What is cloud storage? A definitive guide
| November 6, 2019
Cloud storage revolutionizes the way companies manage files, data and everyday operations. The change from traditional to cloud is happening quickly, so learn about how cloud storage works and the benefits it provides. The following is a comprehensive guide.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a service that allows users to upload, store and download files using a server on the internet. This server is typically operated by a company that manages the entire system. It ultimately removes the need for local hard drive space.
How does it work?
A cloud storage keeps data on a remote server rather than your computer’s hard drive or onsite servers. The stored data can then be accessed through the internet for further use, such as downloading and sharing. The servers themselves are updated, repaired and managed by an outside company.
To help visualize the cloud storage storage process, picture a large island. Let’s say you are on the shore and you have an overflow of coconuts. You want to store the coconuts on a place different than your own island – due to storage restrictions and the hassle of managing them. You see a different island in the distance and have a canoe take some coconuts to that island. Every time you want to use some of the coconuts from the separate island, you simply use the canoe. In this example, your land is your computer or hard drive, the canoe is the internet, and the separate island is the cloud server. Finally, the people on the distant island managing the coconuts are the cloud storage companies.
The benefits of moving to cloud storage
As the above example shows, drive space is the biggest factor driving benefits. However, there are quite a few other powerful features that come with using a cloud service. First, it reduces the need for traditional on-site storage servers, which bring with them the complication and cost of IT support. The more files you have managed remotely, the less you rely on your IT team. This in turn allows the IT team a chance to work on other important issues.
Second, it increases the access points for data and files. For example, any device with internet capability can locate the file on the cloud server. The more accessibility given to files, the more projects are completed efficiently. Finally, it’s also a backup storage in case physical on-site damage occurs.
Software systems
Chances are you’ve heard of systems like Dropbox or Google Drive. These are examples of popular systems that host files for you online. However, it’s also likely that neither of these programs best fits you needs. With the speed in which digital content is growing, it’s necessary to use software capable of storing and managing it extensively.
Digital asset management is the only system capable of organizing large amounts of files into a cloud server while boosting company performance. It does this by increasing search functionality of files stored, securing files and maintaining copyright licenses, maintaining version control and accelerating enterprise communication.
Change the dynamics of your business with a complete upgrade to a cloud storage system. Give your teams a chance to reach their full potential and never look back.