Often, the terms cloud computing and cloud storage are used interchangeably or simply referred to as the cloud. This is not surprising considering both concepts are intimately tied, and though not mutually exclusive, they are often offered together. This is because both concepts utilize remote servers known as the cloud to deliver their services. The following article examines the difference between cloud computing and cloud storage to shed light on the subject.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a working function where operating systems, software, and applications are virtualized through a remote server. In other words, these working functions are not housed on site in local servers but in virtual servers.
Cloud computing has a huge advantage over local applications because it increases data transparency and collaboration between people with a business need-to-know. Data can be reviewed and worked in real time, which also reduced duplicative and redundant work.
More often than not, cloud computing is a paid for service rather than a service that businesses build on their own. Cloud computing providers specialize in these services and can tailor them to fit the needs of their clients. Because cloud computing providers specialize in their service, they have top-notch server management, processing power, and virtualization capabilities targets to meet their business client’s needs.
With cloud computing, businesses can work and process their data for projects, sharing it virtually and instantly with other people through the cloud. Often, the data that is processed is then stored in the cloud using cloud storage, thus connecting the two concepts and potentially creating some confusion. However, cloud storage is a virtual repository for your data files whereas cloud computing transforms data virtually.
Cloud Storage
When most people think about cloud storage, they envision services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Amazon Cloud Services for example. They also think of storing files such as documents, songs, videos, and photos. This is precisely what cloud storage is. The confusion comes in when you want to transform the file that is stored in the cloud. The chief difference is whether the application that allows you to change the file lives locally on your smartphone or device or lives in the cloud.
More so than the average user, businesses use cloud storage to keep files. This method of storage and retention has proven monumental because it frees up the hard drive space companies would need to have to maintain the massive amount of data they keep. Instead, companies can securely store their files on the cloud storage server. Cloud storage allows businesses to more easily share their essential files with those who have a business need to know and prevents individuals from maintaining local files with different data points. In other words, cloud storage helps build the integrity and quality of working data.
Businesses that chose cloud computing also have cloud storage and many times, cloud storage also indicates cloud computing. The degree of applications and uses for cloud computing are the only variables in most scenarios. However, the potential for cloud computing is much greater than anyone anticipated. As the need and usage of cloud services continue to grow and be more relevant to companies with multiple offices as well as those virtual staff, working and collaborating on data in real time using cloud computing will unlock the cloud computing and storage potential.
