Is Cloud Storage Better Than Local Storage?

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Local storage or cloud storage? Which is better? This isn’t a simple yes or no question. Technology continues to evolve faster every year. At one point, devices with local storage were the epitome of business data management and archiving. But then faster forms of connecting to the internet emerged, such as the cable internet plans you find with Cox cable.

Moreover, over the past decade, providers like Cox have invested billions in upgrading and expanding their infrastructure. It is precise because of this widespread internet access that cloud storage is in a position to challenge local storage in business use. Read on for more information.

Local Storage – How Does It Work?

Local storage involves storing digital information on a physical device or piece of hardware. Also known as device storage, local storage typically exists within a single device, hardware, or local database. Unless of course, you back it up separately in another physical location.

Local storage includes hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB memory sticks, passport drives, and other external storage hardware. But only storing data locally is always not secure. Because there are many factors that can damage your hardware things like USB memory sticks, passport drives, and other external storage hardware.

Local storage ensures the person using the device or storage hardware has access to the information they need. From a security standpoint, with appropriate security measures in place, it is easy to secure the information stored in a single location. These security measures can include strong passwords, 2-step authentication, keylogging, and even physical measures like security doors, RFID cards, and magnetic shielding.

However, information stored solely on physical hardware faces certain inherent risks. Hardware can degrade over time. It can be damaged. It can become corrupted. In some cases, malware could penetrate your defences and infect the stored files. But the end result could very well prove to be disastrous to a business.

The lost data may never be fully recovered again, and without a backup, you will probably lose it permanently. The same problems apply to a physical backup. This is perhaps the biggest reason why cloud storage has become so popular and the reason why people are moving towards cloud storage and are not relying completely on local storage.

We will discuss cloud storage too but the thing is that local storage has its own benefits and features which can’t be overcome by cloud storage.

Cloud Storage – What Makes It Better?

Cloud computing has come far over the 2010s, especially the storage aspect. Popular services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud are all great examples of cloud storage in everyday use. And while businesses may have larger storage needs than the average individual, the benefits of cloud storage translate into the workplace just as easily into personal use. 

Cloud storage refers to storing information in an online space. This storage space exists only in a digital framework of various servers in different locations. A hosting company typically maintains the space and ensures it is always up and running.

With cloud storage, the information is not being stored on a local storage device or external hardware. Instead, the data lives in the cloud. Meaning, it inhabits the digital matrix without the usual risks of hardware failure or a cyberattack.

More importantly, it offers businesses an opportunity to reduce their spending on hardware devices and upgrading local storage capacity. Instead, businesses can shift to cloud workplace platforms, which is what makes remote working possible during the pandemic.   

Many key reasons make cloud storage a great option for many businesses. In terms of costs, accessibility, and ease of use, cloud storage services offer great value. This can include: 

  • Saves businesses spending on expensive storage hardware.
  • Storage hardware maintenance costs decrease.
  • More sophisticated security layers and regular security updates.
  • Can be accessed reliably from any location, increasing employee mobility.
  • Very low risks of losing data as a result of hardware failure or malware.
  • Can synchronize with local storage and update cloud storage automatically.

Conclusion – Which One is Best?

There is no doubt that cloud storage offers a safe and convenient way not just to store data, but also to access it. However, does it make local storage obsolete? Hardly. While the cloud may not go down very often, internet or power services can and do run into problems from time to time.

Without ready access to files and information you need, you and your teams would simply have to idle around till the services are up and running again. But with a mix of local storage and cloud backups, you may be able to leverage the advantages that come with both forms.

Your employees would always have access to the information they need, no matter where they are. This means less time wasted and, accordingly, more productive output.

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