cloud storage for nonprofits

Cloud Storage

May 16, 2012 Seminar

Introductions

Stephen Eggers HandsOn Tech AmeriCorp VISTA Serving at NPower NW vistastaff@npowernw.org

What is the cloud?

What is cloud computing?

The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer

You're already in the cloud!

Online Email

Photo Sharing

Video hosting

Why move to the cloud?

• Move away from IT administration and towards your core mission o "Outsource" the management of your IT, data,

backups, remote access, etc.

• Cost

o Economies of scale mean that service providers can be more efficient than you

o Often a free version o Pay for what you use

Why move to the cloud?

• Flexibility o Access from anywhere with an internet connection o No IT infrastructure investment o Easily scalable

• Security

o Industry experts whose full time job is security o Data redundancy means your data is recoverable

even if your (or their) hardware fails o Failure of hardware is expected, so they anticipate it

and build around it

AMD 2011 global attitude study - benefits

Source: http://blogs.amd.com/work/amd-2011-global-cloud-computing-adoption-attitudes-and-approaches-study-infographics/

AMD 2011 global attitude study - risks

Source: http://blogs.amd.com/work/amd-2011-global-cloud-computing-adoption-attitudes-and-approaches-study-infographics/

Pros / Cons

• Benefits o Easy access anywhere (with internet connection) o Built-in backup and redundancy o Strong security o Inexpensive

• Drawbacks

o Need a stable internet connection o Security is only as strong as your password o Must trust the company

Types of Cloud Storage

Backup Sync

Hybrid

Collaboration

Types of Cloud Storage - Simple Backup Cloud storage backup solutions allow you to copy your computer’s files onto a

remote server. You can then recover your files should your computer get stolen or damaged.

Examples include: • Mozy • Backblaze • Carbonite

Most cloud storage solutions also offer synchronization There are also services that allow you to synchronize data on multiple

computers or devices. Files stored in a special folder or directory get automatically uploaded and synced across devices.

Examples include: • Dropbox • Google Drive • Microsoft SkyDrive

Let's look at Dropbox

• Easy to set up • Limited in what can be synced

o Anything in the "Dropbox" folder is automatically synced

• 2GB Free storage o Paid plans up to 100GB

• Accessible from most platforms o PC, Mac, Linux o iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry o Web browser o Has an API for 3rd party integration

Let's look at Google Drive

• Easy to set up • Limited in what can be synced

o Anything in the "Google Drive" folder is automatically synced

• 5GB Free storage o Paid plans up to 16 TB

• Accessible from most platforms o PC, Mac o Android (iPhone and iPad coming soon) o Web browser o Has an API for 3rd party integration

Resources

• Dropbox features

• Google Drive features

• AMD Cloud Study 2011 Cloud Infographic

• Worried about security? - a video tour of

Google's data centers

• Feedback form for this presentation

Any questions?

Is that it?

photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticrevolver/164351244/