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Cloud Backup Vs. Cloud Syncing

August 01, 2022

Cloud Backup Vs. Cloud Syncing: What's the Difference?

In today's world of ever-increasing data, it's more important than ever to make sure that your files are protected and easily accessible. Two cloud-based solutions that aim to do just that are cloud backup and cloud syncing. While both have similarities, they work differently, and they each have their own pros and cons. In this article, we'll compare cloud backup vs. cloud syncing to help you choose the right solution for your needs.

Cloud Backup

Cloud backup is a service where all of your files are stored on an external server or cloud-based platform. The primary purpose of cloud backup is to protect your data against unexpected accidents like device failure or data corruption.

The biggest advantage of cloud backup is that it creates an off-site copy of your files, ensuring they are safe even if something happens to your local computer or hard drive. It also offers users unlimited storage space to store their files, so there is no need to worry about running out of space.

On the other hand, cloud backup has some limitations. First, in case you need to access your files, you'll have to restore everything from your backup location. It can be time-consuming, and not to mention, you may end up restoring files that you never needed. Second, since everything is stored on a remote server, you'll need an internet connection to access the files.

When it comes to pricing, cloud backup solutions usually offer monthly or yearly payment plans with tiered pricing based on the amount of data you need to back up. For instance, Backblaze Personal Backup charges $6/month for unlimited backup storage, while Carbonite charges $6/month for 250 GB of data.

Cloud Syncing

Cloud syncing, as the name implies, operates by keeping all your files synchronized across multiple devices. This technology works by producing a single file structure and database, which are constantly updated.

What sets cloud syncing apart from cloud backup is its ability to provide real-time access to all of your files from any device with an internet connection. It means that whenever you update a file on one device, the changes will be reflected almost immediately on all your other devices.

While cloud syncing is convenient, it doesn't offer the same level of protection as cloud backup. If your computer crashes or a file gets lost, you may not have a backup of it. It's also worth noting that most cloud syncing services only offer a certain amount of storage space.

When it comes to pricing, cloud syncing services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive offer free accounts with limited storage space. For users who need more storage, they usually charge a monthly or yearly fee per user. For instance, Dropbox Business Standard costs $12.50/month for two TB of storage space.

Cloud Backup or Cloud Syncing?

So, which one should you choose? It depends on your needs. If you want to protect all of your files, regardless of their size or frequency of use, cloud backup is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want fast and efficient access to your files from anywhere, cloud syncing is your best bet.

It's also worth considering a hybrid approach that combines cloud syncing and cloud backup. By having your files synced across all devices and backed up to the cloud automatically, you can take advantage of the benefits of both services.

In conclusion, both cloud backup and cloud syncing are useful technologies that can help you protect and access your data. The right one for you depends on your specific needs and goals.

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