Online Backup and Cloud Storage, What’s The Difference

Both online backup and cloud storage solutions help secure your business data. In this article we talk about the differences and which one should will suit your business.

Whether you should choose an online backup solution or store your data on the cloud depends on your business needs. If you use a single PC and do not require to be mobile, your files can be secured using online backup solutions. However, if you are using multiple devices such as a PC at work, a MAC at home and you want to receive and access updates on your smartphone or iPad while on the move, a cloud solution is right for you.

Online Back-Up

Carbonite, CrashPlan, Mozy, or SOS Backup are companies that have been around for a while now and are well known. They are popular online backup solutions that create a copy of the data stored on your computer and archive it online so that your crucial business information is secure.

You can restore your data easily in case of a hard drive crash or if you lose your device. Online backup solutions are the most basic form of safeguarding all your business information, photographs, financial information or other data.

Online backup usually backs up a small portion of your data, i.e. your My Documents folder.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage on the other hand can be viewed as a modified and enhanced version of online backup. All your vital business information on your hard disk is stored on the cloud and you can access it anytime, anywhere using the internet.

Cloud storage offers synchronisation between devices improving collaboration. Any changes made by any user on the hard disk are automatically updated and reflected to others real time, improving efficiency. Dropbox, SkyDrive and Google Drive are some of the popular cloud storage services that backup your business data while offering you working access and real time synchronisation.

Let’s check out important features that you should consider while choosing an online backup or Cloud solution.

Storage Limits:

Online backup solutions easily provide anywhere from a few GB of storage up to unlimited storage for a single machine. With cloud storage solutions, getting additional storage is not an issue. You can store as much data as you require and are charged accordingly.

Device compatibility:

If you are looking to access business information using multiple devices, a cloud solution is the answer. If you want changes you make on your PC at work to sync to your MacBook at home or reflect on your Android smartphone, you require the device synchronisation feature offered by cloud services.

Version availability:

Check out if your backup or cloud solution provider allows you to save multiple versions of a single document while you edit it. This is often an important feature and the cost of your plan may depend on the number of versions you wish to keep.

Synchronisation:

This is what defines cloud storage. If you are looking for real time data synchronisation so that you have updated data while on the move, go for cloud storage. All you need is an internet connection and you can access data anytime, anywhere.

Encryption:

Encryption is where your files are protected and can not be viewed by others while they are in transit from one device to another. This is a notable feature for business owners who handle customer sensitive information and store it with their Online Back up or Cloud Storage solution provider.

Sharing:

Does your online data storage provider offer sharing features? Sharing features enable businesses to share data as a private link to a selected set of people with or without requiring a password. For example you may want to privately share your business proposal or agreement with your sales team.

Support:

Make sure you have help available at the time you need it. Check out whether your data storage solution provider offers different levels of support from email, phone to chat support. The more personal attention you get, the more you need to pay.

Get the appropriate online storage solution depending on the way you use your business data.
If you need help Complete Cloud can help you with all you cloud back up and cloud storage needs.

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