Online backup and cloud storage are two recent developments in technology modern business cannot do without. There’s a wide range of features such as safety, accessibility and collaboration at the forefront of its acceptance. There are also a number of benefits and features to both. Popular to common belief, though, they are actually quite different. In this article we will clearly outline the difference, features, benefits and shortcomings of both cloud storage and online backup.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage, simply put, refers to the selection of files and a central place to host these files. In some cases, the ability to edit these files among team or project members is also a key driver for its use. What differentiates cloud storage, in fact, is that unique files are selected. There are two types of cloud storage that are commonly used which will provide the easiest definition of the service.
Cloud storage is a central, easily accessible hub, (often through a browser) where users can create, visit, view and share documents or other files through the interface. They can access them from web or if that doesn’t appeal, alternatively, they can install a desktop application on their computer. A recent development in cloud storage has been the accessibility from mobile – which is a huge point considering the increasing trend and adoption of smart devices.
[Tweet “Cloud storage is hugely convenient for a wide range of users. Some of the benefits include:”]- Collaboration with workers and colleagues
- Sharing photos of family events
- Simply accessing key information to do with your life on the move.
It is still, however, limited in some effects. Some of its key disadvantages include:
- Lack of automatic backups
- Big data management capabilities
- Manual backups
So what is Online Backup then?
An online cloud backup is designed intrinsically to protect all of the data on a system or server so that your firm, family or any other data centre are immune against the loss of ALL information. What’s also nice – you don’t have to select the files, it stores a backup of everything.
Generally speaking, online cloud backups bear the features of excellent security, unlimited data backups, automation, and the ability to restore data. In reality, it shares a lot of the features of cloud storage, even in the fact that it is indeed cloud storage of data. However, it can be applied to a wider range of types.
[Tweet “Some types of data attractive to online backups include:”]- Virtual machines
- Applications
- Sensitive or frequently required documents.
Side note: Many online backup companies and solution providers allow users the ability to access their information on phones, tablets as well as computers.
Which one is right for you? Here’s our 2 cents on the matter:
As with any service for a business or personal life, it really comes down to the security and accessibility that you require. If you and some friends want to share pictures of yourselves skateboarding or doing cool things on the go, then cloud storage is a perfect fit for you. The same could be said for some friends who are working collaboratively on documents or creative pieces.
If you’re in the business of being legitimately worried about losing your data, then you could manually back up your cloud storage, or engage with the services of a backup provider.
In most cases, we recommend using both, so you know that your data is safe, accessible and you’re protected against potential data loss disasters.
Why not start with pCloud and see how this goes with you? Try it now and get your free 10GB of space!