In the midst of the buzz created by the advent of online cloud solutions, tech experts are trying to come up with some more innovative and user-friendlier solutions for personal data storage solutions. The need for such options is growing, since cloud users have realized that keeping their data on public clouds could be an inconvenient solution in some situations. Here are the most practical options for setting a trustworthy and secure personal cloud hub in order to establish higher levels of security for your home-based business.
Why personal solution before public cloud?
This is the key question that every new cloud user has to ask themselves when they’re about to choose whether to use a public cloud solution or a personal service. For starters, cloud storage providers work with millions of users. This means that everything you put in your online storage package will be a needle in a haystack. Although they boast with their security measures, such a large number of users raises some doubts.
Opposite to that, when you create your personal home cloud service, you have complete and direct control over all the uploaded data.
Furthermore, you have to pay monthly or annual fees to your cloud storage providers if you want to have continuous access to their services, i.e. your data. On the other hand, establishing a personal cloud solution is a one-time investment.
PC-based home cloud service
Before we get to the NAS cloud service, it’s important to mention another option – the home PC cloud solution. Since the main purpose of every cloud service is being able to store some data to a certain place in cyberspace, so as to have access to it from different devices, your home computer can play that cloud role. This can be achieved by using a cloud software solution on your home computer to transform that device into a data hub for all the other devices you use.
Still, the major drawbacks here are the limited storage space of your hard drive, as well as the risk of data loss in case of a system catastrophe. The latter requires a safe backup plan – these backup software solutions could help you save the day. Still, bear in mind that some of them, like Dropbox, are pure public cloud providers, so think hard before you opt for any of them.
Also, you will have to leave your home computer switched on every time you leave your home, which is a pretty great nuisance.
NAS – a self-standing cloud master
While the home cloud solution from the previous paragraph will satisfy the needs of average, non-business users, SMBs and startups whose work includes storing large chunks of data need something stronger, i.e. more sophisticated. If you’ve ever heard of personal cloud solutions, you must have heard of the network attached storage (NAS), too. Its major advantage is its capability to function as a personal cloud solution. This is basically a self-standing device that is connected to your router and serves as your very own cloud server. Therefore, if you find it useful for your needs, it’s recommended to go for a device enriched with RAID technology. In a nutshell, it ensures keeping backup versions of your data in case of a hardware failure or any other inconvenience.
Internet connection and personal cloud
When I was considering various options for my personal cloud solution, I conducted a thorough analysis of the Internet providers near me in order to gather information on the connection packages they offer. During that period, I learnt that those interested in setting their own home cloud service should pay special attention to the upload speed when checking the available connection packages.
Namely, if your upload speed is too slow, you will have poor access to your home cloud. Because of that, if the connection in your area can’t reach the speed required for seamless communication with your PC- or NAS-based cloud, it’s wiser to use public cloud services.
While today you can use dozens of cloud options, your choice will largely depend on their purposes. Users that only need file sharing will be pleased with ordinary PC-based cloud, whereas more demanding home-based business owners should make best use of the cutting-edge NAS-cloud options and ensure a safe future for their important data.
The post Use a Personal Cloud for Your Home-Based Business appeared first on 360 Web Firm.