Cloud Backup vs. Local Backup - Which One Is Better? Or Both?

Cloud backup vs. local backupis an everlasting debate. We all wonder which is more suitable for us. If you can not decide which backup option to choose, we are here to help. We are going to enlist the merits and demerits of both the backups. This blog will analyze in-depth both the pros and cons of each backup option so you can decide what is best for you. 

Prefer a convenient cloud backup way, but also want a backup copy on a local drive for double protection? That's even better! Qiling Backup can take you there

What's Cloud Backup?

You probably already know what cloud backup is but to refresh our memory we are going to explain it again. Cloud backup refers to backing up your data online on a cloud server. For example, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox are all online platforms that store your data. You upload your data to your chosen cloud service and that is it. Your data will now be available at all times on that server. Most of the cloud servers offer up to 5 GB of storage for free. If your data exceeds the provided limit, you have to pay every month to keep using their services. Cloud servers are usually affordable and have a very small monthly fee. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Backup

We are going to delve deeper into the cloud backup option for you to see if this kind of backup is ideal for you or not. Cloud backup offers many benefits but like every other backup option, it has some drawbacks too.

#Advantages of Cloud Backup#

• Convenience

It is a convenient method to back up your data. You can easily make an account on one of the cloud servers and upload your data on it. You only need login details to create a cloud backup. There are no other steps involved in creating a cloud backup. Just an email and a password would do the trick. You can turn on the synchronization feature to automatically backup your data. It is an effortless way to back up your data.

• Access to cloud everywhere

The data becomes accessible remotely and that is the biggest benefit of using a cloud server for backup. The cloud backup vs. local backup debate is incomplete without mentioning that cloud backup is always at hand. Unlike local backup, cloud backup is obtainable no matter where you are. It is just a click away which is not the case with other kinds of backup. 

• Economic: less money but more storage space

Cloud backup is way more pocket-friendly than local backup. You do not have to buy a hard drive or SSD to create a backup. Cloud servers offer free storage up to a particular number as well. For instance, Google Drive gives you 15GB of storage space for free. Even if you exceed the limit, you will have to pay an insignificant amount to continue to utilize their service. 

• Security: stay away from disasters, and cyberattacks

Cloud servers are generally a secure way to back up your data. Some people might not agree as they think that public cloud servers are not very secure. Private cloud servers are indeed more secure than public cloud servers but public cloud servers are not unsafe. You can rely on cloud servers to keep your data safe and secure. For businesses, cloud backup is a must-have to stay wary of cyberattacks and other threats. 

• Scalability: upgrade storage space anytime

Cloud servers are very flexible. You can always upgrade the storage space. You do not have to keep buying new external hard drives to store your data. You can also customize your plan if you are a big business. Cloud backup vs. local backup has this major difference.

#Disadvantages of Cloud Backup#

• Lack of flexibility

Carefully peruse your contract and make sure your provider allows you to download your data upon the cancellation of the contract. In many cases, your data becomes invalid when the contract ends. Extend the contract in time and talk to your provider about how long your data will be available after the cancellation of the contract. 

• Downloading takes time

It takes a lot of time to download your full backup from the cloud. It can take days for you to get all your data back to your computer. 

Certainly, there are times your cloud service is not syncing your data promptly, due to server downtime or internet interruption. Look for help if by chance OneDrive is not syncing issue arises.

What's Local Backup?

 Local backup refers to the use of a local device to create your backup. Devices like a flash drive, hard disk, CD, external hard drive, and SSD, etc are used to create backups. It is quite a popular way to store your data but it also has pros and cons. 

#Advantages of Local Backup#

• Manage the drive yourself

The greatest advantage of having a local backup is managing it yourself. You are not exposing your data to a third-party server. Your data is more secure this way. 

• Multiple options to choose from

You can choose from many devices like HDD, USB flash drive, memory cards, hard disk, etc. You can select any device that suits you. Buy the device that meets your backup needs. 

#Disadvantages of Local Backup#

• Physical Disasters 

Vulnerable to physical disasters like your drive can catch fire or can get rusty. You can spill water on them accidentally. They can get lost or get stolen. All these are potential risks that can destroy your local backup. 

• Device corruption due to improper use, or long time use

Local devices can get corrupted. They can get old after a long time and not work properly. 

• Prone to viruses

They are prone to viruses and malware. They can get hacked. Local devices are often easy to hack and that is a major drawback. 

• Not scalable

They can run out of space. You will have to buy a new device if you want more storage. They are not upgradable. 

Which Is Better? Cloud or Local?

We have given you an honest review of both options. The selection depends on your requirements. In most cases, you will need both backups. We recommend all businesses have both backups. This will be the safest way for them to never lose their data. If you are an individual who wants a backup of his picture and files, cloud backup is good enough for you. In case your data needs a lot of storage space, buy an HDD or SSD. Many people are cautious of uploading their data online as it is managed by the cloud server so they should also use an SSD. 

Qiling Backup Solution - A Comprehensive Cloud Backup and Local Backup Optionption

To have all your backup needs sorted, we recommend the Qiling Backup solution. You can get this tool to back up your data. It is the fastest solution to create a backup. up. 

#Main Backup Features#

• Smart Backup- Every half an hour, a scheduled backup is performed in case you make any changes. You do not need to worry about losing your data with this brilliant feature. It automatically creates a backup freeing you from the stress of creating a backup again and again manually.
• Cloud Backup- It is a feature that provides a safe backup for all your files. It is the best way to protect your files. Cloud backup can be accessed remotely. It is the greatest advantage of having a cloud backup. You do not have to carry an external disk everywhere. You can access your data from any corner of the world with just a click. 
• Local backup feature- It supports a wide array of different locations from physical drive to network/NAS drive. This is important because without this feature you will face device compatibility issues. This feature ensures a smooth transfer of data between your desired devices.
• Different backup options- It offers numerous backup options. You can backup systems, files, and even create a clone using this genius tool. 

#Other Useful Features#

• Full/Differential/Incremental Backup
• Disk clone/partition clone
• Outlook email backup & recovery
• Clone system
• Universal Restore
• Image- reserve Strategy 

It is a great tool to safely backup your data. It offers extra tools as well if you buy the business version. The pricing is very affordable. It is probably the most cost-effective tool you can buy on the internet. It also offers a free version for everyone looking for a free backup option. Perform all the backup tasks from the comfort of your home using this mind-blowing tool. If you are wondering how to backup files using the Qiling backup tool, we have compiled a super informative guide for you. You can backup your data in no time with this tool. Qiling backup tool will surely bring ease to your life. Scroll down to read the guide. 

Step 1.To start backup, click the File backup in the Backup and recovery page.

Step 2.You'll see a list of local and network files. Selecting the files to be backed up by expanding the directory.

Step 3.Follow the instructions on the screen and pick the location where you wish to store the backup.

In Backup Options, click Optionsto encrypt the backup with a password, specify the backup schedule, and choose whether or not to start the backup at a certain event in Backup Scheme. There are a variety of customizable features available for you to explore, and you may tailor the backup operation to meet your specific requirements.

Step 4.Backups can be stored on a local disk, in Qiling's cloud service, or on a network attached storage device (NAS).

Step 5. Qiling Backup allows customers to back up data to a third-party cloud drive or the company's own cloud storage.rage.

If you wish to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, select Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device and enter your account information.

You may also use Qiling's own cloud storage service. Click Qiling Cloud, create an account using your Qiling Account, then log in to your account.

Step 6.To begin a backup, choose Proceed. It will appear in the shape of a card on the left-hand panel when the backup process has been successfully finished. To handle the backup job in more detail, right-click on it.

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