Local v/s Cloud Storage

Backing up important files or documents is a good habit. But deciding the media is a tough job. Previously we have only one option that is Local Storage. But now we have a new option also - Cloud Storage.

In Cloud storage, there is a model of networked online storage where data is stored on more than one virtual servers, generally hosted by third parties, rather than being hosted on dedicated servers. Hosting companies operate large data centers; and people who require their data to be hosted buy or lease storage capacity from them and use it for their storage needs. The data center operators, in the background, virtualize the resources according to the requirements of the customer and expose them as storage pools, which the customers can themselves use to store files or data objects. Physically, the resource may span across different servers. Whereas, Local Storage means storing data on local media. But storing your files locally may also have negative impacts if something goes wrong to your storage media. 

Lets us have some pros and cons about Local and Cloud Storage that will help in selecting the best deal for you :

Local Storage :

Pros

• You can control your data.
• Data transportation is handy, if using external or flash drives.
• Files are accessible without an internet connection.
• You can easily add more storage capacity as needed (additional drives, etc.).
• If your computer crashes, your files can be recovered from these storage devices.

Cons

• You need to arrange space for your storage media (if you have multiple externals drives, etc.)
• Possible hardware failure.
• No access to your files if you forget to bring your storage media with you or it is too bulky to bring along.
• Theft and/or loss of home with all contents due to calamity like fire or flood.
• Also it's not unusual that sometimes we lose memory; so you are likely to forget where you kept the pen drive, thereby losing the files.

If you travel a lot and needs to travel as lightly as possible, cloud storage may be the perfect way for you to back up and access your files. In case, your laptop has a hard-drive failure or gets stolen or any other unhappy event, but you will still have a copy of your files available. Perhaps a company wants to make sure their records, files, and other information are backed up off site in case of a major hardware or system failure then it is expensive and/or frustrating to fix, but once again there is a nice backup ready to go once things are fixed. As with local storage, there are some pros and cons that may change your mind to choose cloud storage to back up your files:

Cloud Storage :

Pros

• A physical storage center is no longer required.
• All of your files are accessible wherever there is an internet connection.
• No need to deal with local storage media (or its’ upkeep).
• Your files are still safe if your home is broken into or other unfortunate calamity occur.
• Relieves burden on IT Professionals and frees up their time in the office

Cons

• Lost control comes with handing over your data and information.
• Possible hardware failure or loss of files on the part of your cloud storage provider (this could include a disgruntled employee wreaking havoc).
• No access to your files if you do not have an internet connection.
• The cloud storage provider may eventually shutdown due to financial hardship or other unforeseen circumstances.
• The possibility of your files and data being stolen by hackers due to a security breach on the part of your cloud storage provider.
• If your cloud host disappears, where does your information go? :P

If you are a small business, or even a Fortune 500 company, cloud computing can take a large expense and make it work for your budget. But if Data is more important than money then you may also prefer to try and cover all of the possibilities by using both local and cloud storage to back up your files. If something happens to one, you always have the other to fall back on. Need access to those files at or away from home? As long as you have access to either your storage media or an internet connection, you are good to go.