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Cloud: Get to know it
Cloud is a word that is now on most people's lips and the word is most likely here to stay.
With this page we want to shed some light on what this 'cloud' actually is.
What does cloud mean?
Cloud is an English word and means 'cloud' directly translated into English
In the word lies the meaning of a large part of the digital world and development, which is directly linked to the Internet and communication and work over it. The cloud is basically just a metaphor for working over the internet - something that has developed explosively in recent years with faster internet connections to a wider section of the population, while more and more people are getting connected to the internet every day.
The cloud has been around for a long time, but in recent years it has become more recognised as a way of talking about working across the internet.
Today, there are tons of ways to collaborate and communicate over the Internet - whether it's email, file sharing, social startups (GoMore, AirBNB, etc.), video calls or social media (Facebook, Twitter). All are applications that are not installed on your computer, but are executed directly from the 'cloud' - for example in an internet browser.
Read also: backing up to the cloud
Read more: Archiving in the cloud
What does cloud computing mean?
Cloud computing is when you get software, a service or a service delivered over the internet. You are probably already using cloud computing - Facebook, Gmail and other webmails are examples of applications that are not installed on your computer, but reside in the 'cloud'.
In other words, you do not have to open a program on your computer, but access the application via an Internet browser.
Do you use GoMore to book and offer a ride or AirBNB to rent out your home, you are also a consumer of cloud computing. Both applications can be used via the internet without having a program installed on your computer.
For businesses, the benefits of cloud computing are significant and many are increasingly using ERP and CRM systems in the cloud. It offers more flexibility as it is not necessary to have in-house servers and technologies but that everything can be managed directly in the cloud. Changes are live instantly and for all relevant staff.
As you can sense, there are plenty of examples of cloud computing, and the list is only getting longer. There are a number of clear benefits of cloud computing, which you can read more about here.
And just to be clear - online backup and cloud storage is also cloud computing ☺
What is cloud backup?
Cloud Backup is the way to protect yourself from data loss if you have an accident and your computer breaks. By backing up, you ensure that you have an extra copy of a file somewhere other than your computer - the cloud is ideal for this, as it is physically independent of your computer, your house and your location in general. The backed up file will always be accessible over the internet as it resides in the 'cloud'.
In fact, a backup program helps you take a copy of your files and send them to data centres where they are kept under top-secure facilities.
There are many providers, so before you start cloud backup, it's important to research the market and find the provider that has both the capacity and the credibility to preserve your precious files.
At Onlime, there are a number of advantages over Dropbox and many other cloud backup providers. You can read more about them here.
Read alsoOnlime gives Computer Council of the Decade 2010-2020
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is related to cloud backup, but where backup is automatic and runs in the background, storage is more like storing data permanently in the cloud. It's a bit like an external hard drive or USB stick, where you put files and folders to store them permanently.
The clear advantage of cloud storage is that you have unlimited space in the cloud available, unlike a physical external hard drive, which is limited in capacity. Plus, once again, there's no physical risk in storing data in the cloud - the external hard drive can break or get stolen, just like your computer can - and you're done.
Cloud storage and cloud backup safeguards your data when your computer breaks, your phone goes in the washing machine or your devices are stolen.
Flexibility is also a key word when choosing the best cloud storage. When you have your data in the cloud, you have access to it no matter where you are in the world, what computer you're using or whether you need files on the go on your smartphone.
The only downside is that you need internet on your device - but internet is now as common a resource as electricity and water.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
When you use software, services or your own services over the internet, you're already in the cloud - everything happens directly through your internet connection and you don't need to have heavy applications that both clutter and slow down your computer.
This is one of the biggest advantages.
The pace of development is accelerating and it will soon be an exception that you have installed applications and apps on your devices. Previously heavy computer applications such as Photoshop are also being assisted directly in the cloud in several ways, so you can use the application with greater flexibility than before.
An example of image editing being outsourced to the cloud is when you upload a new profile picture to Facebook - then you have a wealth of editing options. You no longer need to edit the image locally on your computer before uploading.
The security of cloud computing
In addition to this flexibility, safety is paramount. As soon as you have your work somewhere other than on your computer, you have access to better and greater security facilities than your own computer. So your computer becomes more or less just the tool you use to manage your data, which is stored in the cloud. If your computer fails, your work is stored in the cloud and you can get it back as soon as you get your hands on a new computer.
It makes switching computers much easier, with greater peace of mind and fewer worries.
Comparison
Unlimited space and Danish customer service is just the start..
Differences in cloud solutions
The market for cloud solutions is rapidly evolving, so it's only natural that there are a lot of providers out there. And like anything else, there are differences in who you choose. The biggest and best-known brands use aggressive marketing and are the immediate easiest choice for many consumers - but don't always go for the first thing you see.
Read more: Onlime versus Dropbox
At Onlime, we're passionate about making sure you choose the right provider. You need to be aware of the differences that exist, both in terms of the physical location of the company and its data centres, the speed of software and transfers, and security - including privacy. In fact, there are significant differences in terms of legislation and so on, depending on the country in which your provider is located.
Read more: Security and privacy policy
Many cloud providers are based in the US.
..and that's not immediately an advantage - especially when it comes to privacy policy. In the US, there is very lax legislation when it comes to protecting customers' privacy and data that they hold on US servers. That's why you'd be much better off having a provider outside the US borders. At Onlime, our servers are located in Norway - and that's no accident.
Norway has one of the strictest data protection laws in the world. For example, authorities or other agencies cannot just wander into our data centres and extract data from our customers' accounts - they can do that in the US. In Norway, they need a warrant from a Norwegian court before they can do anything.
The geography is also towards the US companies - both in terms of speed and communication.
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