Data storage was a vigorous task back when everything was stored physically and there were hard copies all around. All these files and documents would take up so much space and would make it impossible to store it. Even with hard drives, there was always a limited capacity, and multiple devices were required to keep the data on it. This cost a lot of money and more space was required to keep up with the increasing number of devices. It was also very time consuming to organize all the physical forms of data. Furthermore, this data was not geographically accessible and anybody who was in the vicinity had to physically be present to go through it since there was no way to send it to them.
If the data got destroyed somehow, there was no way to retrieve it unless there were backup copies that were still intact. Since the data was geographically bound, it was also easy to go through it and this could be done by unauthorized people, which meant that the data was not exactly secure. There are multiple ways in which cloud computing changed the way data is stored by both individuals and corporations alike and replaced conventional ways of data storage entirely. Nowadays, people buy devices with low storage and then subscribe to cloud computing services. There are multiple ways in which cloud computing changed the way data is stored by people all around:
1) Unlimited Capacity
Cloud computing services don’t come with a one-size fits all policy but rather allows users to use up exactly the same amount of data as they need. Unlike physical forms of data storage, there is no fear of wasting money if the entire storage is not used up. The storage capacity is customizable which ensures that needs of all different types of people and companies are met. Data storage needs differ between different groups which is why cloud computing is the solution. The benefit of unlimited capacity is linked to multiple other benefits.
2) Free Accessibility
The reason why so many employees are able to work remotely is because they can access data from anywhere. This is also a benefit for individuals because they can keep their pictures, songs, videos, and other forms of data accessible for themselves and go through them from anywhere they want. In the past, people had to rely on physical photos or photos that were stored on hard drives, which were not portable and were hard to carry with them. This is why free accessibility is such a bonus and has changed the way employees work, giving them the freedom to work from anywhere.
3) Cost Efficiency
Cloud computing is cost efficient since no money is wasted and that the individual or entity is getting its money’s worth and is not making a decision that is not financially sound. Everyone gets the amount of storage they pay for and do not get anything is excess or are short of anything. Physical forms of data storage were also expensive to keep and maintain. Files and documents need a lot of maintenance and care since they are susceptible to destruction at the hands of multiple risks. With cloud computing, all these risks go away.
4) Easy Recovery
Data that is physically present is hard to take care of. If it gets destroyed, there is no way to make more copies of it or retrieve it. However, with cloud computing, if data hasn’t been deliberately deleted, it can be easily recovered since data is always backed up and can be accessed. Physical files, documents, and storage devices can be destroyed easily and there is no way to fix them. In older times, if devices got corrupted, data was lost forever and there was no way to get it back. Now, data can be copied on to other sources or get retrieved through the vast cloud network.
5) Convenient Collaboration
Data can be accessed through multiple resources and different devices which makes cloud computing the ideal method of data storage since people can access it anywhere as long as they are authorized for access. People can also work remotely due to this feature since they do not have to constantly be physically present around one source of data. This makes data sharing also very easy as data had to be copied on to different devices if it wanted to be shared with someone else.
6) Security
Security of data is never assured if it is present physically since it can be impossible to constantly monitor something and prevent people from accessing it. Even in organizations, files that are confidential are accessible by employees who are not supposed to go through them. With cloud computing, this aspect of data storage becomes quite secure since only those who have access can open it. Hacking cloud systems can be easy if there is not enough protection, but it has become increasingly difficult to infiltrate cloud systems.
Conclusion:
Cloud computing is a very safe, convenient, and safe form of data storage and sharing. People have moved away from conventional forms of data storage for a reason as it is unsafe, bulky, expensive, and not secure. It is also cost effective since people get exactly what they pay for and are not exploited by the payment plans. Users just have to be careful with paying for subscriptions on time and they can do so through software license management solution. This way, they will never miss a payment and keep their payment methods aligned with their subscriptions and will never lose out on services for even a short period of time.
Cloud computing has changed the landscape of data storage and has given individuals and entities a lot of liberty in terms of storing, sharing, accessing, and securing data. Cloud platforms also offer additional services such as data analytics, something that was never a benefit with physical forms of data storage. Downloading reports, analyzing data, and coming up with insights are all advantages of cloud-based data storage. Anybody who is stuck using older forms of data is missing out and not reaping the advantages of living in a digital world.
