How Does Cloud Storage Work?
The cloud storage market is expected to be worth more than $222 billion by 2027, driven in part by the sheer number of businesses incorporating cloud technology into their daily operations.
For example, 94% of enterprises already use at least one cloud service and 30% of all IT budgets is spent on cloud computing.
Cloud storage offers companies a number of impressive benefits, which we’ll get into later, but it can be a difficult area to understand if it’s new to you. In this post, we’ll explore how cloud storage works and what it could do for your business.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is an online solution for keeping files of all types safe and secure. It’s similar to storing them on your hard drive or USB drive, only they’re not restricted to a single, physical location — they’re stored on servers instead.
You’ll connect to at least one server whenever you use a cloud storage service to access your files. These will be located in one or more of the many data centers across the globe, depending on your service provider of choice.
Your files will be sent over the Internet through a manual or automated process, and these will be forwarded on to numerous servers.
Many data servers are involved in the average cloud storage system: this reduces the risk of data loss in the event of a technical issue or unforeseen disaster. If a single server requires maintenance or experiences a hardware failure, users can still access their files via another data server.
This constant availability is a huge reason why cloud storage solutions are so popular. Without it, files would be no more secure than they would be in an on-premise device.
So cloud storage essentially functions like a massive hard drive that you can access virtually but never touch. You can access it from anywhere via an internet connection and retrieve your files in the same condition they were in when you last worked on them.
How is cloud storage different from cloud computing?
It’s easy to assume cloud storage and cloud computing are the same — but that’s not the case.
The entire focus of cloud storage is, as you’ll know by now, storing items in the cloud.
As we’ve already discussed, cloud storage involves uploading files to off-site remote servers located in data centers. Your entire business may utilize cloud storage, with everything from financial information and pitch presentations to marketing content available in one or more accounts.
But cloud computing is entirely different. You’ll still connect to a remote infrastructure over the Internet, but it’s not just for storage. Instead, you’ll take advantage of shared software and other online resources rather than relying on your own on-site infrastructure exclusively.
Different types of cloud computing are available, including SaaS (Software as a Service). You’ll access the software through your browser instead, which eliminates the need to download and install software on your computer as you might have done before.
You don’t need to worry about freeing up space on your device to accommodate a new installation.
Cloud storage goes hand in hand with cloud storage: the files you work on through cloud-based software can be saved automatically into your private space.
And while cloud computing is primarily for businesses, cloud storage is available to users for personal and professional use. Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud storage services enable anyone with an account to store their own files and media.
Why should you consider cloud storage for your business?
If you’re uncertain about replacing or reinforcing your on-site storage with a cloud-based solution, the following benefits may help inspire you:
Convenient file-sharing and collaboration
Collaborating enables colleagues to pool their talents, share ideas, and present unexpected possibilities that take a piece of work (document, presentation, etc.) in exciting new directions.
And cloud storage makes collaborating remotely quick and easy. Two or more users may access a file and work on it together, no matter how many miles lie between them. They can share their comments and discuss their mutual edits in real time, as if they were working on it in the same room.
Or they can take it in turns: one user works on the file, uploads it, and one or more accesses the updated file from their device.
Files can be shared with any other user, including clients and freelancers, as long as they have permission to access it. This is simpler and more efficient than attaching documents to emails.
Security you can trust
The best cloud storage service providers employ sophisticated, state-of-the-art security technologies to bring users invaluable peace of mind.
These help to protect your files from unauthorized users and prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.
Data backup for disaster recovery and business continuity
Leveraging cloud storage solutions cuts the risk of losing precious files and data in the event of a disaster, such as a fire or burglary.
Your files will be stored safely in the cloud so you and your employees can access it from any location, on almost any internet-enabled device. This reduces costly downtime that may occur if you were to lose files with no way to retrieve them, and related delays or reputational damage.
Your team can also keep working even if they can’t access their usual computer or the office is unsafe for any reason. They’ll be ready to go if they have their logins and a device suitable for the task at hand.
Save money on on-site hardware
Cloud storage saves you from investing in on-site hardware, such as hard drives, and any maintenance or upgrades they require over time. Remote servers will be kept operational and efficient by the service provider.
Cloud storage offers businesses a number of vital benefits, whether you use cloud computing alongside it or prefer a more traditional infrastructure.
GenX’s Careforce IT service team will help you find the ideal cloud storage solutions for your business. We’ll create a bespoke plan to suit your unique requirements and goals, based on an in-depth understanding of your operations.
Want to learn more? Contact our team now!