If your company is considering a switch to cloud computing then congratulations, because you are making a transition to a cost effective, streamlined way of doing business.
But some new users can be confused about what the cloud actually does. What is the difference between cloud storage and cloud computing? If you are unfamiliar with computing and information technology in general, it can be difficult to draw the line between the two. The answer is while they have a lot in common, they are very different concepts.
Cloud Storage
Instead of storing data in house, cloud storage allows you to store them remotely and access them via the internet with any computer or mobile device. Once you store a document in the cloud you can share it with co-workers and clients to enable easy collaboration. Cloud storage services have a number of considerable benefits:
Disaster recovery – When you do daily backups and store redundant data offsite, you can protect your data and recover lost files in the case of a disaster that results in total loss. So few businesses do regular backups, if at all, that if a power outage wiped out your files or a hacker holds your data for ransom, the business may not be able to recover.
Remote access – Data that is stored in the cloud can be accessed by employees in the field and clients that do not have access to your system. This allows for quick and easy collaboration for anyone you give access to.
Scalable storage – If your business needs to store large files like video surveillance or massive amounts of email messages, remote storage is a cost effective solution to keeping these files available for use while avoiding having to store them yourself remotely.
Cloud Computing
This uses the internet to outsource tasks to a third party that allows you to work on and complete projects. A good example of cloud computing is software as a service (SaaS). This gives you access to powerful software without the need to purchase expensive licenses for its use.
Another key benefit to cloud computing is mobility. More and more employees are being given the privilege of working from home which allows them to be flexible. The issue is they need to be able to work in their normal work environment safely. Cloud computing enables them to accomplish their normal work tasks from home.
The cloud also allows you to expand your business’s infrastructure without having to invest in further computing resources. This is commonly called infrastructure as a service (IaaS). IaaS is an environment where a business’ software and storage is hosted on one cloud. Employees will be able to access their desktop remotely, and all documents and programs will be able to be accessed from any approved device. This is the most encompassing cloud application, and users can customize their environment to fit their unique needs.
Let Stability Help You Use Cloud Storage and Computing
Our team members want to help you develop a cloud environment that caters to your unique needs and budget. All companies are different and we have been able to help businesses like yours in every industry enhance their efficiency, security, and mobility through cloud technology. Contact us today to see how your business can utilize cloud technology to help you maintain a competitive edge on your competition.
