Key Points
- Cloud Basics: The cloud delivers software, storage, and services online through public, private, hybrid, and community models.
- Core Differences: Cloud Backup protects data, Cloud Sync supports collaboration, and Cloud Storage offers general file hosting and access.
- Data Protection Focus: Cloud backup ensures security, recovery, and encryption against data loss or corruption.
- Business Benefits: Gain cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and remote access by moving to cloud-based solutions.
Today, businesses rely on the cloud to assist with various tasks, including data backup and team collaboration. In fact, Flexera 2024 State of the Cloud report reveals that 89% of organizations are adopting multi-cloud solutions. Discover the differences between cloud backup, cloud sync, and cloud storage in this post.
What is the cloud?
The cloud is a group of servers stored in databases around the world, allowing software and services to run on the internet instead of locally on devices. Accessing the cloud requires a stable internet connection and an endpoint. There are currently four different types of cloud that businesses can use:
Public cloud
A public cloud is available to all and shares resources, services, and information with the general public.
Private cloud
A private cloud is usually hosted on-premises and isn’t available to the public. It operates on a private internal network, allowing users with access to share resources and utilize its services.
Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud utilizes both private and public clouds, sharing resources and information between them. Organizations implement a hybrid cloud strategy to ensure they capitalize on the value of both public and private clouds.
To learn how to build and manage this type of environment effectively, watch this video on “How to Implement a Hybrid Cloud Strategy“.
Community cloud
A community cloud can only share resources and offer services within a specific group, organization, or sector (i.e. government, health, education, etc).
3 common ways to use the cloud
| Feature | Cloud Backup | Cloud Sync | Cloud Storage |
| Core Function | Copy data and move it to the cloud for safekeeping. | Detects file changes and replicate them to the cloud. | Store data in the cloud. |
| Primary Purpose | Data Protection (protecting data from corruption or loss and enabling recovery). | Collaboration between teams or individuals. | General Storage (can be used for primary file storage, running applications, or computing power). |
| Involves Software? | Yes. Includes automated technology for identifying changes, retention, deletion, compression, and encryption. | Yes. Relies on applications installed on user devices (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive). | No. no software involved or required |
| Data Flow | One-way copy of data to the cloud. | Synchronization of data across multiple devices and the cloud. | A repository where data is uploaded and stored. |
One of the reasons why businesses are moving to the cloud in 2022 is because it offers flexibility and can be used for many tasks. Some common ways to use the cloud include:
1) Cloud backup
Simply put, cloud backup is the process of using software to copy data and move it to the cloud. It encompasses all the automated technology and software involved in moving data to the cloud, identifying changes in the data to determine what needs to be backed up, determining how long to retain data, deleting data from cloud storage, compressing data, and encrypting data, among other tasks.
2) Cloud sync
Cloud sync is the process of installing applications on user endpoints to detect changes in files and move them to the cloud. While this software can be considered a form of backup, its primary purpose is for collaboration between teams or individuals. Some examples of cloud sync software include Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, and SharePoint Online.
3) Cloud storage
Cloud storage is the ability to store data in the cloud. Unlike cloud sync or cloud backup, cloud storage does not involve or require any software. You can think of it as a storage container that you can fill with files, data, and so on. You don’t have to use it only as backup; you could also use it for primary file storage, computing power, or to run applications in the cloud.
5 advantages of using cloud backup
To protect data from corruption or loss, businesses often use cloud backup. In fact, NordicBackup believes that “running a business without a cloud backup in place can have devastating, yet preventable, repercussions.” The advantages that a business gains from using cloud backup include:
1) Cost-savings
During the Dark Ages before the cloud, businesses were forced to pay for on-site servers and off-site data centers. Today, organizations save money, space, and time by using the cloud. Although businesses do pay hosting companies to use the cloud, the cost is much lower than the on-site alternative.
2) Scalability
As organizations grow, they need scalable solutions that can evolve with the company. Since hosting companies typically offer various levels of service, businesses can adjust and adapt their cloud services as they scale.
3) Security
Cloud backup is an excellent way to prevent data loss or theft. In fact, data stored in the cloud is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, cloud hosting companies stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity standards to ensure that stored information remains in the right hands.
4) Flexibility
Because cloud hosting businesses offer services that are pay-as-you-go, you only pay for what you use. This flexibility reduces costs and enables your business to scale cloud services up or down as needed.
5) Availability
With cloud backup, employees can access data anywhere with a stable internet connection. This feature is especially useful for businesses that have a fully or partially remote workforce.
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If you prefer a visual breakdown, watch our video: The Differences Between Cloud Backup vs. Cloud Sync & Storage.
