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Overview
There are many questions you may have on how cloud backup is different from cloud storage. Before we address these questions, we need to understand that even though there are some similarities between the two, the purposes for which they are designed are different.
Cloud backup securely backs up all your data and keeps it safe, ensuring easy restores and accessibility. Cloud storage helps store your files and you can sync and share these files with other devices.
The question of whether cloud backup is better or cloud storage, depends completely on your requirements.
What is Cloud Backup?
Cloud backup service providers, like IDrive, backup your data stored on multiple devices by creating a copy of files. These files can be recovered or restored as and when required or when the original files gets lost or becomes unretrievable. For example, if your computer crashes or becomes infected by a virus attack, you can retrieve a copy of those files from your IDrive cloud backup account.
Key features of IDrive Cloud Backup:
- Backup data from all your devices - PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads and Android devices – to a single cloud account.
- When you backup data from a device, a unique folder with the name of the device will be created in your cloud backup account for easy accessibility and prevents data overlap.
- Secure online backups for running databases and servers - for MS SQL Server , On-premise MS Exchange Server , Hyper-V , Oracle Server, Linux Servers and VMware.
- The Continuous Data Protection (CDP) feature automatically recognizes the changes made to the files (up to 500 MB in size) in the Backup set and backs them up in real-time.
- Data is protected using 256-bit AES encryption during transfer and stored in highly secure data centers. An optional private key, that is not stored anywhere in IDrive servers, ensures only you have access to your data.
- True Archiving: No data is deleted from your IDrive online account until you manually delete or run 'Archive Cleanup' to match your computer data to your account.
- Manage data backups of all your remote computers with robust reporting tools in near real time response.
- Backup or retrieve several gigabytes of data, within a week, using physical shipment of temporary storage devices via IDrive Express™.
What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a way to store, access, share and sync data over the Internet. You can sync selected data across multiple devices by uploading it to the cloud. However, if the files are modified they will be synced to all the connected devices. Cloud storage can be useful for collaborating with co-workers, sharing files with friends etc., Cloud storage is generally limited in capacity and is not an ideal solution for disaster recovery.
IDrive Cloud Backup vs. Cloud Storage
| Features | IDrive Cloud Backup | Cloud Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Data encryption on transfer and storage | Yes. Files are transferred and stored encrypted via 256-bit AES encryption with an optional private key. Secure 128-bit SSL links are used for all online data transfers. | No. Usually files are synced across devices and may not be encrypted. |
| File Sharing | Yes. Easily share data using a single secured link. | Yes. Data synced can be shared. |
Can I use cloud storage services as a cloud backup solution?
It's risky to use cloud storage solution as a means to backup your data, mainly because cloud storage services primarily sync changes across devices. So, a file that is infected with virus on one device may get synced to all your devices and lead to data loss.
Additionally, cloud storage services may allow users to store a portion of their files in the cloud (depending on their pricing models). So, anything not stored in the cloud is more vulnerable in the event of a disaster.
Why IDrive Cloud Backup is right for you?
Cloud backup is the centerpiece of any disaster recovery plan. IDrive helps you to protect data through regular online backups. That way your data is available right when you need it, as well as stored safely off-site. While most other cloud services charge per device, IDrive protects multiple devices, at a single price.
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