What is the distinction between cloud computing and cloud storage?

The cloud is significant in today’s world as it provides users with two primary services; cloud computing and cloud storage. The two services differ. However, most people often interchange the terms.

So how do cloud computing and cloud storage differ? Below we’ll dive deeply into the two concepts and help you differentiate cloud storage from cloud computing.

What is cloud storage?

At one point in time, you may have used some cloud storage. It may be through Dropbox or Google Drive. Cloud storage, in simple terms, is a file and data storage medium. The data storage occurs on a virtual server instead of actual devices. Thus, the chances of data loss are minimal.

One of the main benefits of cloud storage is that you can access your data from anywhere and anytime in the world. You can also share the data with anyone you want. In short, cloud storage ensures that data is secure and ready for use.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing involves using cloud computers to carry out high-end processing and simple application tasks over the internet. It means the performance of any computational tasks apart from storage.

Cloud computing delivers cost efficiencies and processing power necessary to support the machine learning fields. The main merit of cloud computing is that it can meet the computing needs of businesses or the general public. Some of the tasks it accomplishes include:

· Running websites, mobile apps, and web applications

· Processing data sets for evaluation

The top ways cloud storage differs from cloud computing

As you can note from the above definitions, cloud storage and cloud computing serve different purposes. Here are the top distinguishing elements:

· Cloud computing needs little storage space compared to cloud storage.

· Cloud computing needs more extensive processing power compared to cloud storage.

· Cloud computing offers you the chance to transform and work remotely. For instance, you can code applications remotely. On the other hand, cloud storage only provides a data sharing and storage medium.

· Cloud storage is suitable for business and general public use, while cloud computing is ideal for businesses.

Cloud storage or cloud computing: which is best for your business?

Both cloud computing and cloud storage are vital for your business. In most offices, cloud computing requires solutions that can help you carry out your job from anywhere. In such cases, the best options include:

· Application hosting

· Software-as-a-Service, such as Google Docs.

· Desktop virtualization

You can consider managed cloud hosting services or public cloud storage for cloud storage. Some of the most common public cloud storage services you can use include: iCloud, Google, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS.

If you run a sensitive business, managed cloud hosting services are better for you than public cloud storage. It involves the use of outside firms to monitor, maintain, and design your application and data storage.

Wrapping Up

Cloud computing and cloud storage serve different functions. The difference between the two cloud solutions is very clear. Cloud computing involves computing processes, while cloud storage is data storage. For most businesses, cloud usage consists of both computing and storage.