Data storage in the Cloud

What does data storage in the cloud mean?

When you store data in the cloud, a third party keeps your data, software and files on their servers instead of you doing it in your own location. Think of it as an external hard drive that you can access over the internet. This has a number of advantages:

• You can access your files anytime, anywhere;
• Your own server is less taxed;
• You determine the data structure yourself;
• You can migrate your data cheaper;
• You only pay for what you use;
• Your security always complies with the latest methods.

Why is data storage in the cloud so popular?

With your data in the cloud, it can be accessed and edited from anywhere. This makes it possible to work remotely, makes it easier to work together in the same files and ensures that this is done safely. Now that more and more people are working from home and are also choosing to continue working from home more, the cloud offers a solution. Because employees have access to all necessary files, the new way of working can be facilitated without major investments.

Look at all our cloud solutions. 

Top 5 ways to store data in the cloud

There are different ways of data storage in the cloud. For example, there are paid and free cloud services. Below the top 5:

#1 (Dutch) Data centers

The best way to store personal data in the cloud is with a Dutch data center. They store their data in the Netherlands and know the Dutch regulations and AVG through and through, so you do not run the risk of violating these strict rules and you ensure that your data is always safe. With a data center you can create your own cloud by making your own agreements and you can easily scale up and down space.

#2 Microsoft Onedrive

OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud service. They offer free storage up to 5 GB. After this you have to pay an amount of 2 euros per month to upgrade to a subscription of 50 GB. OneDrive synchronizes faster than Google Drive and is therefore better suited for multiple users to collaborate on files. It is also more compatible with Microsoft 365 products.

#3 Google Drive

Google Drive is Google's cloud service. Their free version is the largest with 15 GB as a starting point. After that, you pay 1.99 euros per month for 100 GB of storage space. Google Drive works perfectly with other google products such as Gmail and Google Docs, but less well with Microsoft Office files. These are automatically converted into Google Docs compatible files, which can change the format and formatting.

#4 Dropbox

With Dropbox, you get the least free storage, namely 2 GB. You can expand this to 1 TB for 9.99 euros per month. This is the most expensive option, but it also gives you the most space. Dropbox uses an application suitable for Linux, Windows and Mac, which automatically synchronizes files from a certain folder with Dropbox. This allows you to automatically back up the files and folders in this folder online. They also have a mobile app, for your iPhone, iPad or Android device, that gives you access to your synchronized files and folders from anywhere.

#5 iCloud

iCloud is Apple's cloud service and therefore works especially well with devices and operating systems from Apple itself. In the Netherlands (at the time of writing) almost 60% of the population uses an Android device, so this will not work perfectly for many. With iCloud, you get 5 GB of storage for free and can then upgrade to 50 GB for $ 0.99 per month.

For which type of organizations is data storage in the cloud interesting?

Data storage in the cloud is interesting for any type of organization that stores a lot of data. If you don't need that much space, you can opt for a free provider. If you are not yet sure how much space you need and the possibility exists that personal data will also be processed, a collaboration with a data center is your best option.