“Cloud computing” & “cloud storage” – They sound similar. And in a sense, they do have similar uses. For instance, both help businesses manage their work in a more efficient and effective way.
But it is important to understand the differentiating qualities of each in order to make the best decision for yourself & your business!
Cloud Storage
The average person is most likely already using cloud storage of some kind, whether they are aware of it or not. Cloud storage is essentially a huge, virtual hard drive provided by the internet that you can store your data in and access from any device with the help of a login and password. Why would anyone want to store their data in some intangible place rather than in the safety of their own flash drives or external hard drives?
1) Data is easily accessible. As long as you have your login and password, you can access whatever you uploaded from anywhere.
2) Cloud storage syncs in real time.
3) It provides a much safer alternative. It’s more realistic to lose/ruin an external hard drive than it is to lose something stored in the cloud.
4) There are many options out there that offer a certain amount of free storage to its users.
If you’re using Gmail, you’re using cloud storage for your emails. If you’re sharing Google docs with your classmates or colleagues, you’re using cloud storage. If you’re using things like Dropbox or iCloud to store your pictures, movies, and music, then yes, you are using cloud storage.
Cloud Computing
So now you have a better understanding of cloud storage and how it’s used to store, share, and easily access personal data. Cloud computing, on the other hand, is used to complete specific tasks using processing power. It’s great for businesses because it helps maximize productivity. Our favorite cloud computing system is Freedom Cloud because of its safety, reliability, and speed.
Freedom Cloud takes the data on businesses’ individual servers and hosts it securely in 2 data centers across the country. When you turn on any desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, you’ll have almost immediate access to all of your files, applications as if you were at your original desktop – all without having to adjust settings. In short – with Freedom Cloud, any device is capable of being your work computer. That’s computing in the cloud.
Extra tidbits:
- A recent study showed that small businesses lose upwards of $24 Billion in productivity annually as a result of non-IT employees being taken away from their primary roles. Allowing them to focus entirely on doing the job they were hired to do can conceivably cover the cost of a switch to hosted virtual desktops.
- Another study found that SMB’s that embrace the Cloud see much faster increases in revenues compared with their slower-moving competitors and peers. Those questioned said what they valued most about the cloud was their ability to access data from anywhere (52%), followed by it’s ability to foster collaboration (49%).
Interested in Freedom Cloud? Let us know, we’ll get you started.