CLOUD STORAGE

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud Storage in instrumentation. Cite example of
cloud storage hosting. Describe its features related to instrumentation.

In our modern world, and as we prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe), also
known as Agriculture 4.0, it is natural for technology to grow and improve in several sectors of
work in the agriculture industry. In almost every aspect, technology plays an essential role, notably
in mechanizing our farming systems through the use of machineries, sensors, GIS, among other
things.

In the instrumentation industry, we often gather data from test fields by travelling to the site
and collecting data depending on what was available during testing or machine performance.
However, because the revolution brought about the use of advanced technology, we are also
working with automation and instrumentation, where the majority of the components are integrated
with the use of sensing technology. Automated data collection or data acquisition is also done with
the use of programmable logic controllers, primarily through the use of digital system analyzers.
Despite this, analogs are still used in some situations that demand them above digital technology.

Data or information acquired in the field was often saved on a storage device such as a
USB Flashdrive or compact disc, among others. However, modern technology now allows for the
usage of cloud storage, in which data may be kept and remotely controlled via an online platform
or the internet. One of the most major advantages is that data may be accessed or is available at
any time and from any location as long as there is an internet connection.

The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Cloud Storage in the field
of instrumentation:

ADVANTAGES

 Usability and accessibility

It is common in cloud services to have a user-friendly interface. Meaning, a user, even

though he/she is not that proficient in the field, can understand and manage the use of the cloud
storage. He/she could also be able to access it with ease and convenience. All they need is to
have an internet connection, a mobile device or a computer, then the cloud storage is accessible
and files can be uploaded or downloaded through it. Features in devices that allows automatic
saving to the cloud is also possible. It is very much applicable to the instrumentation, particularly if
we are working with gathering and data acquisition in our scientific studies.

 Security

There are instances that the information that was saved in our computers or in flash drives
got corrupted or lost, it became a problem since it can become very difficult to be retrieved. It
became an advantage for the cloud storage to be use, particularly in data logging and saving of
other important information. Through the use of this cloud storage, we can ensure that the
information are safe in it. There are also features that even if you delete it in your files, it can again
be retrieved.

 Cost-efficient

When we are going to compared the use of cloud storage and the use of devices like flash
drive, hard disk drive, etc., we can say that the first is more cost-efficient. It is because there are
cloud storage service providers that gives its customer e one-time payment for a specific amount
of storage capacity. For the use of drives, huge data requires more storage, meaning, you have to
purchase a lot of drives or storage devices to facilitate the saving of your documents. It also
means a lot of expenses for the storage devices. If you are into business, it is much cheaper to
have cloud storage.

 Convenient sharing of files

The same with the ease of accessing your files, sharing of file is also convenient, since the
mode is digitally accomplished. By just sharing the link of your data to those who need to see it, it
is easily accomplished.

 Automation

The cloud storage automatically manages its systems. Even there are lots of users
accessing the storage at the same time, it would not affect what was doing by each and everyone.
For instance, a user in different town accessed the cloud the time you access it, you can both
have the opportunity to do what you want with the stored data, provided that you will not delete it.

 Multiple users

A single cloud environment can be used for several purposes. Multiple people can interact
on a same file using cloud storage. You can, for example, provide several people access to the
files so that they can see and change them. Your file may be accessed in real-time by an
authorized user from anywhere in the planet.

 Synchronization

Each storage provider provides the sync feature. You may sync storage information in the
cloud to any device you select using syncing. The accessibility of any device, wherever in the
globe, may also be achieved through synchronization. You may use proper credentials with your
subscription storage service and any device to access any information saved in this cloud storage.
There is no additional limitation on copying data across devices, but you need a good Internet
connection to access all of your information.

 Convenient

To access or see your data, you don't require a hard drive or a flash drive
because everything is done online. If you wish to have a softcopy of a file or data, you'll either
need a storage device or you may save it to your devices. However, if you really just want to surf
your data, it won't take up any space on your smartphone. Even if you make modifications to the
data, they will be reflected on all of the devices that are synced with that storage service. The
cloud storage service does not require any professional or technical expertise to be able to
operate it on.

 Scalable or able to change in size or capacity

Cloud storage is available in the circulation in a scalable and adaptive way. Of course, we
should predict that the price varies on the number of storage we are going to subscribe to. If the
present storage plan is not sufficient, a user can expand the Service Plan. This is also one of the
big benefits of having this feature. We do not have to buy additional storage device merely to
make softcopy of the data we have easier to manage. You will not have to move any data from
one location to another as new storage space and certain other features will be introduced to your
storage environment.

 Disaster recovery
 If your system crashes or your data is lost, you can restore it from your backup plan, which
is why cloud storage is the best option. Anyone may use cloud storage as a data backup storage,
allowing them to access backup data from the cloud in the event of data loss. Because there are
times when the save files or data on portable storage devices become damaged, this is one of the
best remedies. Because the devices themselves are sometimes damaged or misplaced, no data
can be recovered.

DISADVANTAGES

 Vulnerability to attacks/Data Security and Privacy

Have you heard of website being attacked or hacked by some group of hackers? That’s one
of the disadvantages of cloud storage or saving of information online. Security vulnerability is
another downside of dealing with cloud storage providers. Any confidential information can be
exchanged with another service provider or if intentional, by the hackers. All of those information
or knowledge could be exploited by hackers.

 Downtime/Access Interruption

Interrupted access to information that you have can sometimes be an issue. This is due to
the fact that your cloud provider may have power outages, bad internet connectivity, service
maintenance, and so on. It is a typical issue when your internet connection is bad in the location
where you are using your cloud storage.

 Platform dependencies

Another disadvantage of cloud storage is implicit dependency, sometimes known as

"provider lock-in." Often, substantial differences across provider platforms make switching from
one to another cloud platform.

 Variation in Costs

Cloud storage Saving files is a low-cost option, although it might be costly depending on the
quantity of storage required. The more the amount of storage required, the greater the cost to be
paid. Most of the finest cloud services are costly because they are specifically built for corporate
use and have stricter security measures. If you choose a less costly plan, you may have to forego
some benefits.

 Internet connectivity dependency

Good Internet connectivity is required for cloud computing. You can't connect to the cloud if
you don't have an internet connection. That is, information cannot be accessed in remote areas
that do not have internet access. Another issue is that slow internet connectivity creates a
difficulty, or it may take a long time for you to get the data you are accessing.

 Lack of support

Cloud storage companies are struggling to give adequate help to their clients. Furthermore,
they prefer to concentrate on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or online support from their
clients, which may be a tedious process for non-technical people. It takes a long time to get a
response to questions about cloud storage access.
 Technical issues

Cloud infrastructure is frequently subject to cybersecurity and other technological issues.

Even the greatest cloud service provider businesses might encounter this type of problem while
maintaining high maintenance standards. End users have little choice but to rely on the provider's
actions in this situation.

To summarize, there are benefits and drawbacks to using cloud storage that we should be
aware of. This is one of the greatest characteristics in the field of agricultural instrumentation and
automation for ensuring the protection and easy accessibility to any data. Because the technology
is also user-friendly, even individuals with less expertise may engage with and use it.

References:

Hengjing, H., Wei, Z., & Songling, H. (2013). Future trend of integrating instrumentation into the
cloud. Retrieved on June 25, 2021 from https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/ccis-
13/9941.
Ohri, A. (2021). Top 10 Disadvantages and Advantages of Cloud Storage. Retrieved on June 25,
2021 from https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cloud-computing/advantages-of-cloud-
storage/.
Singh, V. (2020). 10 Benefits of Using Cloud Storage. Retrieved on June 25, 2021 from
https://cloudacademy.com/blog/10-benefits-of-using-cloud-storage/.