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.
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:
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.
| 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. |
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.
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.