In this digital age, the volume of data handled by different organizations and individuals has reached unprecedented levels. According to reports, total global data is on its path to reach 200 zettabytes by 2025.
These numbers highlight the importance of a reliable and secure method for data storage. Two of the most used options are bulk USB drives and cloud storage. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
So, let’s compare bulk USB drives with cloud storage to help you make an informed decision based on your requirements.
If you use the bulk USB drives option, it would usually cost around 40-60% more than a good storage solution and also require physical handling. However, USB drives are still a better option in areas with slow and weak internet access.
You should choose USB drives when you need to access data offline and quickly transfer large files. It is the best option for handling data in remote areas. One can also use this solution when you need to handle a small amount of data that is also portable.
Before jumping to a conclusion, it is crucial to understand the hidden costs involved in both these storage solutions.
Here are the hidden costs of USB drives to take into account:
Hidden costs of cloud storage solution to consider:
Furthermore, switching between different cloud storage providers can cause more problems in business operations during the transition period.
Earlier, security was a major drawback of cloud storage solutions. There were many issues with privacy and data loss due to hacking. However, modern cloud solutions have done a lot in a short period to deliver safe and advanced features.
Major cloud systems use 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption System) to protect your data, which is virtually uncrackable. Other security features like multifactor authentication and automatic backups are also available in modern solutions.
Now, if we talk about the external USB drives, they are pretty impressive on the security point as well. A hacker can not access your physical drive unless it is connected to a computer having an internet connection.
However, there is always a risk of failure or corruption in physical drives. Thus, it is important to invest in a powerful and reliable USB drive.
In these unfortunate times of climate change, it is equally important to consider the environmental impact of both data storage solutions. According to Greenpeace, the carbon footprint of cloud storage is greater than the airline industry.
The aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions, and cloud storage is between 2.5% to 3.7%. Cloud solutions rely on large data centers to store your data. These centers consume a large amount of energy to manage the servers. This energy comes mostly from fossil fuels, contributing further to climate change.
On the other hand, USB drives are more environmentally friendly, as they use less amount of energy. However, the use of renewable resources like plastic and metals does impact the environment in some form.
The best thing is that there are many responsible providers, making USB drives from eco-friendly and recycled materials. They are trying to do everything to reduce their carbon footprint at every step of the process.
Important: Please dispose of USB drives correctly, so that they don’t end up as a waste in landfill.
The best approach to managing your data storage is to strike a balance with the hybrid use of both solutions. One way to go about it is to use a USB drive to store frequently accessed and smaller files, and use the cloud for large or less frequently used data.
This hybrid approach effectively combines the scalability of cloud solutions and the portability of USB drives. The secret recipe to cook a successful strategy is to create well-defined guidelines. The person managing the data should know what type of data should be delivered through which solution.
In conclusion, both cloud and bulk USB drives have their advantages and disadvantages. Before making a decision, I would recommend you create a list of your requirements and update frequency.
The best option is to use a hybrid approach to avoid the cons of both methods. Eventually, it all comes down to the safety and accessibility of your data storage plan.
Internet Writer
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