Benefits of Synchronous Cloud Storage

Storing files on the Cloud is not necessarily a new technology. However, there are many people that haven’t really delved into the possibilities of using such conveniences online. Instead, people are consumed with sharing on social sites without realizing other potentially beneficial applications. The Internet can do more for you than merely give you a platform in which to express your feelings.

Synchronization applications allow you to install a folder on your computer’s desktop as it connects to an online storage area. Anything you drop into these synched folders will automatically be placed on the Internet. If you install the same application on an office computer, all three locations will be updated simultaneously. For instance: if you drop a file you were working on into this special folder on your office computer, that file will be copied to the online storage as well as your home folder almost instantly. This can be beneficial in a number of ways.

Online Access

Even if you’re away from those computer systems that have the application installed, you can still access those files online through virtually any web browser. Once you log into the synchronized host’s website, you can download those files to the current computer at which you’re sitting. Some of these applications will also allow you to play music files through a basic MP3 player built into the website.

Working at Home

As in the example above, any file placed into the synchronized folder will share it with all of your other locations. Instead of plugging in a USB flash drive for transporting the file, it can be on your home computer before you get out of your office chair. This provides you with a method of redundant copies without using extra pieces of hardware that can be easily lost.

[Read also: How to Sync Files Between Two Computers]

Mobile Compatibility

Some synchronization applications are also available for your mobile device. You can have instant access to those important files while on location from opening the app on your smartphone. This could improve the usefulness of your mobile device while incorporating methods in which to remain productive – even if you’re standing in line at the grocery store.

System Backups

Elaborate developments of Cloud synchronization can incorporate backups of your computer system or mobile device. This gives you the capability to retrieve your files in the event of a catastrophic hard drive failure or virus attack that renders your computer system useless. This could save a great deal of headache and time when trying to recover files that you could have lost otherwise.

Protected Data

Most online storage systems utilize firewall and anti-virus protection. You can synchronize your systems without fear of spreading a virus across all of your devices. It’s also common practice for Cloud storage hosts to utilize 256-bit encryption or better in order to protect data from others trying to gain access. However, encryption methods vary depending on the host you decide to utilize.

Cloud storage can be very beneficial for office and personal files. Many companies offer free storage capacities while offering paid upgrades such as iDrive.com. As these systems are incredibly easy to use, the hardest part for you is to decide which company offers the capabilities that fit your needs. Don’t risk losing the files and images that are important and see what Cloud folder synchronization can do for you.

[Image credit: Craig Klein, Flickr]