The Cloud: Advantages and Disadvantages

Cloud Storage is a service where data is remotely maintained, managed, and backed up. The service allows the users to store files online, so that they can access them from any location via the Internet. It consists of massive farms of servers. The name derives from the fact that data and software are all delivered as a service over the Internet rather than as a product that sits in your hard drive.

Let’s look into some of the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud Storage.

Cloud Computing Advantages

• Cost efficiency – The biggest reason behind shifting to cloud computing is that it takes considerably lesser cost than an on-premise technology. Now the companies need not store the data in disks anymore as the Cloud offers enormous space available saving money and resources of the companies.
• High Speed – Cloud computing lets you deploy the service quickly in fewer clicks. This quick deployment lets you get the resources required for your system within fewer minutes.
• Excellent accessibility – Storing the information in cloud allows you to access it anywhere, anytime regardless of the machine making it highly accessible and flexible technology of present times.
• Back-up and restore data – Once the data is stored in Cloud, it is easier to get the back-up and recovery of that, which is quite a time taking process on-premise. Your files are easy to recover, even if your phone, tablet, or laptop is lost or stolen. And some cloud services automatically transfer, or sync, files between your various digital devices including phones and PCs. 

Cloud Computing Disadvantages

• Security issues – At time storing data in cloud may pose serious challenge of information theft in front of the company. Though advanced security measures are deployed on cloud, still storing a confidential data in cloud can be a risky affair.
• Low bandwidth – At times the bandwidth is low as many users are accessing cloud at the same time which causes its bandwidth to go down. With less speed the benefits of cloud computing cannot be realized.
• Flexibility issues – The cloud services run on remote servers which make it hard for the companies to have control over software and hardware. The services at times do not run the way it should.
• Accessibility: If you have no internet connection, you have no access to your data. 

My Favorite Cloud Services

• Dropbox: It gives you 2 Gb for free but you can add extra Gb space by referring the service to your friends or paying. Dropbox makes backup of the folder installed on your PC or Mac and it uploads automatically photos and videos from your mobile o tablet device. It allows you to edit documents and files (if you have installed the Microsoft Office Suite).
• GoogleDrive: It gives you 15 Gb for free shared and connected to all the Google Services you may have (Gmail, Documents, Photos etc.). It also gives you the ability to edit documents online. It is probably the most complete option to work cooperatively with students.
• iCloud: A "must have" service if you own a Mac or iPhone/iPad. It makes a restore backup in case your device is lost or broken. It directs media (files, music, video, photos...) to other Apple devices you may own.

In order to increase the security of your information and files I recommend you to save your documents in, at least, two cloud computing services. In case one service is down you will be able to access your files from the other.