Cloud Storage

What is cloud storage? Most everyone knows the term, but what are you buying when you choose cloud storage for your personal data?

It's called cloud because the data is stored somewhere on a worldwide network of data servers. The exact location is known only to cloud computing services that control the tracking, storage, and retrieval of your data, for a cost that is typically lower than maintaining storage on your own server located in your home or office. The cloud computing service is responsible for providing a high level of security for your data so only you can retrieve it. The capabilities are very broad and you can choose from among various methods of storage that fit your intended usage. For instance, a business may want to store data in a method that facilitates instant retrieval from authorized users worldwide, and facilitates sorting the data for email blasts or marketing analysis. For a home user the typical use is storing footage from surveillance cameras outside or inside the residence. That's it in a nutshell, though there are many other aspects, features, and technical details involved in cloud storage.

Cloud storage is usually billed monthly or yearly. For example, Ring charges $5.00 per month for one camera, and $10.00 per month for multiple Ring cameras at your residence. There are discounts for paying yearly. 

The alternative is using an NVR in your home that stores all the data from your cameras on a hard drive. Some people view this as a more secure method of storage since the data never leaves your home except when you access your NVR remotely. If you have cameras inside your home this is a more important consideration since personal privacy is at stake.

An NVR from IC Realtime for 8 cameras with 4 terabytes of storage (that's a lot) sells for $1,452, and you have no monthly fee. The reasons for using an NVR include a more secure storage method, no monthly fee, higher resolution (better picture quality), and built-in POE to power wired cameras.

Cloud storage is the only method for storing the video from Ring cameras. With wired cameras, you can usually choose either cloud storage or an NVR. I hope this article helps you to decide which is right for you.