Cloud Storage and Cloud Backup are different
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to work from home. Working from home comes with many unfamiliar essential IT tools, and adds more IT terminologies and understandings to our IT masteries.
Cloud Storage and Cloud Backup are the two most mentioned topics. You will think Cloud Storage and Cloud Backup are services alike, but there are major differences between them.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud Storage means to store selected data and files in the cloud and accessed through the computer. Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud are popular cloud storage options.
Data owners can sign-in and access the saved files or databases using Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari via the Internet. Authorized users can also install an application and create a local folder to deposit data and make changes to it at their own devices. Files and modifications collected in these designated folders or databases at the device will update its copy stored in the cloud.
Cloud storage is best used in collaboration, sharing, or to access data when away. Cloud storage is generally more effective in a small capacity, and it is not for backup purposes. The previous versions of the stored data or files may not be available after the changes, not to mention keeping its historical change records.
Cloud Storage is best for the convenience of accesses. Often, the files and changes are stored and transmitted in its native format for easy access.
What Are Cloud Backups?
Cloud Backups are designed to back up large amounts of data, which includes files, databases, or even the complete system images. The goal of a Cloud Backup is to provide complete protection against system or data loss. With Cloud Backups, it makes it possible to minimize the system downtime by continuing business operations while restoring or rebuilding it. It is an essential tool in the Business Contingency Planning.
Because the information stored in the Cloud Backup is compressed and encrypted, it is not designed for native file-sharing or access it directly, as is Cloud Storage.
Cloud Backups are best to be designed and managed by professionals. With a proper plan, the process must be monitored, verified, and tested to ensure a successful recovery when the business needs it.
Cloud Backup is a standard tool to maintain information security. Backups are stored and transmitted in an encrypted and compressed format with versioning history and control.
In the past, the companies invested heavily and overbuilt a secured Backup/Recovery infrastructure to meet the business forever growing continuity goals. With today?s cloud technology, it makes it affordable for companies to take advantage of only to pay what they use and continue to grow without repeating investments and can be focusing in disaster recovery.
In summary, the advantage of using Cloud Storage is for convenience and collaborations. We maintain a Cloud Backup is for security, protection, and Business Continuity Planning.
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