Why Cloud Data?
In our fast-paced world of technology, there are increasing numbers of people amassing vast amounts of data. Whether you’re an individual with a smartphone looking to save and share photos or an organisation that wants to secure company information, the ‘cloud’ is an essential tool that can help keep you clear from a fog of files.
Read on to find out what cloud storage is, how is cloud data stored and what it can do for you or your business.
Know your Cloud: What is Cloud Storage?
We’re not talking cumulonimbus here so perhaps that’s the best place to start- it’s important to know your ‘cloud storage’ from your ‘cloud computing’ and to swiftly redirect anyone looking for a weather forecast.
‘Cloud storage’ involves saving data on hardware in remote locations, put simply this is when you send your files elsewhere for safekeeping to stop them clogging up your computer or smartphone. Your data is then housed in data centres that make it available to you online via the internet. Cloud storage systems often include hundreds of data servers connected together but they can also be as small as just a single server. So, your favourite ‘cloud in the sky’ could be winging its way to your device from a server anywhere in the world from sunny India to snowy Norway.
‘Cloud computing’ involves the same principles as cloud storage to keep your files flying high. Users still connect to a remote infrastructure through a network but the key difference is that the infrastructure shares resources such as processing power and software. The technical side can get a bit hazy here but some big-name examples might help clear things up- Facebook, webmail services like Gmail and online banking apps are all services powered by cloud computing. This means users can enjoy lightning-fast processing power without having to maintain or update the system themselves.
Cloud Clarity: how does it all work?
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to the magic of cloud storage
- Your photos (cats, babies, holiday snaps) are taking up space on your phone
- You decide to store them in the cloud to clear the file fog, subscribe to a cloud storage provider and send copies of your photos over the internet
- The data server (say in snowy Norway or sunny India) then stores your photos
- You later decide to send a picture of your cat (currently in the cloud) to your boss
- You retrieve the photo via a web-based interface (phone, tablet, computer)
- The server sends you the file or allows you access to the server to edit the photo
- You then send an edited cat photo from the server to your boss – who is hopefully a cat person
Weather puns and cat pictures aside, cloud storage can offer important, everyday solutions for your data. Without the cloud, businesses need to rely on physical storage solutions such as hard drives to store all their files and documents. These object storage systems often run out of space and can be broken or damaged, making it harder to ensure your files are safe and secure. Recovering data from a broken hard drive is best carried out by a data recovery specialist, such as Datraction, but with the cloud, you don’t need to worry about data loss caused by physical damage. It is difficult to recover deleted files or files from a broken hard drive so the cloud ensures you can always access your data.
Smooth Sailing: cloud storage types
Amidst multiple cloud storage solutions, it can be helpful to know what different services are on offer to navigate through the different types. There are four main types of cloud storage: personal cloud storage, private cloud storage, public cloud storage and hybrid cloud storage.
- Personal cloud storage: personal cloud storage allows users to store personal data from music to photos, videos and movies. It is enabled via a network-attached device (mobile, laptop or tablet) owned by the user so it functions as a personal cloud drive.
- Private cloud storage: private cloud storage uses on-location servers owned by the same company that wants data storage. The company can manage their own cloud storage while benefiting from having additional file space.
- Public cloud storage: Public cloud storage is available via a third-party and examples include Google Drive, Amazon AWS cloud storage or Microsoft Azure cloud storage. The infrastructure is run and maintained by the cloud storage providers and users pay for the service.
- Hybrid cloud storage: Hybrid cloud storage is exactly as it sounds and uses a combination of public, private and data centre offers. Typically, this involves combining resources managed by a public cloud service managed by a third party.
Cloud Opportunities versus Obstacles
Cloud storage offers a range of opportunities for simple data access that frees up space but there are also some obstacles that might make for stormy weather along the way. Below are a couple of key considerations for you to think about when it comes to saving your files for a rainy day.
Opportunities:
There are many opportunities offered by cloud storage systems that can help you to weigh up the benefits of storing data remotely.
No limits
Cloud storage of all types can provide a space for uploading files that stops your devices from getting clogged up with unnecessary data. The cloud can store all file sizes and types from photos, videos, music, movies and lots more. There are also no limits on where to access your files as long as you have a device and internet connection. You just need to log in to your account and you can upload or download files from anywhere in the world. The cloud also enables you to link up to other devices such as your smartphone or tablet so you can access your files wherever you are. This means you can share content with other users, friends, family or work colleagues within your company when on the go. With shareable content, businesses can also run smoothly across multiple locations as work members can access and edit files and collaborate on projects.
Data Recovery
In case you do experience any issues with hardware then it is also important to keep your data secure in the cloud. Disaster recovery can be swift if your uploaded files have been stored in the cloud as it will enable you to recover permanently deleted files. The cloud offers peace of mind in case of any damaged hardware so you can rest assured that your files are accessible whenever you need them. Recovering files from a broken hard drive or object storage devices often require expert assistance and these problems can be avoided if you back up your files in the cloud.
Obstacles:
In addition to the many opportunities offered by cloud storage systems, there are also obstacles to consider in your journey to keeping your data secure.
Security
Cloud storage services use password protection, encryption software, firewalls and host your files across multiple locations to ensure the maximum security possible for your files. As with all technology, however, there is the chance that content might become vulnerable to unauthorised access. In these cases, passwords might be hacked so you must trust your cloud storage provider to take the right precautions and ensure your files are secure. Cloud data is also more secure than keeping your valuable information on devices that might be hacked or even broken or lost as frequently happens.
Costs
There are some costs involved when relying on a cloud storage service. Cloud services ensure that data is stored securely and that you can easily access your files anywhere at any time so you need to pay for the service. There is no limit to the size of files you can store in the cloud and so it can be a small price to pay if you want to use additional benefits such as file-sharing of large amounts of data. With a trusted provider, you will only pay for the data that you need and the ease of mind that is afforded as a result will be well worth it. Pay-as-you-go methods also make it just as easy as paying a utility so maintaining your data is smooth and stress-free.
Outlook – Cloudy with a chance of data
Cloud data storage is a simple and easy way to protect and store your data. As a solution, it ensures the smooth running of your devices and that your data can be accessed anywhere in the world at any time. Data is safe and secure with a trusted provider, once you have uploaded files to the cloud there are security measures in place that include encryptions, password protection and firewalls. Businesses and professionals can benefit from being able to collaborate on content through file sharing and working remotely across multiple locations. The outlook for cloud storage is bright, there are no limits to the amount or type of data you can store in the cloud, freeing up valuable hard drives and headspace.
For Help Recovering Your Data, Turn to The Data Recovery Specialists
If you need help recovering your data or tech support with how to access your files, contact Datraction today. At Datraction, we’re experts in the field of data recovery and can help recover your files from any device anywhere in the UK. Our team of specialists thrive on fixing even the most challenging of problems. Since setting up shop in 2012, we’ve become one of the UK’s most trusted and reliable services for data recovery. Get in touch today for a quote.
