Cloud vs. Local Storage

Last updated on October 8th, 2023 at 02:09 pm

Have you ever considered cloud vs. local storage? What are the differences, and which is better?

All computer users, at some point, desire some form of storage to keep information for later use. Over the years, the options available for storing information have changed. It now goes beyond a physical location that you can touch to the cloud. Many users today use both secondary storage and the cloud to keep information for later. While both of these storage methods are great, they each come with some disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the following:

What is storage;
Define cloud storage;
Define local storage;
Types of storage; and
Advantages and disadvantages of cloud and local storage;

What is storage? Cloud vs. local storage

In information technology, storage refers to devices that connect to a computer to keep it for future use.

Today we often hear about cloud and local storage, but what exactly is cloud storage, and what is local storage? Keep reading to learn more:

Cloud storage: cloud storage refers to spaces available on internet servers where users are able to upload and keep their information for future use. Cloud storage is free for a small amount of information but costly when storing large amounts of data.
Local Storage: refers to information stored on your computer or other secondary storage devices in your possession.

Differences between the two types of storage

There are two types of storage:

Cloud: When we speak of cloud storage, we refer to a situation where we store information on the cloud or the internet. In reality, the information is stored on a server or several servers. These servers may be located anywhere around the world.

On the other hand, local storage refers to offline physical storage devices or devices that are in your possession.

Advantages of cloud storage

Accessibility: Files stored on the cloud can be accessed from anywhere in the world, providing that you have access to the internet.

Price: You do not need to spend money on hardware. Instead, you can use online storage at a very cheap cost that will probably never add up to the cost of the added hardware you need to buy for storage.

The ability to collaborate on documents and files: Cloud storage today makes it possible for you to share your files and collaborate to complete tasks. This reduces the need to commute at a time when more people are leaning towards working from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, cloud storage is obviously the best tool for remote work where your team members are in different time zones.

Reduced energy and pollution: We can significantly cut energy consumption with cloud storage. Additionally, it reduces the amount of hardware devices we will dispose of in the long run, which has the added benefit of reducing pollution.

Disadvantages of cloud storage

While cloud storage has proven useful in allowing us to access information without the need to take cumbersome devices, it has not been all good. There are many instances where this may not be the best option for storing your information. These include:

Internet dependency: Working with cloud storage invokes a need to have a dedicated internet connection. Unfortunately, this may not be possible in areas where the internet is unreliable or where a system cannot accept outside connectivity.
Vulnerability: The very fact that cloud storage is online makes it vulnerable to attacks. Of course, the extent to which your information is vulnerable depends on the security provided by your host. There are technology-savvy hackers who work overtime to attack any vulnerability that has been overlooked.
Reliant on a third party: Once your information has been uploaded to the internet, you become dependent on your host to protect your business and ensure the information is always available online.
Migration challenges: Generally, the ability to easily move your information from one hosting service to another is severally lacking in today’s cloud storage capabilities. As such, once your information is online, you will be unable to migrate if you have issues with the service being offered.
Not all data is suitable for cloud storage: Highly sensitive information cannot be stored on the cloud because there is no way to be sure about who has access to it.

Advantages of local storage

While local storage seems to be a passing fad with computers coming with reduced storage space and programs requiring an internet connection in order to work, local storage is still a good choice for several reasons:

Accessibility: You are able to access the document 24/7 whether you have access to the internet or not.
Control over accessibility: You have more control over the location of your files and who has access to it.
Easy migration: Moving information from one storage device to another is quite easy.

Disadvantages of local storage

On the other hand, there are some good reasons why online storage is gaining traction. This is related to the disadvantages of local storage, which are as follows:

The need to back up your information is time-consuming.
The safety of your information rests solely with you, the user. This will require some unfamiliar processes if you are not a knowledgeable user.
Collaboration and information sharing is difficult.

If you have an interest in learning more about cloud and local storage, visit Carbide.