These days clouds aren’t just those fluffy white things in the sky anymore. Thanks to present-day technology phrases like “cloud-based” and “cloud backup” are especially common. Have you ever wondered what that means exactly? What is the cloud?
The cloud is a global network of remote servers. Though performing its own individual function, each server operates together, thus forming a network where data can be stored. Did that definition still seem a bit cloudy? To put it more simply, the cloud is the internet.
Cloud technology allows you to store and access your information over the internet rather than from your computer’s hard drive. You could even think of it as just that: an extra hard drive accessible anywhere there’s internet. You may be thinking, woah, wait, if I can access it anywhere, who else can? How secure is it?
Look at the provider to get an idea about their security measures! Common cloud server options include Google and Amazon. A good rule of thumb may be: the more established the provider, the more security measures they will have in place. Most “host servers” are located in secure data centers, which means that they aren’t physically accessible. This is good if you’re concerned about hacking or data loss. Furthermore, most have security and encryption settings to keep your information secure and private.
Our need for data storage has become more and more prevalent as we download music, snap pictures on our phones and capture video. Eagle Eye Networks reports, “more than 9 in 10 businesses are currently using cloud technology including email, phone, backup, applications, and, increasingly, video surveillance.” You’re probably using cloud storage in several ways already, but have you considered it when it comes to your video surveillance?
Whether it’s video doorbell or indoor / outdoor cameras, if you have a video surveillance system (or you’re thinking about getting one), you should have a plan for your data storage. Video surveillance data (those clips your cameras record) can also be stored and managed through the cloud. Contact a sales consultant today to learn more about why cloud is better than your own on-site (DVR /NVR) storage! Go on, just use the chatbot —>
A little more, and on the more technical side – There are three options when it comes to cloud computing: software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) or infrastructure as a service (IaaS). All three will allow you to run applications and store data; however, each offers differing flexibility. SaaS allows you to use existing online applications. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel; just use it! PaaS allows you to create your own cloud applications, with limitations. IaaS allows you to run any applications you so desire on cloud hardware of your choice.
