How are cloud storage, cloud backup and cloud sync different

You constantly hear the words:cloud storage, cloud backup, cloud sync. What are they? Are they different and do you need them?

Cloud storage means an offsite server owned by a hosting company where you store your data. If you had a personal computer crash and lost all your data, you understand how frustrating it is. Cloud storage allows you to recover your files even if your computer has breathed its last.

Online storage

There are three types of cloud storage:public, private, and hybrid.

In public cloud storage, global data centers store your data and you pay based on how much storage you use. This type of storage is ideal for unstructured data such as text, images, audio, and video files. In other words, the typical file types that people use at home.

The largest public cloud storage providers are Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), Amazon Glacier for Cold Storage, Google Cloud Storage, Google Cloud Storage Nearline for Cold Data, and Microsoft Azure.

Some well-known companies providing cloud backup services are Carbonite, I Drive, and Backfire.

Benefits of Cloud Backup

• Providers often provide a certain amount of free storage for you to use.
• Files are protected against ransomware because they are saved outside the corporate network.

Disadvantages of Cloud Backup

• Sometimes restoring files is slow due to bandwidth and latency limitations.
• Someone other than you controls your data, which increases the risk of security breaches.

Cloud synchronization

Cloud sync continually updates files to allow access across multiple devices. There are public, private and hybrid versions. It is different from cloud storage or backup because it uses a type of digital warehouse to keep active data easily accessible. When the file you are updating is saved, it is automatically saved on other devices accessing the same file.

You may have heard of cloud sync examples such as DropBox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. They are easy to use and offer an initial amount of free storage.

Benefits of Cloud Sync

• It is user friendly and easy to use.
• You don't need new infrastructure, extra money or new IT people.

Disadvantages of Cloud Sync

• Employees using home devices may store company data in an unsecured environment.
• Lack of control over synchronized data.

In summary:

• Cloud Storage is designed to securely store your unstructured data such as text, images, video, and audio.
• Cloud Backup creates a copy of your computer's files to restore them in case of emergency.
• Cloud Sync keeps frequently accessed files available to make changes and share with other devices.

As you can see, there are many options for storing your data securely. Vendors are also customizing new solutions, so there's something for every situation.