Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Storage Service
Computer files need to be backed up at regular intervals so as to protect them from malware or viruses that have the potential to corrupt a computer hard drive badly. While external backup devices require you to conduct the backup on your own, online storage service provides data backup and storage in lieu of some fees. There are several service providers in the market offering such storage. But you need to weigh the pros and cons of using this kind of data storing service before actually deploying one.
Online storage service is highly relevant for those who are always on the go as this service would allow them to access their important data from anywhere at any time of the day or night via internet. One can download backup from any location if the computer or laptop crashes. The user can upload several backup versions one of which can be used while recovering data. The easy accessibility of online storage service is boon to small businesses that can save a lot of money by avoiding the use of large capacity backup drives, DVD burners that are pretty expensive. Moreover since online storage service allows access to your collaborators and employees, networking computers will not be as crucial.
Additionally this type of storing service provides unprecedented data security. Storing documents on your computer without creating backup is absolute imprudence. This is so because hard drives can crash, computers can get stolen or get subjected to any sort of calamity leading to data loss. Online storage service is far more secure as it stores data in an offsite backup system that can be accessed remotely through a password protected account. Plus availing this service means that you can save a lot of space on the existing hard drive. This is a great advantage as you won’t have to purchase an extra hard drive or upgrade the one hand for the purpose of uploading any photo and document. Finally since the solution is completely automated it does not require continuous user intervention for its operation.
There are lots of benefits associated with this kind of online storage service. However on the flip side there are also some disadvantages of using this solution. This kind of set up allows the service provider to access your business data. So in a way your confidential business information no longer remains confined within the four walls of your company premise, which in turn can lead data privacy issues. And since data is transferred via internet there always remain the threat of security breach. In order to avoid such circumstances it is advisable to avail the service from a certified vendor that has undergone third party inspection for its security controls and protocols. Moreover if you want the service to provide large or unlimited storage space, it will undoubtedly cost you dearly.
In spite of all the disadvantages online storage service has gained huge popularity among business houses of varying sizes because of the ease it provides in terms of storing and restoring data. In conclusion it can be said that the advantages of online storage service outstrip all the disadvantages and hence is being rapidly adopted by companies across industries.