Reference no: EM132413634

Assignment: Since we are talking about databases and data management in the current unit, it behooves us to talk about an aspect of computing that is becoming increasingly prevalent - cloud storage.

Cloud storage is a simple, but popular, way of combining the benefits of file storage and networking. For a relatively small fee - or sometimes no fee - you have access to a store of files that can be accessed from anywhere on the planet, from multiple devices, often with redundant backups and security options. This has become a lot easier to use than some easier network-based storage options - in some cases you can treat your cloud storage as a simple extension of your devices' existing data storage, letting you easily save your documents and access them anywhere.

However, cloud storage also has drawbacks. It is smaller than almost any physical drive you can obtain and requires network bandwidth (which will eat up your data transfer quota). It can also go down for hours or days with no warning and due to circumstances completely beyond your control.. Additionally, all those security capabilities are there for a reason - because cloud storage is a tempting target for hackers, who can compromise thousands or millions of accounts in a successful breach. If you have been saving your documents carelessly in such a situation, you may be in serious trouble!

For this assignment, you are to pick out two (2) cloud storage providers. You must write three paragraphs total. The first two should name and describe each cloud provider. You must do this in your own words. The final paragraph should be your perspective on these storage options, which one you would prefer, and why.

Be certain to mention at least these factors:

• Capacity

• Price

• Intended usage and/or audience (business, home, both, other)

• Platforms supported

• Interface (web browser, integration into the standard Windows/Mac OS X file manager, special client program, something else?)

Also cover at least one of these factors:

• Country where the data is hosted

• Security features

• Speed

• Popularity

• Protection against potential disaster, e.g. specialized backup services

• Any specific privacy protections that are promised

The country is potentially of interest due to laws regarding privacy. Popularity is difficult to determine, but review sites may have this information, and it is important to understand this to better determine if a cloud storage site is likely to be around for a long period of time. Security features may include, but are not limited to, encryption of the data, the option to use two-factor authentication, acceptance of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin as payment, automatic anti-virus scanning of files, or other factors.

You must include URLs for any web sites you visit, including Wikipedia and YouTube. A minimum of 2 reference sites is required - one that focuses on each cloud storage provider - but record any other sites you use, such as "roundup" pages. A good source of information would be pages and videos dedicated to reviewing specific services. List these URLs at the end of your response (this is not a formal "references" section, just a list of your sources).

Remember that you do need to write out a response in your own words. This cannot just be a listing you copied from elsewhere, and you will not get credit if this is what you turn in.