Cloud storage explained: what is it and how does it work?
In short: what is cloud storage
Cloud storage is an online place to store things like your photos, videos, and files, so you can free up space on your devices without having to delete anything. Unlike a NAS, with cloud storage you don’t need to install or secure anything yourself. With Jottacloud all your files are safe in one place, always accessible and protected under European privacy regulations.
You've probably heard of cloud storage before. But what exactly is it? And how does it work? In this blog, we explain it all in a clear and simple way. We’ll also look at the differences between cloud storage and a NAS, the benefits of services like Jottacloud, and what sets it apart from popular alternatives like Google Drive, Apple iCloud, and Microsoft OneDrive.
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a place on the internet where you can safely store your files. Think photos, videos, documents or music. Instead of saving everything on your phone, laptop or USB stick, you keep it in the “cloud” — like an online vault.
The great thing is: all your devices can access it. So you take a photo on your phone, and later open it on your laptop. Everything comes together in one place, and you always have access. Wherever you are, as long as you’ve got internet.
How does cloud storage work?
When you save something to the cloud, it’s actually sent to a big computer (a server). That server is located in a data centre somewhere, like in Norway if you use Jottacloud. You use an app or a website to upload or view your files.
Jottacloud is a great example. If your phone is almost full, you can move your photos and videos to Jottacloud. That way, you free up space without deleting anything. You can still view everything in the Jotta app, just like it’s still on your phone.
So where exactly is the cloud?
The cloud isn’t something floating in the sky. It’s made up of real computers, often large servers in secure buildings. With European services like Jottacloud, these servers are located in Europe. That’s reassuring, because Europe has strict privacy and security laws.
So: your files are stored safely somewhere, but you can always access them via the internet.
What problems does cloud storage solve?
Cloud storage helps solve a few common problems:
- Your phone or laptop is full. Move your files to the cloud and free up space.
- You lose something. If your device breaks or gets stolen, your files are still safe in the cloud.
- Access from multiple devices. You can reach your stuff from anywhere, whether you’re on your laptop or phone.
- Security. Cloud storage is often safer than an external hard drive or USB stick.
What’s the difference between cloud storage and a NAS?
A NAS is a device you connect to your home network. You can also store files on it, but you have to manage the security yourself. That can be pretty tricky.
And things can go wrong. Well-known brands like Synology and QNAP have had issues with hackers in the past. Due to flaws in their systems, outsiders could view or even delete files.
With cloud storage like Jottacloud, the security is already taken care of. Your files are stored safely, with passwords, encryption, and extra layers of protection. In addition, Jottacloud offers unlimited storage, so you never have to worry about whether you can upload all your files.
Below, we've created a comparison table that shows the differences between cloud storage and a NAS.
|
Feature |
Cloud storage |
NAS (Network Attached Storage) |
| Storage location | Online (external servers via internet) | At home or office (own network) |
| Access | Anywhere with an internet connection | Only via local network or remote setup |
| Security | Handled by providers | You have to manage and update it yourself |
| Installation & management | No technical knowledge needed | Technical skills required, self-managed |
| Security risks | Lower risk of theft or malware | Higher risk if not properly secured |
| Backup function | Automatic backups possible | Manual or scheduled backups |
| Cost | Subscription | One-time purchase, plus maintenance |
| Example | Jottacloud, Google Drive, iCloud | Synology NAS, QNAP NAS |
Jottacloud vs Google, Apple or Microsoft
You probably know Google Drive, iCloud or OneDrive. But why would you choose Jottacloud?
- Faster – Uploading and opening files is quicker.
- European – Your data stays in Europe, so you get more privacy.
- Cheaper – Especially if you have a lot of data, Jottacloud is often more affordable.
- Extra safe – If Google or Apple ever block your account, you still have access to your files through Jottacloud.
So Jottacloud isn’t just handy, it’s also a great extra place to keep your files safe.
Conclusion
Cloud storage is a smart and secure way to keep all your files online. It works via the internet: you send your photos, videos and documents to a digital storage space that you can access from all your devices. The cloud itself is made up of servers in large data centres — for example, in Europe with Jottacloud. That means your files are well protected and always available. Cloud storage solves loads of problems, like a full phone, lost files or limited access to your data. Compared to a NAS, cloud storage takes away the hassle of managing complicated security. And if you go for a service like Jottacloud, you get speed, safety, strong privacy and a reliable extra place to keep your files — even if something happens to your Google, Apple or Microsoft account.
