• Drive-up units available
  • Automated access
  • 01-5065525

Dropbox vs Storebox: Comparing Digital and Physical Storage

Dropbox vs Storebox: Comparing Digital and Physical Storage

Since the digital revolution kicked off, and we started to store all our photos, music and films as digital downloads, we have seen an increase in file hosting services. These services, like Dropbox and Google Drive, allow you to store thousands of data files all in one place, but does this focus on digital mean that we should forget about their physical counterparts? There are pros and cons of both physical and digital storage, but there are arguments as to whether having purely digital storage is a wise idea. With an increase in hacks and data leaks, having a hard copy backup could be the safest option.

Digital storage

In both our personal and professional lives, we have made the switch to digital storage. Businesses now share documents, spreadsheets and PDFs with clients and business partners through Dropbox and Google Drive for ease of use. But what are the pros and cons of using digital storage to keep hold of these important documents? Is digital storage better suited for certain types of storage? Pros

  • Space saving – There is no denying that the biggest benefit of digital storage is that it saves a huge amount of space. Digital storage can store 1000’s of documents, music, film files etc. To store that amount physically would take up a huge amount of space.
  • Can be shared with multiple people at the click of a button – For important documents, including business documents, digital storage is usually the best option. Services like Google Drive allow you to share any docs you may need to with other people. This prevents the need to print off multiple copies of a document and distribute them to the relevant people.
  • Can easily be updated – Data can be constantly changing, this includes our music and film collections. Keeping everything in digital storage allows you to easily log on wherever you are and update your files accordingly.

Cons

  • Can be hacked – Any information stored on cloud devices are more prone to cyber attacks than physical storage is prone to theft. Accounts can easily be hacked if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
  • Data is easily lost – All it takes is for a simple system malfunction or an accidental click of the wrong button, and all of your data could be lost. We’ve probably all had a moment, whether in work or in school, where a document we’ve been working on has suddenly disappeared. Digital storage is slightly less stable and therefore it is always a good idea to have multiple copies saved in different locations.

Physical storage

When we think about physical storage, we usually picture storage units filled with old furniture and the junk that is taking up room in our home. However, self-storage solutions can also be used for collectables and keepsakes. It can be used to store hard copies of important documents, books or certificates. Keeping physical copies of all your most prized possessions and documents, whether original copies or photocopies, is good security practice.       Pros

  • Added level of confidentiality – When it comes to physical storage, you are the gatekeeper and can decide who sees your items and who doesn’t. Keeping hard copy records of things like important statements, certificates and bills, can help keep your information a little bit more private than keeping it stored Online.
  • Security – The items you choose to store in self-storage is as secure as you make them. It’s up to you to make sure storage has working locks or pass codes, to make sure whatever location you’ve chosen has the best security possible. Physical storage is readily available to less people than that of digital storage and so is therefore less prone to theft.
  • Keepsakes – As easy as it is to store all your photos Online, there is something about having physical copies that has more sentimental value. The same goes for hard copies of films and music.
  • Adding value to collectables – Collectable items such as vinyl records, can gain value whilst in storage. Digital music downloads hold no value once they’ve been downloaded to your device, so collecting hard copy versions can help you build up a valuable collection.  

Cons

  • Takes up space – Storing physical copies of all of your data can take up massive amounts of space and start to creep into the main living areas of our homes. However, investing in self-storage such as Storebox, could be the answer to physical storage woes.
  • Prone to damage – Unlike digital copies, hard copies can be prone to damage such as water damage or fire. This can easily be prevented however, by taking the proper precautions and ensuring you are protected with the right insurance.

There are pros and cons for both types of storage, but the right answer to the question, ‘what type of storage is best for me’, is a combination of both. You should always keep a hard copy of any important information just in case. Any digital data should be regularly backed up on both a cloud storage service and on a hard drive, in case of any cyber attacks or data leaks. Combining both types will not only keep all of your information extra safe and secure, but also give you multiple options for accessing the information. Find out how Storebox could compliment your current digital storage and discover the convenience of self-storage solutions.