Personal Cloud computing – A Luxury or Necessity?

Last updated: 20 March 2014

Personal cloud applications and services are on the rise, but has it hit the mainstream audience yet? With an increased number of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and a plethora of other connected devices (including the growing number of smaller devices with less physical storage space), personal clouds are becoming more than a luxury.

It’s hard enough keeping track of all the data you have on your personal laptop, let alone on the many other devices we own. The personal cloud offers individuals the convenience of storing all their data, notes and files in one place, where it can be easily accessed. Another way of describing the personal cloud is as virtualized, turning all your devices into accessibility tools. With cloud applications like DropBox, which come preinstalled in many digital devices, personal cloud computing has definitely moved beyond the realm of early adopters. However, there are still a few concerns that are slowing down cloud adoption. Namely the issue of security.

With all the rumors about certain OTT (over the top) cloud storage providers scanning the data of individuals stored in their cloud and analyzing it to offer better targeted advertising, and other forms of security and privacy breaches, many people are reluctant to store sensitive and personal data in the cloud. Even despite the convenience it provides.

So, what’s the solution? I believe that these individuals will have more faith in a cloud storage service provided by more trusted provider, such as their Mobile Network Operator (MNO) for instance. An MNO-branded OTT cloud storage should give consumers the peace of mind that no one will go through their personal data to try to sell them anything.

This is perhaps the perfect opportunity and right time for MNOs to launch their own branded personal clouds to grab a good share of the user market before cloud storage becomes even more widely accepted by mainstream audiences. Many MNOs have already launched their own branded clouds, creating new revenue generation streams as well as retaining customers by securely storing their data.

MNOs should introduce personal clouds and its benefits to their subscribers as well as clearly communicating its differences and advantages over OTT cloud storage providers. The move to the cloud isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. As more and more users adopt new cloud applications every day, MNOs should take advantage of this opportunity to offer their consumers a secure and convenient storage solution.

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