2017
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The Basics of Cloud Storage Written by: Cora Foley
What Is Cloud Storage?
Over recent years cloud storage has gained more and more popularity among consumers. This storage method is a great way to ensure the back-up of as many digital files as you want. But, it doesn’t require you or your actual device to store the data.
Numerous companies provide cloud storage options to consumers some companies are specific in the type of data they will store. However, other companies allow you to store all types of files like documents, music, videos and more.
How Does It Work?
Cloud storage providers have data centers that are filled with physical servers meaning computers designed to process requests and deliver data to other (client) computers over a local network or the internet. At a basic level, cloud servers are connected to the internet. From there you can save your files from your device to the server. When you are ready to access the information you’ve saved, you simply access the server via the internet to pull out your data.
Benefits of Using Cloud Storage
- Price – Cloud storage is immensely popular. It allows everyday people access to large amounts of digital storage space at minimal to no cost. Many companies provide a small amount of data storage for free. For instance: Google Drive gives 15 GB of data free with a google account. This is plenty to store thousands of photos or a number of videos.
- Easy Access – Cloud storage allows you to access your stored data from virtually anywhere. As long as you have internet access, you can view, download and share your data. It doesn’t matter if you have photos, videos, audio files, or documents.
- Doesn’t Take Up Space – Because other companies house the physical computer servers that store your data, you don’t have to have any physical storage. This means you don’t have to store or locate flash-drives, external hard-drives, DVDs, or CDs.
- Store All Memories in One Place – Most people don’t have flash-drives or hard-drives large enough to store their data. Instead they have all of their memories scattered across various different digital storage mediums. Cloud storage allows you a practically unlimited amount of storage making it easy to store everything in one place.
Risks of Using Cloud Storage
- Loss of Data – While cloud storage is a relatively safe storage method, your data is still being stored on a physical device somewhere. This means there is always the risk that the data can be lost or compromised due to technical issues. To prevent total loss of data we always recommend you store your digital files in a t least 2 places i.e. cloud storage & flash-drive.
- Data Security – Choose a cloud storage provider with an upstanding reputation and top of the line security features. Since your data is in the hands of a third party, their security system is the defense against your data being hacked or leaked.
- Data Regulation – Because cloud storage is still a relatively new option for consumers, there are a lot of legalities that aren’t consistent. Government agencies often feel that the company providing the storage technically owns each individuals data. However, many companies feel the individual providing the data are the sole owners. Depending on where the physical data servers are located and what company you are working with they may be more or less inclined to hand over your data if instructed to in a legal case.
In Conclusion
Cloud storage is a great way to back-up all of your various types of media. It is cost effective, easy to access, and it won’t take up your space. That being said, there are always some risks associated with any type of storage method. This is why, at Smooth Photo Scanning, we always recommend backing up your data in at least 2 locations – whether it be cloud storage & a flash-drive, a DVD & a hard-drive, or some other combination.
Cora Foley has worked at Smooth Photo Scanning for almost 4 years now. Her passion for memory creation and preservation drew her to this family-owned company. After using Smooth Photo Scanning Services for her own memories, she wanted to help the company spread their reach so more people can enjoy, share and preserve their own experiences through digitized photos, negatives, video tapes and more. She loves working at this company due to their passion of preserving important moments!