Another Space Another Cloud
On a bright sunny day, we look up and see different shape and form of clouds. This is similar to cloud computing, it comes in different formats and platforms. You may ask yourself what exactly is cloud computing. The “Cloud” refer to a server that allow us to store, process, or manage data. It can also use as a network of multiple servers. This method increase the convenience of accessing our personal or online data by avoiding using any hard drive or person’s computer.
A common analogy of the cloud can refer to a power grid. Cloud computing is equivalent to plugging into a central power grid rather than producing your own power. Simply, a cloud is a space, where people can ‘do’ and ‘store’ things. Whenever they want to revisit the space, they just need to have acess to the internet or network. With this technology, users are easily able to reach their files, documents, media, etc. from a computer, a device, a tablet, etc. To ensure the storage of the data and information safe and secure, the cloud service company tend to copy multiple times onto another set of servers. Therefore, when one server collapse or crash, there are always back up and able to recover the data. Also, assist the users to contain a better and stronger back up of their own personal data.
There are three types of cloud services: Public cloud, Private cloud and Hybrid cloud. Public cloud are managed by service providers that deliver through secure internet connection to customers. Private cloud are assessible only to limited number of people within the service. Hybrid cloud service uses both public and private cloud to perform distinct function within the same network.
Here are some examples of cloud-based services….
Google drive: This cloud services focus on more document storage, for example you are able to create a document to write notes and create your own powerpoint, which allow to share with any user via gmail. It contain of free 15GB of storage and you are able to store photos, videos, presentations, PDFs, and other documents. All the files in drive is kept private. In order to share it, you can select from your contact or invite other. Moreover, the security side of this service is encrypted using SSL, the exact identical security protocol used on Gmail and other Google services.
Apple iCloud: One of the most famous and well-known cloud service, iCloud. This service comes with free 5GB and able to upgrade up to 2TB. It able you to stores pictures, videos, documents, apps, songs and more. They have differnet features that organize the way you store, for example family sharing, it allow up to 6 members of family or friends to share iTunes, iBooks, and App Store purchases. This way it expand the ability of cloud service and users are able to enjoy more files with others.
Dropbox: Due to it’s reliability, Dropbox is easily one of most common used cloud services. It provide 2TB (2048GB) of storage space for any files, ranging from document to media. Also require two-factor of authentication, which increase the security and safety of the users. Keep in mind, those specification is from the standard package. There are greater storage space and stronger protection for advanced and enterprise uses.
Overall, from the examples above, they are all alternatives for external and internal hard-drives and USB sticks and other storage method requiring physical objects. Farewell, to the old fashion way of storage and losing information and welcome the invisible and reliable way of storage, the cloud.
