Cloud storage gives users a set of easy-to-use tools that will enable them to access files wherever they are, without needing their physical storage devices. This opens up many opportunities for the companies that are willing to use it. However, there are some security concerns and obstacles to using cloud services that users will need to consider before implementing this technology into their workflow. Below, we’ve broken down the key pros and cons of cloud storage.
Pros
Disaster recovery: By utilizing cloud storage, you avoid expensive data retrieval services following a catastrophic system failure. With automated cloud backup, data is stored on external servers, often thousands of miles away from your own location. Accessing this data whenever needed is simple.
Access your data from anywhere: If you have employees who travel frequently or have a remote team, cloud storage is a better solution for accessing data from anywhere. This means that if your work requires you to hop from one city to the next, you’ll be able to check important files from anywhere. Your employees will also be able to work from home or abroad, increasing the efficiency of your team members. Cloud storage is especially helpful for teams that aren’t located in the same office or time zone.
Scalability: Growth and decline are normal in business – but perhaps the most frustrating issue when it comes to your data is that you have to forecast how much you’ll need. In other words: If your business grows, you need more space. If your business shrinks, then you’re paying more than you should be. The biggest benefit of cloud storage is that it’s scalable – which means that it adjusts to meet your needs.
Cons
Lack of control: Storing your data with a cloud storage company can be a risky business. You are placing an element of control in the hands of a company that you may not know much about. As with all third parties, data storage companies could go out of business or simply stop accommodating your needs.
You need access to the internet: You need access to the internet to use cloud storage. If your connection fails, so does your access to remotely stored data. Cloud computing providers rarely offer an outage-free service; some have experienced outages lasting 2 days, so it’s important to have a backup option.
