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If you were to get into a time machine and go back just 20 years, you could truly amaze people with news of the changes that have taken place in storage technology (to say nothing of the fact that you’re in a time machine, of course). What was once assumed to be the best and most widely-used form of storage – the local hard drive – finds itself something of a relic, used primarily for applications and operating systems rather than storage of data.
Indeed, things are changing.

Local hard drive options

Local hard drives do still have one advantage over the other options: speed. A solid state hard drive, for example, can give you instant access to your data. The problem is that most of us don’t need that kind of fast access to data. All of the other options are generally quick enough. Some components – like applications and operating systems – can benefit from that kind of speed. That’s why operating systems remain on local hard drives, for example. But your average data storage just doesn’t need it.
External hard drives provide more versatility in that you can take them with you from one place to the next. Unfortunately, like local hard drives, they’re susceptible to loss, corruption, physical damage, viruses, and more. They have the same weaknesses as internal hard drives, but they’re portable.

Online storage options

On the other hand, online or so-called “cloud computing” storage options offer users a lot more in the way of security and stability. Because these systems are based on redundant hardware and network connections, your data is much safer with an online storage system than it is on your hard drive. Chances are that it’s much better protected from viruses and other harmful software, as well.
Of course, there is a price to pay for that kind of security. You need to pay your monthly fee (although most online storage services offer a certain amount of space without charge). You also won’t have access to your data if you’re offline. (This isn’t always the case, either; some online storage systems actually sync your data with a local copy, so that even when you’re offline you have access to that data provided you connected with that particular computer previously).
Online storage is really revolutionizing the way we think about data. A hard drive crash no longer means losing several years’ worth of documents and photos. All of your important data is safe and sound in the cloud, and can remain there as long as you retain the service.

A bright future

While it’s hard to predict what storage options might look like in 20 years, one thing is certain: for now, cloud computing is where storage technology is headed, and fast. Individuals as well as businesses are taking advantage of online storage systems, and learning that data security and accessibility don’t have to be major concerns. You simply let your online storage provider worry about those things, freeing you up to do whatever it is you do.

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Eric Greenwood is a seasoned writer in technology that takes a special interest in online storage. You can find more of his articles located at OnlineStorage.org.