Cloud services. The storage was only the beginning.
Convenient. Effective. Safe?
Almost every business implies to keep track and use of the data and important files. Be sure, you would be tired to copy information from computer to flash drive and transfer it to your home computer again and again. What about carrying a laptop to work constantly? Your device can be stolen or physically broken, can’t it? Moreover, it is relevant to be sure that you can’t lost the information due to some computer failure or computer hacking. So, in my opinion, it isn’t convenient enough.
In addition, to make an effective implementation of the task, a head of the project needs to provide an access to important information for each member of the team on any computer or device.
Due to this reason, it became necessary to create a special service, which helps both individuals and businesses to keep their information on special servers. Such services are called cloud data storages.
Looking deeper
Cloud storage is a model of online data storage, where data is stored on distributed network servers, specially provided to customers. The physical storage encompasses multiple servers (and, as a rule, locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company. The data is stored, as well and processed in the so-called cloud that represents from the point of view of the customer, one large virtual server.
What if a cloud server located far away from me? Will it slow my team down?
When you are going to transmit data over long distances, there is a delay. So, if you often have to transfer huge amount of data or run applications required fast response, it would be better if a cloud server will be geographically closer to you. But for simple programs on a remote server (as text editors) the distance doesn’t affect speed.
What happenes when the data center servers were affected by a hurricane or flood?
It depends on the infrastructure which is used of this cloud service. Large providers typically have several data centers that are physically removed from each other. So, if one of them fails, the service switches the system to another data center where the data was reserved invisibly to the customer.
If a company need to work with complex calculations, will the cloud help?
Cloud services usually have a sufficient power margin. So, you can solve analytical problem that requires high computing and process Big Data. Big data analytics tools help to select personalized offers to customers, to predict performance or any other purpose.
If your project doesn’t need so much power, it can be reduced in order not to pay extra.
Try to make a right choice
Cloud storages have different shaped and forms, depending on their providers. Now, cloud service is a competitive field, so each provider tries to offer new features for its customers.
Providers are focused on different aspects of the service to stand out from others. Some services try to offer a great amount of free storage, other to reduce the sum you have to pay or to increase the space you will get for it (looking ahead, sooner or later, free storage can run out, for example, in the situation, when you need to backup).
Furthermore, you should pay attention on operating systems, supported by the storage. Ideally, your team should be able to use data files from more than one device — working at office as well at home, as an example, without coping the documents is excellent for effectivity.
Be inspired by cloud services which became more than just a storage.
1. Google drive
Google offers a great number of features in its cloud storage. It provides 15 GB of free cloud space for clients.
Speaking about security level, we should notice that the password of the account must contains at least 8 characters. However, the requirements for case-sensitive or a different letters and numbers when signing up to Google are missing. In order to increase the liability of account, Google offers two-factor authentication. Even though Google Drive uses HTTPS, it doesn’t provide its own service for file encryption. For this purpose you can use other programs. In general, the security service of online storage from Google depends on the security of your Gmail ID.
The next function will be relevant for businesses. Google Drive offers a range of individual options to share. Using settings, you can determine who can have access to the file, who can upload, edit, etc. Boss can view versions of files on Google Drive. So, if you need a previous one, you can get it by clicking on the right mouse button on the required file and selecting the option ‘version Control’.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the most popular provider, concentrated only on data storage both for personal and commercial purposes. Dropbox offers 2 GB of free space.
As Dropbox approves, its main priority was security. You can use two-factor authentication, which requires entering one-time password to log in account. Moreover, you can monitor connected devices, linked application and the browsing history to prevent identity theft. However, Dropbox doesn’t provide encryption files before uploading to the server.
- Backup your files easily
- Use with the desktop software or mobile app
- It supports a wide range of file formats
- PRO
Special for working together Dropbox created Paper. It is a collaborative workspace, where colleagues can create and share their ideas. It is possible to work with any data from videos and images to sound and program code here — all in one place. This function is attached to the free Dropbox.
Summarise:
Cloud services are becoming multi-task and cheaper. According to researches, 85% of the small business segment will have moved to the cloud in the US by 2020. Moreover, the cloud allows you to save money — now companies do not need to build their own IT infrastructure, to purchase expensive hardware, hiring additional IT professionals.
Pay just for what you need. If necessary you can always connect additional resources.
