Storing data has always been a task of great importance. It’s essential to find ways to do it conveniently and, most importantly, securely. In the past, data centers and hard drives were the go-to methods for data storage. Over the last decade, cloud storage has developed into a much better solution for both individual and business use.
This article will explain exactly why going fully digital with your storage solutions wins over traditional storage methods.
The main benefits of cloud over physical storage
As mentioned above, convenience and security are two key elements for users regarding how they want to store their data. Data must be easily accessible and quickly sharable while remaining protected from outside threats and intrusions. Cloud storage has many benefits over physical methods in this regard, such as:
Accessibility
Nobody wants to go through a lot of trouble to access their data. The process needs to be as seamless and efficient as possible. Files stored on a cloud can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. On the contrary physical storage can only be accessed from where it is physically located. This allows much easier shareability capabilities within and across organizations.
Personal users also benefit by switching to the cloud. Instead of carrying around USB sticks to bring important files, they can access the cloud from anywhere and get the job done. This is also way more secure, considering the high probability of losing a small device like a flash drive, which brings us to the next point.
Security
Perhaps the main pitfall of physical storage solutions is their vulnerability to theft, loss, and damage. Losing a laptop is a common occurrence. Unless your data was saved on the cloud, you would lose it with your laptop. This presents a major security risk as anyone who gets their hand on your laptop can now access your data.
Virtual data vaults, similarly to other types of cybersecurity tools such as Virtual Private Networks, usually employ the most up-to-date security measures within their . There is strict access control, requiring several authentication methods to get in. The data is also encrypted, and you can easily back it up to further lessen the risk of loss.
Reliability
Physical storage is prone to physical damage and data corruption or loss issues. Meanwhile, the servers behind cloud storage are stable, meaning you can rely on them to access your data anytime. Reliability is a critical factor, particularly for businesses. If you lose or can’t access your critical data, you won’t be able to run critical areas of your business, leading to downtimes and financial loss.
Cost-effectiveness
Large organizations used to spend hundreds of thousands on data centers. While the most advanced cloud solutions are still quite pricey, they’re nowhere near those figures. Small businesses and individuals can benefit from these cost savings, as they usually don’t require large amounts of storage space.
But the main cost-effectiveness benefit of the cloud is that it eliminates the need for regular maintenance. You’re not relying on hardware that you need to store, clean, and cool to have it running 24/7. Furthermore, with the advancement in cloud technology and increased competition, cloud storage prices are expected to drop throughout the upcoming years.
Scalability
Another benefit that ties into cost-effectiveness is scalability. You can easily scale cloud storage up or down to meet changing storage needs. In contrast, scaling up physical storage requires additional hardware and configuration, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Many cloud storage providers offer a pay-per-use model, where users only pay for the amount of storage they actually use. This allows users to scale up to virtually unlimited storage capacity by adding more resources to the cloud.
There are many cloud storage solutions out there
The five advantages we covered above are quite general. In reality, by doing some research, you’ll find that different cloud solutions offer way more unique benefits than traditional storage options. In a way, that’s a benefit in itself. With that many options, you can find a solution that best fits your needs.
For example, some storage solutions specialize in offering easy file sharing and collaboration. Others are great for integrating with other services, allowing users to collaborate in real-time. If security is your main priority, you can choose a solution with the best security features.
After over a decade, the cloud storage market has become fairly mature. You can expect even more innovation further down the line.
Final thoughts
Data storage has become a challenge for businesses and individuals. As the amount of data we store increases, we need better solutions that are easily accessible and secure enough to protect us from common threats. The cloud offers many benefits over traditional data storage. Strong access control makes it way more difficult for unauthorized users to penetrate. On top of that, it’s much more easily accessible and reliable.
With even more innovation expected in the field, the cloud is the limit to how cloud technology will further revolutionize how we store data.
