Demystifying the Cloud

Demystifying the Cloud

Have you ever wondered where your files go when you save information to the Cloud?  We use platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Google Docs every day without pausing to think about where our information is going and how we know it’ll be there when we need it.  Cloud storage isn’t complicated to use or understand, so let’s demystify it.

When we send information to “the cloud” we are actually referring to servers owned and operated by specific companies.  YouTube, Facebook, Google and many other companies have invested millions of dollars in storage technology so that their users can store and retrieve information anytime, anywhere.  Cloud storage and cloud computing are quickly becoming efficient ways to work and communicate and many businesses are eager to enter the market.

With such a demand for cloud storage, the competition is tough.  Only the most reliable companies with the best reputation can compete among the tech giants.  The best companies store your information in more than one location to create a physical backup, encrypt information during transfer, and use backup power generators to keep the servers running consistently.  With so many cloud companies to choose from, companies can’t afford to lose your information.

Here’s an example:  Say you want to back up your family’s photos from your latest vacation.  Once you choose a service provider that supports the type of media you wish to upload, you then determine how much information you want to store.

 Videos and images require more storage space than text and documents.  While some storage providers offer a limited amount of storage for free, more storage often costs more.  Storage providers base their options on a sliding scale based on the needs of the consumer, so it’s a good idea to be aware of what you’re willing to pay.

This diagram details how your information

 travels to various servers and databases.

Once you choose the provider, it is then necessary to understand that not all providers store your information safely.  While most companies invest significantly in protection systems to keep your data safe, hackers are continually attempting to compromise the information of others.  Your provider will often encrypt your information when transferring files to another location- a necessary protection in today’s tech environment. 

With luck, your family’s photos will remain safe and accessible for the future.   It is, however, important to understand that the information you view on the internet (ex. streaming movies, audio, etc.) stays on the internet.  When we utilize these services we only have rights to view content- we don’t actually own it.  This means that when you work and save content online with Microsoft Office 365, it stays there.  That's why it's important to save to some concrete device.  If for some reason you lose your Microsoft license you also lose your right to edit those documents.

While cloud storage and computing are quickly becoming the norm in society, it is important to understand the long term implications of data storage.  Your digital music or book collection will disappear with you when you leave this earth unless you give someone your username and password.  The same can be said of cloud storage- while your information may still be stored somewhere on a server, no one will have access to it but you. 

With that said, please don’t hesitate to take advantage of some of the wonderful cloud storage and computing services out there.  Just be wary of the hands you leave your information with and mindful of the permanence of information in a world we’re only temporarily in.

Written by:  Alyssa Anderson