South Africa Entering the Google Global Cloud Network Family
As one of the most technologically advanced countries on the African continent, South Africa has always been a trailblazer when it comes to adapting to new tech. Unsurprisingly, SA is the first African country to have been granted access to the Google Cloud Network. But what exactly is cloud storage, and what are the main benefits and drawbacks for customers in South Africa? Let’s take a closer look at the ins and outs of cloud storage and the potential ramifications for businesses and individuals in South Africa.
First Google Cloud Region in Africa
It’s official! South Africa is now the first African country to have been granted access to the Google Cloud network. The Google Cloud network currently encompasses over 200 diverse territories across major cities and countries worldwide. Prime locations include Tokyo, London, Los Angeles, the Netherlands, Sydney, Mumbai, and Singapore. Other locations marked for imminent Google Cloud expansion include Berlin, Austria, Sweden, Doha, Thailand, and New Zealand. As one of the newest of Google’s 35 Cloud regions worldwide, South Africa has set a trend that other African nations are likely to follow soon.
Technology in South Africa
South Africa is considered one of the most progressive nations on the African continent when it comes to introducing and embracing new technology. It is home to one of the largest ICT sectors in Africa, with a highly developed tech infrastructure. They have skill development programs that help train young people in many tech fields, such as robotics, AI and coding. South Africa has also progressed significantly in the iGaming industry. Along with Nigeria and Kenya, SA is home to a wide range of excellent online casinos. Players based in South Africa are particularly keen on horse racing, sports betting, and table games. SA players may even access premium real money casinos for free with these SA no deposit casino bonuses. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that SA has been the first country in the continent to get in on the Google Cloud trend.
What is Cloud Storage?
Generally speaking, cloud storage is a form of data storage in which digital data is stored in a pool (or pools) known as ‘the cloud.’ Typically, individuals or organizations pay for cloud storage capacity offered by service providers (such as Google) who maintain and run secure physical servers. Cloud storage can be accessed via dedicated cloud computing services or application programming interfaces (APIs) – these are usually available through gateways, apps, and content management systems. The earliest examples of cloud-based computing can be traced back to the 1960s and ARPANET’s development (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network). In April 2008, the Google Cloud Platform was first launched back, providing diverse modular cloud computing services, including data storage, machine learning, and data analytics.
Benefits of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage provides a wealth of benefits that will come in handy for users based in SA. The main benefit of cloud storage networks is the fact that their use makes it easier to store and access photos and other important or sensitive data in bulk. Cloud storage is also a much ‘greener’ alternative to traditional data storage and is said to reduce overall energy use by around 70%. As well as saving space and energy, a cloud storage platform can dramatically cut costs as many providers only charge users for their storage. This means you shouldn’t have to pay a flat rate if you’ve only used a small percentage of your data allowance. The most important benefit of cloud storage is that it provides relatively ‘bulletproof’ backups, which are strengthened by multiple servers.
Potential Security Problems with Cloud Storage
While cloud networks are widely used for backing up important files such as cherished photos, work projects, and personal data, there are some potential problems associated with their use. There are also some potential problems associated with the use of cloud storage. The most notable are potential data breaches and compromised data security because outsourced data storage may increase the likelihood of attacks from unauthorized users. Because cloud data storage requires a WAN (wide area network) rather than a SAN (stored area network) or LAN (local area network), data travels across a more comprehensive number of networks and can be less secure. Despite this, cloud data should be relatively safe when it is stored with a reputable provider like Google.
