What is the cloud?

More and more companies are using cloud services because of the many advantages they offer. In addition, online methodologies and applications free us from having to work on the same computer, since this technology lets us access our data and documents from any device, as long as we have an internet connection.

What do we mean when we talk about the cloud?

It is a new model of computer storage that lets us keep large amounts of data, files and programmes on the internet, with the possibility of accessing them at any time, from anywhere and through any device.

When we talk about the cloud, we need to forget about storing data in physical spaces and think of this concept as a virtual space full of information synchronised with other information through web environments. It gives us much more security, agility and durability, and the possibility of giving users access to the information we want.

What types of cloud are there?

Public cloud

It offers services to all internet users, and you only pay for the storage space you need.

Private cloud

It offers services to a limited number of users through corporate networks.

Multi-cloud

Services that combine at least two public and private cloud providers, which may or may not be integrated with each other.

Hybrid cloud

It is the middle ground between the public and private cloud, as it lets us store data in the public or private cloud depending on our needs.

How does the cloud work?

To access the server, we must identify ourselves with a username and password. Once we have logged in, all the data we generate will be stored on the server via the internet and not on our device, a feature that lets us work from anywhere and on any device, since we can reach the cloud, where all our data and documents are kept.

In the cloud, everything we write is saved automatically, and all computer applications, work software and our documents will be up to date at all times, since the provider will constantly update the server.

One of the most important things to bear in mind is that we can increase or decrease the storage space and resources we need at any time. This gives us a lot of flexibility when taking out these services, since we can adapt our plan at any time to suit each situation.

Examples of cloud services:

·Google Cloud

·Dropbox

·Icloud

·One Drive

·Mega

Advantages and disadvantages of using it

Benefits:

1.Speed, simplicity and ease. We do not need to have any software installed to access our data, as we only need to access the web servers. It is also a very simple and easy-to-use system.

2.Resource savings. We do not need any software, expert staff or equipment to manage the server, because the provider takes care of all of this.

3.Access to information at all times.

4.High security and data protection. It is one of the places where our data is safest, as the server is constantly being updated. These services are also highly adaptable and good at recovering lost data.

5.Greater capacity and flexibility.

6.Multi-device. We can access the server where our data is stored from any device, provided we identify ourselves with a username and password.

Disadvantages:

1.It requires an internet connection. If the internet connection fails, we will not be able to access the server or our data. This can be a big problem in certain situations.

2.Dependence on the provider. When we sign up for one of these services we indirectly depend heavily on the provider, as we do not have complete control of our data and, if we want to migrate the information to another server, we may find it difficult.

3.Lack of control over the data.

4.It is a technology with room for improvement. There are still many areas where it needs to improve considerably since, like any technological tool, it is not perfect.

5.Security risks. Although it is one of the most secure storage systems, it is not 100% secure, as it still has a lot of room for development and improvement ahead of it.

Is it safe to store data in the cloud?

Storing our data in the cloud is still a concern for many companies, but it remains much safer and more convenient than local storage devices.

According to a study by Alert Logic, 51% of companies that store their data on physical premises suffer more  incidents than those that store it on cloud servers.

This is because these services have the human, technical and financial resources to deal with major threats, as they can invest in offering the best cybersecurity solutions. They also have data access control systems and systems for recovering data after incidents.

In addition, some providers can offer us complementary services such as audits, controls and security certifications.

We can therefore say that working with one of these providers will help us protect our data much better. Even so, we must still take every precaution and always be aware of the terms of the service we have signed up for, to avoid possible external incidents.