Cloud storage offers its users the potential to share and access data remotely without accessing their local storage systems. In cloud storage, data is remotely backed up, managed, and maintained by cloud vendors.
Cloud services allow users the convenience to store files online. This means they can access them from any location with a stable working internet connection.
6 Advantages of Using Cloud Storage
Nowadays, many businesses have turned to cloud storage service for their data. Statistics show that by the end of 2021, cloud data centers will be processing up to 95 percent of all workloads.
Ideally, much of this shift is driven by cost-saving benefits. However, there are other added benefits businesses could harness from cloud storage use.
This post takes a closer look at some of the advantages your organization can benefit from using cloud storage solutions.
1. Enhanced Security
Are you familiar with the 3-2-1 backup rule?
Ideally, this rule encourages businesses to make three copies of their records. In this case, the first two are stored in two different storage types, and the third copies are kept off-site. In a way, this helps to protect your files and data should anything go wrong.
The general idea is that even if a disaster such as a fire wipes out the two copies available on-site, a third copy is still available and can be accessed easily.
Before the conceptualization of cloud storage, these third copies were mainly stored on disposable hard drives. Most of them were kept in storage lockers or archive rooms in a company.
This data storage method was hardly foolproof, and the data was quickly exposed to harm and theft. With a cloud-based solution, you can store a third copy of your data off-site and secure.
2. Cost
Businesses and individuals using cloud solutions are likely to lower their operating costs than those who use conventional storage methods.
Recent statistics show that the average price of 1 gigabyte of storage is around 3-4 cents. This is why we recommend moving your data to a third-party cloud service to reduce cluttering and to ease operations.
Cloud storage can help your organization save substantial capital costs as you don’t require any physical hardware investments.
Additionally, this also saves you the cost of hiring trained experts to maintain hardware as the cloud service provider carries out all these functions.
3. Accessibility and Usability
Many cloud services come with a more straightforward user interface and provide special features like drag and drop. An excellent example of this is iDrive from Apple or Google drive made by tech giant Google.
Both platforms share a similar feature since they have a simple interface, and you can upload your files online without requiring any technical expertise. For instance, if you have saved some data in an online drive using a mobile device, you can easily retrieve the data using a laptop or a computer with internet connectivity.
Again, this doesn’t matter with your current location. If you have a stable internet connection, you can access your data anytime since it’s stored in the online data centers.
4. Data Tiering
Most cloud storage providers offer different data tiers or storage classes. We recommend choosing based on how frequently and quickly you restore backups and how long you plan to keep the backups in storage.
If you have backups that require fast or regular restores, you should consider using the provider’s hot storage as retrieval. This process is quick and the most cost-efficient.
If you’re looking for long-term storage, you should consider moving the data to archive storage. While restores are slower, additional costs to retrieve data through the storage costs are moderately lower. This is a good plan, especially if you’re planning on keeping the backups for years.
5. Easy File Sharing
Many cloud-based providers offer file sharing features. This helps you to share your data and files with other users.
You have the option of sending files to another user, or you can invite many users to view your data. Again, most vendors also provide a cloud environment where two users can share their data using the same cloud service.
However, we only have a few vendors who offer cross-platform features for file sharing.
You can send large files the smart way with FileWhopper
6. Increased Mobility
With increased cloud accessibility, you can function anywhere in today’s thriving networking atmosphere. This means you can efficiently work from any location.
The recent COVID-19 saw a wave of many businesses moving online since many workers had to work remotely. Cloud services virtually made all that conceivable.
Many businesses are now using the cloud. If you have a business, this is the best time to improve it with cloud-based solutions like cloud storage.
Start right now as you are probably missing out on a lot on refining your digital tools for success. The benefits of cloud services are immense and will keep growing, so it’s time to tap into this gold mine.
Some other articles you might find of interest:
Marketing blogs you must follow as an entrepreneur:
29 Marketing Blogs Every Small Business Must Follow
Are you feeling cramped in your home office space? You might enjoy this article:
Home Office Design Ideas for Small Spaces