed from an employee’s work-based PC, but also from his or her laptop in the comfort of their own home, or even on a tablet or smartphone.

This also has implications for information sharing. Data stored in the cloud can be shared very easily. For instance, both Dropbox and Google Drive offer the means to share access to information through a specific sharing URL. Users simply copy the sharing URL, paste it into an email, send that email to the person they want to share the data with, and they’re done. The recipient only needs to click the link and they can then access the data, or download it for local storage.

Many cloud storage providers are now providing the ability to edit documents in the cloud, without the need to download it first. Dropbox provides this capability, as does Google Drive. Many other providers are also getting onboard with this practice.

Is Cloud Storage Secure?

Security is always an important consideration when it comes to cloud services, whether we’re talking about cloud storage, SaaS, or something else completely. While most cloud providers do ensure good security on their end, it really comes down to the security practices of individual users. For instance, it is crucial to practice good password hygiene, and to never keep passwords written down where others could access them. Changing passwords regularly is important, as is using passwords that are not based on information that hackers could easily guess.