What is Cloud Storage?

So how does this whole cloud backup thing actually work? What exactly is the cloud and why should you be using it to backup your data. Well, the cloud is literally just a network of computers or services that are interconnected and able to share storage and resources. In the simplest form, imagine connecting your computer to someone elses. If the other person wasn't using resources such as processing power or storage space then you could use it. So you'd effectively double your processing and storage space. This in a nutshell is all cloud storage is. The cloud is a fancy name, it's nothing to do with the weather. Think of it as nothing more than a collection of computers sharing resources and you'll be some way to understanding what it is and how you can ultimately utilise it for your own storage and backup requirements.

So why should you pay for cloud backup services when there are so many free ones out there? Well, if you think a free solution will work for your needs then go ahead, use a free one. But the saying, you get what you pay for really holds true when it comes to online backup and storage. With that said though, lots of the major storage companies offer free trials so you can see if the storage system will be right for you before you part with your hard earned cash. Free services tend to work for the most part, but if you're talking about uploading personal data or even storing business critical files then you need to get your wallet out and pay for something decent. Free storage services have their place but given the cost of online storage in general is quite cheap in the scheme of things then you may as well just pay for it.

Storing data is one of them things however that people think should be free. I mean, it doesn't cost us anything to store files on our home computers right? We don't have to pay for how much data we put on our hard disk - so why do we need to pay for space on storage services? It doesn't cost the companies anything extra to hold more data does it? Well no, it doesn't, but storage space is one of the variables that allows companies to create packages for users meaning that no one user is having to pay more than someone else who is using more data. You wouldn't be happy storing one photo and some guy backing up his entire business whilst paying the same money as you would you? This is why storage companies base their price points depending on usage.