Businesses these days have a lot to deal with, especially concerning their data. With files only getting bigger, their protection becomes quite troublesome to handle. This is where cloud services kick in, providing firms with simple solutions on where and how to keep their documents safe.
In this guide, we differentiate between cloud backup and sync services, with emphasis on which is better. In our experience, the backup will always beat cloud sync due to several distinct advantages it provides for companies.
What’s the Difference?
Simply put, sync platforms, such as Dropbox, iCloud Drive, OneDrive, Box, and Google Drive, synchronise files on your computer to that on the cloud. Through it, you can access documents on the cloud and on a desktop device, provided you have internet access. Call it a mirror version of your files, where you can use a number of devices to reach and even modify your files.
Backup, on the other hand, is a simple and yet effective way to store an exact copy of your data online. There is no action required by the user and files are cannot be edited online. In terms of protection, encryption stops third parties from accessing files without a key, which is held by the user.
Why Should You Use Cloud Backup over Sync
There are several factors that you should take into account when choosing how to backup your documents. Cloud backup is secure and fully automated, with data not available for manipulation during the process. The backed-up data will remain online until you remove it personally. Not all cloud sync services will retain your data and keep it safe indefinitely, with storage limitations being quite low for business needs.
Increased Safety
Files sent through the cloud backup service are not available for any sort of editing online. This means that anyone apart from you would find it almost impossible to access them. Through encryption keys, users can store their databases securely, without fear of files being compromised.
Fast and Easy Recovery
Depending on the sync plan you chose at the beginning, you have limitations on how to recover files, which can take quite a bit of time if the database is large. Additionally, if you happen to lose access to the cloud site to which you have shared access, chances are that databases are gone for good.
Backup does not have these issues, as you can store files in several locations.
Limited Storage Capacities with Sync
Lastly, storage capacities, as well as recovery file limitations play a key role when deciding on whether you should sync or backup your online property. Backup is practically limitless in its own nature, as you are simply copying files into places you decide upon yourself.
Conclusion
Using backup goes a long way towards effectively protecting your files. Synced files are accessible via third parties and are vulnerable to human errors. With these risks out of the way, users can safely copy files in platforms of their desire and recover them quite easily. With no limitations on storage, the backup does have an upper hand over cloud sync services.