Data Backup: Local or Cloud?
One of the main trends of modern computer software development is transition to 'clouds structure'. The 'clouds' is a web-based environment connected to a local computer by means of Internet (in wide sense). 'Clouds oriented services' are offered by major companies like Microsoft ©, Amazon ©, Google ©, etc. Introduction of Chrom OS © developed by Google © has speed up this movement.
Previously the clouds were like a storage of user’s data which was used by software installed on local computer. Nowadays the situation has changed dramatically: both software and data are located in the clouds. What user needs is a computer (i.e. laptop, notebook, handled, iPad, Blackberry, mobile, etc.) with Internet browser installed and Internet connection to access the web and run respective programs. Ultimately computer itself becomes nothing more than just a terminal for information input and review.
What are the advantages of this 'cloud' approach?
Firstly, it is extremely cost-saving. You need less IT specialists to install and manage your software because its simply not your responsibility to take care of clouds software. If something goes wrong it is enough to reboot a local computer. In the worst case scenario local OS can be restored from an image CD or flash drive. As soon as OS is installed and computer is connected to the Internet then all previously saved files and data become accessible.
Secondly, software upgrades becomes as simple as switching on the light in your office. Clouds applications are updated on the 'cloud server' at night and local computers are not affected at all (it does not matter whether user reboot her/his computer or not). Next day all users will enjoy new version of software.
Thirdly, you will never forget important documents when you are on business trip: wherether you are what you need is computer and Internet connection. All your files are securely stored in the cloud and you can access them easily.
User’s local computer shall not be powerful (i.e. it does not need to have powerful core and video adapter, gigabytes of RAM and HDD, etc.) - all calculations are performed ‘in the cloud’. Local computer is used to run Internet browser and store its cache. Thus, you can simply run your OS from flash drive and still enjoy the same functionality!
Local computer backup is not required anymore. Since critical files are store in the cloud then any problems with local computer will not affect them.
The meaning of the 'office' becomes absolutely different: you can work in the car, in the airport, at home, on the beach and anywhere else where you can connect to the Internet.
There are so many other PROS! However, this does no mean that there are no CONS exist. The most obvious are:
Availability of broadband Internet connection becomes critically important. Connection issues can paralyze the operation of entire office which most probably will lead to financial losses. Thus, alternative (back up) communication channel (e.g. via WiFi or 3G) is absolutely necessary and at the same time it costs additional money and doesn’t give a 100% guarantee that your cloud documents will be assessable.
You are not an owner of the cloud software which you just use for a monthly fee. When your subscription expires you cannot use it anymore. Common applications installed on your local computers will always work because generally you own a license to use it for an indefinite period of time.
Migration from one cloud service provider to another is truly a very big issue. Providers generally do not make special efforts to help the user in this case.
You cannot completely 'move to the clouds'. In other words most of the applications (including professional solutions) need to be installed on a local computer and are not available in the clouds. The list of clouds software is expanding every day but it is relatively short as compared to the list of common 'local' applications.
Keeping a critical data in the cloud may be a security issue. Cloud is accessible from almost anywhere in the world and as any other public web-based solution may suffer from hackers’ illegal intervention. Thus, you cannot prevent an unauthorized access to your data because you are just a user and do not manage the cloud. Putting absolute trust in a third party provider may become extremely expensive...
Generally, cloud services provider performs (or just promises to perform?) back up of your data. Anyway, you bear all risks related to loss of your files and any compensation could hardly reimburse your business and time loses. Therefore, its up to you to ensure that you have a local back up copy of your data from the clouds.
We hope that these PROS and CONS lists will help you to understand whether cloud applications are suitable for your case and to avoid potential 'cloud risks'. And remember: do not be up in the clouds - the real life is 'local'.
