2.2. Advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage
When it comes to organizing digital information, cloud storage presents several advantages and disadvantages that are briefly described below:
Advantages
- Data may be accessed from anywhere, at any time, as they are stored in a central location. Any changes done in the data from a given device will be automatically synchronized and will be visible immediately from any other device.
- Files may be shared with other users, either by sending them the files through the Internet or by granting them access to a shared folder.
- Files may be located faster and more easily, as they are all stored in a single place instead of being stored in several storage devices (local hard disks, etc.).
- Users are provided with a high security level for their data. The cloud is one of the safest places for information to be stored, as several of such storage services use complex encryption systems to protect data from attacks and from other forms of unauthorized access.
- Storing information in the cloud instead of doing so in the hard disk of a device may be less detrimental to the user’s privacy in case the device is lost or stolen.
- A backup may be done for all the information that is locally stored in a device.
- It provides a cheaper alternative to storage in local hard drives (either internal or external). Many personal storage plans in the cloud provide large storage capacity at a very low cost, or even for free.
Disadvantages
- The user is dependent on service providers, given that the data are stored in their servers.
- Service access is dependent on Internet availability.
- When using safe transmission protocols (e.g. HTTPS), data transfer rates decrease.
- Service deficits may arise and high levels of jitter (i.e. fluctuations in signal transfer) may appear as a consequence of the overload in provider’s servers in case a large number of users are connected simultaneously.