We use cookies to help us improve our webpage. Please read our Cookie Policy .

What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage refers to the storage and management of data conducted in the cloud. With an internet connection, users can access remote servers to enable and access storage and maintain data from any location using an internet-enabled device.
Cloud storage providers store user data and files on the internet, accessible through public or private network connections.
The applications of cloud storage are extensive, covering aspects like cross-device access, data backup, collaborative sharing, remote work, and data processing This provides users with convenient, secure, and efficient data storage and management solutions.
Regarding security, cloud storage can be secure with the correct configuration. Security depends on various factors, including the security measures of the service provider, user behavior and whether or not proper 3-2-1 backups are made.
Both public cloud storage and private cloud NAS have automatic backup and synchronization features to make backups easier to perform. For ASUSTOR NAS users, public cloud storage can serve as an additional backup solution, enhancing data security. Additionally, cloud storage offers flexible storage space, allowing users to expand capacity as needed and pay according to usage.

Comparison of Major Cloud Storage Services and Charges

Comparison of Major Cloud Storage Services and Charges

Common cloud storage services include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, AWS (Amazon Web Services), iCloud, and others. They offer various features and storage space options, allowing users to choose the service that best fits their needs.

Services Google Drive Dropbox Microsoft OneDrive AWS (Amazon Web Services) iCloud Private Cloud NAS
Storage cost $1.99/100GB/mo $9.99/2TB/mo $1.99/100GB/mo $0.023/GB/mo $0.99/50GB/mo Free of charge, requires initial purchase of NAS equipment
Target audience Widely used Personal and business users Widely used Businesses and developers Personal users and Apple product users Widely used
Free cloud storage 15GB 2GB 5GB Not applicable 5GB Unlimited
Collaboration and sharing features Integrated with Google Workspace for easy collaboration and file sharing Strong sharing and collaboration features Provides file sharing and collaboration features Not applicable Supports, but with simpler features Can install compatible apps for remote collaboration

Information compiled from the Internet, in U.S. dollars, for informational purposes only. Last updated in 2024.

Differences Between Public and Private Clouds

Many people liken cloud services to renting or owning a house. A public cloud is like renting, where a landlord provides and maintains the hardware infrastructure and tenants simply pay rent to use the corresponding rental space. Private clouds on the other hand, are like owning a house, requiring an initial purchase and setup costs, with all hardware maintenance handled independently. However, it offers greater flexibility and eliminates concerns about things out of the user’s control.

Public Clouds – Remote Usage and Offsite Backups

Cloud computing services provided by third-party vendors to numerous enterprises are typically priced based on usage volume. For users with lower usage, this model can help reduce cost expenditure. Services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are examples of public cloud services built and offered by vendors for enterprise rental.

The hybrid cloud model enables enterprises to dynamically adjust resource allocation according to actual needs, thus retaining better flexibility and scalability. For example, when there's a need for a large amount of computing resources, one can temporarily expand into the public cloud, and when workloads decrease, it is possible to retract back to local resources.

Private Cloud – Always Nearby

Private cloud infrastructure built by enterprises themselves often involves setting up servers and maintaining them either by themselves or by internal IT personnel. All information remains private and is not shared with others or made publicly accessible and is only accessed through secure network channels. This setup is more suitable for large organizations such as government agencies and financial institutions that require high levels of privacy and security.

The hybrid cloud model enables enterprises to dynamically adjust resource allocation according to actual needs, thus retaining better flexibility and scalability. For example, when there's a need for a large amount of computing resources, one can temporarily expand into the public cloud, and when workloads decrease, it is possible to retract back to local resources.

Hybrid Cloud = Public Cloud + Private Cloud
Why a Hybrid Cloud Architecture Has Become Mainstream






Hybrid clouds combine the characteristics and functionalities of both public and private clouds. Some resources and applications can run in a private cloud while leveraging the public cloud as a backup for NAS systems. This architecture enables organizations and enterprises to flexibly deploy resources according to actual business needs, integrating the advantages of both public and private clouds into a "hybrid cloud," ensuring performance, data security, cost-effectiveness, and scalability in the future.

1 Flexible Deployment and Easy Expansion:

The hybrid cloud model enables enterprises to dynamically adjust resource allocation according to actual needs, thus retaining better flexibility and scalability. For example, when there's a need for a large amount of computing resources, one can temporarily expand into the public cloud, and when workloads decrease, it is possible to retract back to local resources.

Flexible Deployment and Easy Expansion:

2 Data Security:

Enterprises may have sensitive data that needs to be kept on-premises to ensure higher control and security. At the same time, one can place non-sensitive data or workloads requiring extensive computing resources in the public cloud to gain greater flexibility and efficiency.

Data Security:

3 Cost Effective:

Public clouds may incur higher costs for long-term data storage and processing. Hybrid clouds enables organizations and enterprises to flexibly allocate resources according to actual needs, achieving a balance between cost and benefits.

Cost Effective:

4 Disaster Recovery and Off-Site Backups:

Hybrid clouds can be utilized to establish comprehensive disaster recovery and off-site backup solutions by backing up data in different environments, thereby enhancing data security and reliability. It provides a more robust disaster recovery solution, allowing enterprises to deploy disaster recovery plans locally while leveraging cloud backup to protect data from disaster impacts.

Disaster Recovery and Off-Site Backups:

5 Improved Performance and Shortened Latency:

If applications or files require low latency, hybrid computing operates closer to local computers. For example, media studios collaborating using local area networks.

Improved Performance and Shortened Latency:
Public Cloud NAS
  1. No initial investment required - Priced based on usage: Public clouds are priced based on data usage and do not require the purchase of physical servers.
  2. Easy to deploy: After registration is complete, the virtual machine can be deployed in the cloud.
  3. IT overhead is relatively low: In simple usage scenarios, IT personnel can be omitted.
  4. Flexible adjustment of architecture and flexible scalability: Public clouds provide flexible scalability, and storage space and computing resources can be increased or decreased at any time according to demand.
  1. Data privacy or confidential files are safer: NAS devices store data locally, and users can access data only within the local network, helping to reduce the risk of data leakage.
  2. Speed ​​and performance: NAS devices use local storage, so it is usually better than the public cloud in terms of access speed and performance. It is especially suitable for applications that require fast access to large amounts of data.
  3. There are no fees associated with accessing files: NAS can use local storage, so it is usually better than the public cloud in terms of access speed and performance. It is especially suitable for applications that require fast access to large amounts of data.
  4. Use access permissions or customized settings for more details: Using NAS gives you more authority to control and manage data independently, and you can configure and manage NAS devices according to your needs.
  1. May contain privacy issues
  2. Slow transfer rates
  1. Initial hardware purchases required