Cloud storage is a service that helps you to access your data, no matter your geographical location. With the help of cloud storage, you can manage, maintain, and back up your data easily. All you need is a stable Internet connection and there you have it.
Moreover, there are a number of providers which give you cloud storage services. Some of the providers focus on improving your user experience while others provide you with optimized security. Eventually helping you to keep your data encrypted. Check out the pCloud review to get related details on this topic.
Depending on different providers cloud storage gives you free space from 2GB to 50GB. However, if your data exceeds the limits then they offer you paid subscriptions, and the cost depends on the space you want.
Thinking of Availing a Cloud Storage Subscription?
Well, before you avail yourself of any cloud storage subscriptions, it’s essential to get the idea of how cloud storage can be beneficial to you and what are some of the disadvantages of using cloud storage.
Advantages Of Cloud Storage
Security
If you are running an online business, whether big or small, you are thinking of using cloud storage. But before you utilize the cloud storage service, you get concerned about the security of your data. Here comes the role of cloud storage security management.
Your data is more secure in cloud storage from hackers than being in your local hard device. Cloud storage servers are protected professionally, with advanced firewall protection and encryption keys keeping your data safe from prying eyes.
Easy to Use
Cloud storage services have easy-to-use user interfaces. You don’t have to stress learning how to use the application. Google Drive is an exponential example of simple user interference. In which you can easily upload and download your files.
Accessibility
Cloud storage is a great option when you don’t want to carry your local hard device around. It enables you to access your data from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Partnering with an IT support company is the best way to find which cloud storage solution is right for your business, taking into account factors such as the size of your business, the amount of data you need to store, and your budget.
Syncing
If you are working on your file on your PC and went outside. Cloud storage helps you to continue editing your file from your phone.
This occurs due to the syncing feature of cloud storage. Hence, whenever you make changes to a document, it is synced and the changes are updated across all the devices, from which you make the use of cloud storage.
Recovery
In case your hard drive is malfunctioning or it has stopped working, you can get access to your data from your cloud. It works wonders as a backup for your local storage on the physical device.
Cost-Efficient
Buying physical storage could be very expensive. Cloud storage is a much cheaper and better option to go for because it’s less costly per GB than external drives.
Collaboration
Cloud computing infrastructure is well known for providing smooth and safe communications. This facilitates employees from different regions to collaborate and work conveniently.
Speed
Surely, it solely depends on the cloud storage provider, however, cloud storage can simultaneously backup your data on different servers much faster than backing up your data through your organization’s hard drive.
Unlimited Storage
Cloud storage has a computing space, which is nearly infinite. You can enhance your cloud space by paying nominal monthly fees. Some cloud storage providers like pCloud offer you a lifetime storage subscription offer.
Reliability
Last but not least, cloud storage can benefit your business with reliability. It gives you constant notifications of updates if there are any. Eventually helping you to foster your business.
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
Internet Connection
We know cloud-based storage is totally dependent on your Internet connection. It means if you are having a slow network, you might face issues while accessing your data. In case you are somewhere far and have zero access to the Internet, you won’t be able to use cloud storage either.
Privacy
When you are using cloud storage you have no control over the privacy of your data, as it’s a mystery that we don’t know who is in charge of your privacy, whether it’s you as a client or the service provider.
Cost
If you want to download so many files and upload them on cloud storage, doing so you are exceeding the free storage limit, then there are additional charges that add up as your requirement for storage increases.
Hard Drives
It is supposed that cloud storage totally eliminates our dependability on hard drives, but it is not quite the reality. Some of the business cloud providers also need to use hard drives.
Support
Cloud providers don’t have the best customer support, especially when you are using the free version of cloud storage. They will refer you to only FAQs or to the knowledge base.
Bandwidth Limitations
Cloud storage companies provide you with limited bandwidth, if you surpass the bandwidth limitation, then you have to pay for it. While it’s important to keep in mind, while choosing a cloud provider, some vendors provide unlimited bandwidth.
Features
All cloud providers are different from each other. Sometimes cloud providers offer you only the limited versions of cloud storage, allowing you to use only popular features. So you can’t get the leverage of every feature or customize the things you want.
Downtime
You might face downtimes while using your cloud storage. This can happen if your cloud provider is facing a power failure, poor Internet connection, or some maintenance of services is being carried out.
Lack of Control
No one can guarantee that your data is perfectly secured in cloud storage. The data centers are located remotely in different geographical locations, hence it becomes hard for the providers to control data. It’s specifically for the large business companies which need high levels of customization.
Data Management
Management of your data could be a hassle, as cloud storage systems have their own structures.
Cloud vendor’s system might not comply with your existing system of managing your storage.
Fixed Contracts
Sometimes the cloud storage providers lure you into long-term contracts. Meaning if your needs for using cloud storage are decreased, you still have to pay for the storage you are not even using.
Vulnerability to Attacks
The Internet isn’t perfectly secure, keeping that in view. Let us talk about what might happen to your highly secret business information if saved in the cloud? With your high-profile business information stored in cloud storage, there is a risk of hackers stealing that valuable information.
Conclusion
Even though cloud storage does constitute several security threats, it is not a perfect match for all business types. We shouldn’t ignore the advantages that cloud storage can provide us for our business and personal use. Certainly, the threats will get knocked out as more optimized and secure versions of cloud storage are released in the market.
