What is Cloud Storage?
In the cloud or on the cloud – or does it matter? If you want to be accurate, you store data online in the cloud. And that means? Put simply, storing files in the cloud is a computing model in which data is store remotely on many servers. These servers are managed by companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. This is the essence of online cloud storage.
How Much Storage Do I Need?
Not an easy question to give a definitive answer to. It all depends on how much data you have. For example, 1,000 images are about 2 GB which is the same as about 20,000 Word Documents. Five minutes of HD video will gobble up at least 2GB. So, the more files you have and the bigger they are, the more storage you need.
What Can I get for Free?
Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Apple all give users free online cloud storage – up to a limit. This is what they offer at the moment, with Google being the most generous.
| Cloud Storage Provider | Free Storage in GB |
| Google Drive | 15 |
| Microsoft OneDrive | 5 |
| Amazon Drive | 5 |
| Apple iCloud | 5 |
How Much Does Extra Storage Cost?
This depends on which hosting company you buy into. For a large chunk of storage, say 2TB, Google charges £80 per year and Apple about the same amount. 2TB storage on Amazon Drive is twice the price.
What about Privacy and Security?
Your files stores in the cloud remain private until you share them with people. That’s where the privacy ends. As for security, your data is probably more secure than if it was on your hard drive. With cloud storage now becoming very popular, hosting companies apply high levels of security and encryption to ensure that your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Want to Know More
Join Izak, founder and MD of Zhero Limited, for his webinar: FREE ONLINE CLOUD STORAGE on 7 May 2020 at 12:30 pm UK time.
