Periodically, M.L. Bailey Consultants will share technology and tools that we use and like.
We tend to trust only those things that we can see and touch with our own eyes. That is how I felt about cloud storage a few years ago when my brother-in-law and I had a conversation about it a couple of years ago. He is a professor and very much into technology. I have been somewhat skeptical about web-based technology, although I am quickly becoming a believer in the convenience and cost-effectiveness from a business standpoint.
The conversation with my brother-in-law went something like this.
BIL: My kids keep telling me to save it to the cloud. Are you using the cloud?
Me: What is the cloud exactly? I don’t know that I trust the cloud. What if something happens to your stuff?
BIL: Well, the cloud is really a catch all name for servers that are onsite somewhere. It’s not like your data
is up in the air.
Me: Yeah, but I still don’t know if I trust it. The servers could get messed up.
BIL: Well, they back it up to other servers.
Me: At the same location?
BIL: No, they are somewhere else.
Me: And, you trust that?
He looked at me with a resigned look and moved the conversation to a different subject.
Cloud storage is not as mysterious as it sounds. It is exactly as my brother-in-law described. Your data is stored at a location that is different than your computer, laptop, or electronic device. Electronic devices can only store a limited amount of data. When the limit is reached, the device prevents additional data from being saved. Flash drives increase storage capacity and add portability. Flash drives have limitations as well.
Cloud storage provides a low cost, convenient way for everyone to store data files. It is super great for large data files like pictures. Pictures I take with my phone are automatically backed up to “the cloud” on a regular schedule. Periodically, I get notifications showing me picture memories. For the past two weeks I was treated to photos of my trip to Italy and Greece. Looking at those pictures sent me into a relaxed state. It felt like I was there just by looking at the images of the blue-green water, clear blue skies, and fresh seafood.
The ability to access your data from any device with internet access is another benefit of cloud storage for personal use.
I offer private, personalized relaxation sessions. With my client’s permission, I record the sessions and forward the recording to them the same day. My clients may choose to store the recording of their personalized relaxation sessions on their Google Drive, Dropbox, or whichever cloud storage they use. Cloud storage allows file storage, syncing and sharing.
PCMag.com developed a list of The Best Cloud Storage and File Sharing Services for 2020. The online magazine offers “lab based, independent reviews of the latest [technology related] products and services.” If you are looking for cloud storage or file sharing services, read this article. The article helped me to better understand cloud storage. It also helped me understand the differences in free and paid plans. Additionally, I learned how the well-known cloud storage plans compare.
Cloud storage has been quite helpful to me personally.
I use cloud computing as well. This comprises secure internet-based programs, applications and services that assist me in conducting business and serving my clients. As with cloud storage, I can conduct business functions anywhere I have internet access. Clients may also access scheduling, forms, and payment through a secure server. Cloud computing allows me to easily share information with clients. They are also able to share information with me without having to make paper copies to hand deliver, fax, or mail.
“I want to be happy, whole, satisfied and successful. What about you?”
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