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Cloud storage is a service in which the data is stored and maintained in the cloud servers. This service provides the user chance to access the data remotely from any location around the world. Hence there is no restriction for the user in location or time of accessing the data.Â
What is the use of Cloud Storage ?
Moreover it has changed the perspective of the data storage becoming the primary option for storing data online for many users. Today the most popular cloud service providers are the Google drive, Microsoft azure and Dropbox. Even though the cloud has opened the door for many organizations and personal users still there are some considerations that has to be made. Unlike a traditional hard drive where all the informations are stored physically, the data present in the cloud are stored in virtual servers. Therefore the major difference between a traditional hard drive and a cloud storage is its access. Similarly there are some advantages and disadvantages as well.Â
Moreover it has changed the perspective of the data storage becoming the primary option for storing data online for many users. Today the most popular cloud service providers are the Google drive, Microsoft azure and Dropbox. Even though the cloud has opened the door for many organizations and personal users still there are some considerations that has to be made. Unlike a traditional hard drive where all the informations are stored physically, the data present in the cloud are stored in virtual servers. Therefore the major difference between a traditional hard drive and a cloud storage is its access. Similarly there are some advantages and disadvantages as well.Â
In this article, let's focus on the 5 advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage | pros and cons of cloud storage. At last from this post, you will know all the benefits, risks and drawbacks involved in using cloud storage services.Â
Let's get started,
1. CostÂ
When the need for more storage space increases, automatically the expenses increases as well. Comparing to this the cloud storage is highly affordable. Cloud providers purchase lot of storage space and provide them to their customers for their savings. But still it is more than cost per GB consumption. Additionally there is no need to purchase any hardware component here. Purchasing and maintaining of hardware can be expensive. Hence the electricity and hardware costs are significantly cut down. Instead of this organization can focus more on improving their business tasks. Overall the cloud storage cost may be most convenient for corporations and small business organizations.Â
2. AccessibilityÂ
When you upload your files to a cloud storage, you can access it at any given time, only thing you need is an internet access. It is most beneficial to organizations which has large number of workers residing in remote locations. Moreover people who are always on the move can also be benefited.Â
3. RecoveryÂ
In the event of backup, cloud storage has significant advantages. In case of any hard drive failure you can access your files using a cloud storage. Cloud storage provides flexible backup solutions if there is anything wrong. Moreover with a cloud storage there is always a second copy available. Hence you don't need to worry about the damaged or lost data. Backup plan is a must for every business organization for an emergency. In fact there can be huge losses to the company if there is no proper backup plan made.Â
4. SecurityÂ
Primary concern of every business organization is data security. Once the data is stored in the cloud, the business owners can make sure that it is safe. Cloud service providers add more than 1 layers for the security. These additional layers ensure that there is no unauthorized access to the files stored. Which means that there is always a second copy available in case of any hardware failure.Â
5. SynchronizationÂ
Synchronization is an easy option in a cloud storage. Hence users are in no stress of updating and moving files from one device to another. When the files are stored in the cloud whatever the change you make to them will be automatically synced and updated. So that whenever it is accessed from any of the device it will be showing the updated version of the files.Â
1. Network Connection dependencyÂ
In order for acquiring the cloud storage you must have a proper network connection. Cloud storage systems depend entirely on an internet connection. Which means that you cannot access clouds without an internet connection. In the event of a slow internet connection too you can be in trouble. Therefore you must always keep in mind that there are many areas without a reliable network connection.Â
2. Limited BandwidthÂ
Limited bandwidth offered by the cloud providers is another issue in storing files. While transferring smaller files does not require much bandwidth, the transfer of large files such as audio will require some serious amount of bandwidth usage. Especially this can be problematic if you don't have a speedy internet connection. And also if any organization surpasses the given bandwidth limitations they have to pay an extra charge.
3. PrivacyÂ
Same as a physical storage, the user has no control over the data privacy in cloud storage. Still it is a mystery on who controls the privacy, whether it is the cloud service provider, the client or the company.Â
4. Lack of ControlÂ
There is no assurity that the data stored in the cloud storage is perfectly secured. Especially for large business organizations that needs high level of customization. Since that data is stored in remote servers located in different locations, users lack the ability to control them. Hence the cloud providers are unable to fulfill the data controlling needs.Â
5. SupportÂ
In the event of any technical issues, you might have no other choice but to call your cloud service providers. Cloud storage lacks on the side of support. Especially if you are a user who uses free version of cloud storage. However many cloud service providers instruct their clients to refer online forums or FAQs for a technical advice.
Let's get started,
Advantages of Cloud Storage
1. CostÂ
When the need for more storage space increases, automatically the expenses increases as well. Comparing to this the cloud storage is highly affordable. Cloud providers purchase lot of storage space and provide them to their customers for their savings. But still it is more than cost per GB consumption. Additionally there is no need to purchase any hardware component here. Purchasing and maintaining of hardware can be expensive. Hence the electricity and hardware costs are significantly cut down. Instead of this organization can focus more on improving their business tasks. Overall the cloud storage cost may be most convenient for corporations and small business organizations.Â
2. AccessibilityÂ
When you upload your files to a cloud storage, you can access it at any given time, only thing you need is an internet access. It is most beneficial to organizations which has large number of workers residing in remote locations. Moreover people who are always on the move can also be benefited.Â
3. RecoveryÂ
In the event of backup, cloud storage has significant advantages. In case of any hard drive failure you can access your files using a cloud storage. Cloud storage provides flexible backup solutions if there is anything wrong. Moreover with a cloud storage there is always a second copy available. Hence you don't need to worry about the damaged or lost data. Backup plan is a must for every business organization for an emergency. In fact there can be huge losses to the company if there is no proper backup plan made.Â
4. SecurityÂ
Primary concern of every business organization is data security. Once the data is stored in the cloud, the business owners can make sure that it is safe. Cloud service providers add more than 1 layers for the security. These additional layers ensure that there is no unauthorized access to the files stored. Which means that there is always a second copy available in case of any hardware failure.Â
5. SynchronizationÂ
Synchronization is an easy option in a cloud storage. Hence users are in no stress of updating and moving files from one device to another. When the files are stored in the cloud whatever the change you make to them will be automatically synced and updated. So that whenever it is accessed from any of the device it will be showing the updated version of the files.Â
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
1. Network Connection dependencyÂ
In order for acquiring the cloud storage you must have a proper network connection. Cloud storage systems depend entirely on an internet connection. Which means that you cannot access clouds without an internet connection. In the event of a slow internet connection too you can be in trouble. Therefore you must always keep in mind that there are many areas without a reliable network connection.Â
2. Limited BandwidthÂ
Limited bandwidth offered by the cloud providers is another issue in storing files. While transferring smaller files does not require much bandwidth, the transfer of large files such as audio will require some serious amount of bandwidth usage. Especially this can be problematic if you don't have a speedy internet connection. And also if any organization surpasses the given bandwidth limitations they have to pay an extra charge.
3. PrivacyÂ
Same as a physical storage, the user has no control over the data privacy in cloud storage. Still it is a mystery on who controls the privacy, whether it is the cloud service provider, the client or the company.Â
4. Lack of ControlÂ
There is no assurity that the data stored in the cloud storage is perfectly secured. Especially for large business organizations that needs high level of customization. Since that data is stored in remote servers located in different locations, users lack the ability to control them. Hence the cloud providers are unable to fulfill the data controlling needs.Â
5. SupportÂ
In the event of any technical issues, you might have no other choice but to call your cloud service providers. Cloud storage lacks on the side of support. Especially if you are a user who uses free version of cloud storage. However many cloud service providers instruct their clients to refer online forums or FAQs for a technical advice.
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