Very often, we hear various references being made to the Cloud. We know most professional and private data is stored somewhere in the Cloud, but do we really know what the Cloud is? Can we tell the difference between cloud backup and cloud storage? Is there a difference between cloud backup and cloud storage? Here we come with short and easy-to-grasp definitions of main terms referring to the Cloud.
Cloud backup
Cloud backup is a service that allows users to store copies of their data on a remote server, typically in a secure and off-site location. The purpose of cloud backup is to provide an additional layer of protection for data in case of data loss due to a hardware failure, natural disaster, or other unforeseen event.
Cloud storage
Cloud Storage is a service that allows users to store, access, and manage their data using a network of remote servers, typically over the internet. Cloud storage is typically used to store data that is accessed frequently or needs to be shared with others, such as documents, photos, and videos.
Here are some examples of cloud backup and cloud storage:
Example of cloud backup (a.k.a. online backup):
Alice is a small business owner who uses cloud backup to store copies of her company’s financial records, customer data, and other important documents. She sets up her cloud backup to automatically run every night, so that she has a current copy of her data in case anything happens to her local copies.
Example of cloud storage:
Bob is a photographer who uses cloud storage to store and access his photos from any device. He uploads his photos to a cloud storage service and can then access them from his laptop, phone, or tablet whenever he needs to. He can also share his photos with clients and colleagues by giving them access to specific folders in his cloud storage account.
Even though the terms cloud storage and cloud backup may sound like the same thing, they are actually different. Simply put, cloud backup refers to tools that protect your data, files, and system in case of loss or damage due to a catastrophic event like ransomware or theft. Cloud storage refers to tools that let you free up space on your device by having copies of some files saved to the Cloud, creating a gateway to access your information from anywhere.
There are several reasons why cloud backup can be valuable for small businesses:
Data protection: One of the primary benefits of cloud backup is that it provides an additional layer of protection for your data. If something happens to your local copies of your data, such as a hardware failure or natural disaster, you can still access your data from the cloud.
Off-site storage: Cloud backup stores your data on remote servers, typically in a secure and off-site location. This means that your data is not tied to a specific physical location and is less vulnerable to data loss due to events such as fires or floods.
Automation: Many cloud backup services offer automation options, allowing you to set up your backups to run automatically at a specific time or interval. This can save you time and ensure that your data is being backed up regularly.
Cost savings: Using cloud backup can potentially save you money compared to purchasing and maintaining your own hardware for data storage and backup.
Scalability: Cloud backup can be easily scaled up or down as your business grows or changes, allowing you to store more or less data as needed.
Overall, cloud backup can be a valuable tool for small businesses looking to protect and manage their data in a cost-effective and scalable way.
