In today’s digital era, entrepreneurs can debate if it's better to store and transfer data with USB (or USB drive, flash drives) or cloud storage solutions. Most businesses have information they would like to keep safe, secret, and easily accessible. Advantages of digital storage over paper formats include time and cost savings and space efficiency for immediate multiple-employee access. However, deciding where to store data and how to move files can still be a difficult call. So, in this article, let’s compare USB sticks and cloud storage and choose.
The advantage of flash drives is their storage capacity. Depending on their size, they can be 1GB, 500GB, 1TB, or 1TB, designed to accommodate different types of digital data. For example, a simple 1GB flash drive could store hundreds of documents, while a larger 1TB flash drive could hold thousands of high-resolution photos and videos.
They are also available in many varieties, shapes, colors, and designs and are easy to recognize and personalize. However, some manufacturers allow you to provide your own design, which might include your logo, name, or any other information you’d like.
Cloud storage is a technology that readily allows people to store and access data. With this, you can store your data on remote servers through the Internet, use your device space for other things, and access it from anywhere.
Cloud storage services combine features to boost productivity and collaboration. In addition to convenient access, users can share files, work on documents in real-time with others, or access version history.
Cloud storage services rely on a network connection, and free USB sticks only require a USB port. There are many sizes of USB drives, from 32MB to 256GB so that you can get the proper storage for your needs. The data storage capacity offered on newer USB drive models with USB 3.0 technology tops 1TB at a higher price. Files may need to be deleted when you plug your USB sticks in, or you may need to buy another device to support the extra data.
Because most USB sticks need a computer with a USB interface to access their stored data, they can be inconvenient if you don’t have immediate access to a computer or USB port. However, unlike the one in actual laptops, cloud storage can be accessed from different devices, from smartphones to tablets and laptops, provided you are connected to the internet. Cloud storage will not hurt you if you forget your USB stick at home. With USB sticks, however, you’re dealing with less hassle and no need to redownload files; get to your data.
USB sticks are easy to use, but taking further steps to protect the data is also good practice. Once a USB stick is found, it’s anyone’s game without encryption or proper security precautions, allowing everyone to view the contents of the key. At the same time, cloud services can have features such as user name and password, two factors (many devices, one user), and encryption, enabling the security of your files. Depending on which cloud storage provider you choose, you can use these additional security measures to protect your confidential data.
Read Related: How to Securely Use USB Flash Drives?
Cloud storage is quite expensive, while USB sticks provide a greener option for file storage. USB sticks are certainly not perfect (they require plastic and metal), but they use less energy and create less waste. It’s not just electronic devices that are continuing to become more efficient: many USB sticks are now made from eco-friendly materials, and responsible suppliers are working towards reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, USB sticks are more mobile than cloud storage, so you can take your files from where you’re working to wherever you may find yourself. USB-C memory sticks are convenient since they can be used with many smartphones and tablets.
If you need to share information for a commercial or promotional reason, you can't beat USB flash drives compared to cloud storage. These versatile USB drives are an effective marketing tool: your company can have your logo, colors, and brand put right on them. Distinguishing from cloud storage, which has no physical presence, USB drives leave a physical mark of your brand in the hands of potential customers.
With these in mind, USB sticks are superior to cloud storage. Yes, cloud storage has security flaws, recurring fees, and access problems, but if you need to create an accessible backup, USB sticks are more appealing. Investing in Custom USB Drives is brilliant if you want to increase your marketing impact with secured and convenient data storage.
