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Article · Apr 7, 2016

Common Cloud Myths Busted: Storage vs. backup

Common Cloud Myths Busted: Storage vs. backup

Automatic cloud backup is the best way to protect your digital files from computer viruses, IT security threats, accidental deletions and natural disasters. But as is the case with so many popular technologies, there are some common myths about cloud backup that are just begging to be busted. And that’s exactly what we plan to do with this new weekly blog series.

For our first installment, we’re taking a look at the all-too-common belief that cloud storage and cloud backup are pretty much the same thing. Not true.

Myth: Storage and backup are the same
Fact:
Many consumers, and even businesses, use cloud storage solutions like DropBox and Google Drive because they’re often free. But users often learn the hard way that cloud storage does not offer the same protection from accidental deletions and costly disruptions as cloud backup. Also, many customers don’t realize that solutions like this do not back up all their files, or their desktop. Instead it backs up only the files shared through the service.

Cloud storage is fine for things like file sharing or accessing your files from mobile devices, but it won’t protect you from the most common forms of data loss. Only a true cloud backup solution like Carbonite will protect your files in situations where you’re most likely to lose it.

Take a look at the chart below to learn when cloud storage makes sense and when it doesn’t. If you need any of the features and functionality described in the right-hand column, then a cloud backup solution like Carbonite is the right choice for you.

Where cloud storage fits chart

Want to learn more about the key differences between cloud backup and storage? Read our new storage vs. backup guide today!

Author

Mark Brunelli

Senior Writer

Mark Brunelli is a Senior Writer on the Corporate Marketing team at Carbonite. He blogs about Carbonite happenings and IT industry trends.

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