As online backup storage services become more prevalent, more companies are deciding to store their valuable data in remote servers rather than rely on local storage. For home users, online storage provides a way to access files conveniently from any location. Nonetheless, there are some negative aspects to online data storage to go along with its many benefits.
The Pros
Convenient usage
Online backup storage services are mostly easy to use. These services are configurable based on whether the users are individuals or businesses. Online support is also largely available to ensure the smooth transfer and manipulation of files.
Easy access and maintenance
Data maintenance is a non-demanding task with online storage, even across multiple businesses. All users are simply provided with credentials to access, retrieve, and update necessary files in the storage. This is also true for home users. In fact, the process is mostly similar with maintaining files in a local or home computer.
Remote storage
Internet storage services use secure facilities for keeping data, and the storage is managed by the company’s professionally competent staff. This drastically reduces the chances of data loss from natural disasters, human error, and malicious activity that may arise if data is stored locally in a home or office computer.
Compatibility
Web-based data storage is compatible with any operating system a user might have. This is a great benefit in a large network where the users have different operating systems installed in several computers but all of them need to access files on the same storage.
Reasonable cost
Online backup storage is relatively inexpensive. Other methods of data storage require additional and sometimes expensive hardware and software. However, internet storage services mostly need only monthly maintenance fees.
The Cons
Less user control
The online storage company manages the data in this type of service and that is mostly a good thing for security and maintenance. However, most users feel uneasy about not having full control of their data, or having their sensitive data visible to other people. In a more practical perspective, users feel that not having direct control leads to slower implementation of desired changes and updates to the service.
Temporary inaccessibility
Many computer users do not have constant internet connectivity. Wireless hotspots may sometimes be nonexistent in a particular area, or the office network is down due to repairs. In these situations, access to the online files is disrupted.
Long data transfer time
Particularly if the user is uploading backup data for the first time, and if the data volume is high, the time it takes to complete the data transfer can sometimes take days. During this period, the computer needs to be in constant operation. This can slow down other computer tasks as well.
It requires a high-speed connection
A Broadband connection is necessary to make use of Internet data storage. Slower connections will render the data transfer too slow to be of practical use. On dial up connections, online backup simply will not work.
Technical problems
No matter how reliable the internet storage service is, there is still the possibility of equipment failure. Server crashes and downtimes are real risks inherent in this technology.
Internet crime
Finally, there is the perennial problem of unwanted access to the storage by online criminals and misfits. If the data encryption used is compromised or the users themselves provide weak passwords, it would be entirely possible for someone with the necessary skills to access the stored data.
Fortunately, effective countermeasures are continuously being developed by many companies along with better features for >online backup storage.
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