In the technological world, there’s one issue which often confuses those in the business. The “cloud” has been on the rise for the last several years and allows technicians and businesses to perform a variety of tasks, but the question remains for many: what’s the difference between cloud computing and cloud storage?
The answer is relatively simple. Cloud computing allows businesses to perform a variety of IT tasks which shape and help maintain their digital infrastructure. There are many different forms of cloud computing, one of which is cloud storage. All cloud storage is a form of cloud computing, but not all cloud computing is a form of cloud storage.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing allows different computers to share software over different networks. In short, a certain set of software does not need to be installed on the local computer for both, or multiple, computers to access it. For example, if one user wants to write a report but doesn’t have Microsoft Word directly installed, they can purchase it from another computer on the network. There are four major characteristics of cloud computing.
• Elasticity and Scalability
• Application Programming
• Automatic and Self-Service Provisioning
• Metering and Billing
These characteristics are more affordable and convenient when paired together in the cloud, which is why the cloud has grown so rapidly in the last several years. Users can keep their own data while editing and sharing content from other devices. Google and Microsoft both make a variety of services which allow users to view, edit, create, and collaborate across a range of machines.
What is Cloud Storage?
There are many types of natural disasters which can destroy a computer, including fires and floods. Storing data on local disks also makes it vulnerable to drive failure, accidental deletions, and theft from local sources. For these reasons, people have begun to store most of their data on the cloud. Storing data this way helps protect it from both disasters and less severe disruptions.
In addition, cloud storage is unlimited and can be accessed at any time, and costs only an affordable, flat fee. Users can take advantage of the cloud to store several thousands of files without worrying about going over their data cap or being charged exorbitant prices. Some cloud storage also provides helpful services like syncing, folder sharing, and file versioning.
Finally, those who use the cloud to store their files can access them from anywhere at any time as long as they have a connection, and the cloud comes with many types of support and back-up options for those who are serious about their data. Cloud computing can be done both privately and publicly but the technology is rapidly changing as businesses use it to service customers and employees. All in all, the cloud is being used to eliminate traditional restrictions, such as space, power, time, and cost.