1. Hardware : Hardware’s storage, as name suggest, are storage devices that are used to saving or porting or accessing data and information and allows user to directly interact with computer. Examples of hardware include desktop computers, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and data center equipment.
- Hardware can be costly to purchase and maintain. It requires space, power, cooling, and regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function correctly.
- Hardware has a limited lifespan and will eventually become outdated. This means that businesses must regularly upgrade their hardware to ensure it can keep up with the demands of modern computing.
- Hardware is generally fixed and inflexible. Once it is installed, it can be difficult and expensive to modify or upgrade.
2. Cloud : Cloud storage, as name suggests, is off-site storage in which digital data or information is stored on internet through cloud computing provider and store files, documents, digital assets. Examples of Cloud include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Cloud computing offers significant benefits in terms of scalability and flexibility. Users can easily add or remove computing resources as their needs change, without having to invest in additional hardware.
- Cloud resources are typically more cost-effective than hardware. Businesses only pay for the resources they use, rather than having to invest in costly infrastructure upfront.
- Cloud resources are typically more secure than hardware. Cloud vendors invest heavily in security measures to protect their customers’ data.
Difference between Hardware and Cloud :
| Hardware | Cloud |
|---|---|
| Hardware are storage devices used to store, port or extract data. | Cloud storage are cloud computing model that store online data. |
| It is used to save, carry and pull data or objects. | It is used to save data and files in off site location that one have access through internet. |
| Features of hardware storage includes accessibility, speed, durability, portability, etc. | Features of cloud storage includes file versioning, file encryption, reliable tech support, automatic sync, collaboration tools, etc. |
| Benefits of hardware includes secure, control over storage and access, reduce costs, increase efficiency and performance, etc. | Benefits of cloud storage includes saves costs, data redundancy and replication, regulatory compliance, malware protection. |
| Type of hardware storage devices includes External HDDS, flash memory devices, floppy disks, optical storage devices, etc. | Types of cloud storage includes object storage, file storage and block storage. |
| Factors that are needed to be considered while selecting hardware storage includes size, ease of use, performance, availability, security, etc. | Factors that are needed to be considered while selecting cloud storage includes cost, backup, security, availability and durability, etc. |
| It is less flexible and accessible as compared to hardware. | It is more flexible and accessible as compared to cloud storage. |
| Data is more secure as compared to cloud storage. | Data is less secure as compared to hardware storage. |
| One can lose data or information if something went wrong and there is no backup. | It automatically backup data or information and saves one from losing data. |
| One can control privacy, storage and access. | One cannot control privacy, storage and access. |
Conclusion :
Hardware and cloud offer computing power, they have significant differences. Hardware is tangible and fixed, while cloud is intangible and flexible. Choosing between the two depends on a range of factors, including cost, scalability, security, and performance. By carefully considering their needs and goals, businesses can make the right choice for their computing needs.