About Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is a virtualized model of network-based storage in which data is stored on servers hosted remotely rather than on dedicated local servers. Cloud storage hosting is normally by a third party (public cloud) managing multiple virtual servers in a large data centre environment. Customers can buy or lease storage ‘pools’ which are rapidly scalable to meet their changing demands. A common usage is for data backup.

Cloud is a word that we are increasingly seeing in ad campaigns by all the major technology companies. The ads tout computing in the cloud as the next big thing in computing. And, it is truth is that there is a definite shift toward the use of cloud storage and computing among companies in Canada.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a relatively new option that is available to companies to house their data and information. Also referred to as online data storage, it involves relying on virtual storage facilities rather than data centers. In most cases, cloud storage is rented through a third party company that hosts your data.

It is these cloud storage companies that build huge data centers to storage data for multiple companies. Therefore, rather than creating physical back up files on disks and physically storing files at an offsite facility, companies can now back up their data virtually and send it to a third party cloud storage provider over the internet with a few clicks of their mouse.

In general, there are two main types of cloud storage to consider. They are public and private cloud. Public cloud exists outside of your company’s network and storage is often shared with multiple clients of the service providers, whereas private cloud storage is housed behind your company firewall. Depending on their storage needs, some companies use a hybrid approach and utilize both public and private cloud storage.

Reasons to use cloud

Here are some of the reasons why companies and individuals are turning to cloud for their storage needs:

• Cloud storage can be accessed from anywhere, making it ideal for people that need access from multiple locations
  
• The ability to integrate cloud storage with system applications
  
• Files can be backup online, creating a version of the files that exist outside of the company
  
• The ability to sync files and folders on multiple computers and other devices
  
• The ability to easily share documents with other people, regardless of where they are located

Why third party cloud storage is a beneficial approach to data storage

• Cloud is cost effective: Third party cloud storage places less of a financial strain on your company. When companies opt for this storage solution they do not have to invest in new infrastructure, such as servers, in addition to other costs associated with setting up the system, managing it, and paying for the additional energy costs to run the system.
  
• Company flexibility: Cloud storage offers flexibility in terms of how data is not only stored, but also backed up.
  
• Better performance: Cloud storage providers invest in the best equipment and technology. As a result, their systems have more power and are more efficient than the systems that are used in most businesses.
  
• Increased data protection: Using cloud storage, especially when from a third party provider, will better protect your data. These companies have the resources to have multiple backups and can perform backups more frequently. This ensures your data is safe and secure.

Why some companies are skeptical of cloud storage

While there are many benefits to cloud storage, there are also a number of things that concern companies about this form of data storage. A company’s private data is very important to their operations and their ability to differentiate from their competitors. For this reason, here are some of the most common concerns among companies that have yet to adopt cloud:

• Privacy of data and information
  
• The reliability of the cloud storage backup system
  
• Security. Many cloud platforms are targets
  
• Potential issues with access to data