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Welcome back... Having completed our exclusive For Beginners
digital guidebook, we have taught you all you need to master the
basics of your new device, software or hobby.
Yet that’s just the start!
Advancing your skill set is the goal of all users of consumer

technology and our team of long term industry experts will help you
achieve exactly that. Over this extensive series of titles we will be
looking in greater depth at how you make the absolute most from
the latest consumer electronics, software, hobbies and trends!
We will guide you step-by-step through using all the advanced
aspects of the technology that you may have been previously
apprehensive at attempting. Let our expert guide help you build your
understanding of technology and gain the skills to take you from a
confident user to an experienced expert.
Over the page our journey continues, and we will be

with you at every stage to advise, inform and ultimately
inspire you to go further.
Contents
Contents
6 DROPBOX CLOUD SERVICES 38 ADVANCED CLOUD USES
8 How to Use Dropbox Storage 40 Why Would You Consider a Do It Yourself Cloud?
10 How to Use Dropbox Sharing 42 Setting Up Your Own Cloud
12 How to Use Dropbox Paper 46 Virtualisation for the Consumer
14 How to Use Dropbox Photos 48 Virtualisation for SMB/SME Users
50 Using a NAS Drive as a Cloud Server
52 NAS Drives for Home Users Group Review
16 CLOUD FOR BUSINESS 53 Home NAS Comparison
18 Cloud Services for SMBs 54 Synology DS216Play
20 Team Collaboration Cloud Examples 56 Buffalo LinkStation 520
22 Cloud eCommerce Examples 58 QNAP TS-251+
24 Cloud Accounting Examples 60 How to Set Up a Cloud Using a Home NAS
26 Data Management Cloud Examples 62 NAS Drives for SMB Users Group Review
28 Email Providers for SMBs 63 SMB NAS Comparison
30 Green Cloud Providers 64 Synology DS716+II
32 Public Cloud Benefits 66 Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN
34 Private Cloud Benefits 68 QNAP TVS-682T
36 Hybrid Cloud Benefits 70 How to Set Up a Cloud Solution Using a
Business NAS
72 Cloud Security
74 Where Next for the Cloud?
76 Glossary of Cloud Terms
18 Cloud Services
for SMBs
40 Why a DIY Cloud?
Learn how to make your
Business users, see own personal cloud for
what cloud services are work or personal use.
available for you.
4 www.bdmpublications.com
Contents
“… we cover what you need

regardless of whether you’re
storing files and folders,
streaming media, creating
virtual environments for
multi-national users or simply
sharing your holiday snaps
with your relations…”
Cloud Tricks and Tips © 2020 Papercut Limited All rights reserved. No part of this publication reviewer - as an individual - and is not representative of the publisher
4th Edition may be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system or or any of its affiliates. Therefore the publisher holds no responsibility in
integrated into any other publication, database or commercial regard to editorial opinion and content.
ISBN: 978-1-912847-50-1 programs without the express written permission of the publisher. This is an independent publication and as such does not necessarily reflect
Published by: Papercut Limited Under no circumstances should this publication and its contents be the views or opinions of the producers of apps or products contained
resold, loaned out or used in any form by way of trade without the within. This publication is 100% unofficial. All copyrights, trademarks and
Digital distribution by:
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publisher cannot guarantee that all apps and software will work on content are subject to change.
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@bdmpubs BDM Publications www.bdmpublications.com

www.bdmpublications.com 5
Dropbox Cloud Services
Dropbox
Cloud
Services
Dropbox is one of the go-to cloud storage
services for consumers on the Internet. It’s
easy to use, easy to manage and lets you
instantly share content with anyone who has
Internet access.
It’s little wonder then that it’s so popular, and

it has a lot more to offer the home user.
How to Use Dropbox Storage

Dropbox is an excellent cloud storage service. It’s simple to use, looks good, works well and
can be extremely effective and quick. Google’s cloud-based services may encompass the
entire user package but Dropbox is a far more lightweight option for any user type.
USING DROPBOX
Getting up and running with Dropbox’s Basic Plan doesn’t require much computing legwork. All you need to do is
sign-in to www.dropbox.com.
You can sign up with Dropbox either as a Once you’ve uploaded files, images or
STEP 1 separate account or through your existing STEP 3 documents for example, you can click them to
Google account. It doesn’t matter which you view the contents. You will also be able to share
opt for, as any alerts, notifications and so on are automatically any of the folders and individual files with others, by clicking on
emailed to the account you use. the content in question followed by the Share button.
Getting content into your Dropbox account Sharing content works in the same way as the
STEP 2 can be done either by dragging and dropping STEP 4 other cloud storage solutions available. You
the files and folders from your OS File enter a user’s email address; if you’ve logged
Manager or by clicking on the blue coloured links to the right into Dropbox via Google then it uses your Google Contacts.
of the interface. From there you’ll be able to generate a link, have an automatic
email sent and change the user permissions.
How to Use Dropbox Storage
The shared user will receive an email in their By completing seven simple steps, you’re
STEP 5 inbox, detailing the name of the shared files or STEP 8 able to earn an extra 250MB of space. Follow
folders. All they will need to do is click on the Go Dropbox on Twitter and give the company some
To Folder, or View button to have their browser redirect them to feedback and you can earn another 250MB. Finally, refer a
the newly created share. friend to Dropbox and for each new member signed up thanks
to you, Dropbox gives you 500MB.
Once connected, the other users with access The Dropbox desktop app works in much the
STEP 6 to the shared files can then make notes and STEP 9 same way as Google Drive and Microsoft’s
comment on the documents that are currently OneDrive. It creates a folder on your system,
present. You can highlight select areas of text to comment or putting the shortcut in Windows Explorer, adding an icon in the
you can create a document-wide comment, using the ‘@’ symbol taskbar and even a right-click context menu.
to mention individuals by name.
If you find yourself running low on space, head The Dropbox icon in the taskbar is able to
STEP 7 over to www.dropbox.com/getspace. This page STEP 10 display any notifications, the files within your
will detail the amount of storage space you have area or shared folders and it can take you
and how you can earn more. Earning extra space doesn’t always directly to the local Dropbox folder or the web-based portal.
mean signing up and paying for the business account. There You can even upgrade and create links to individual files from
are some bonuses you can earn. within it.
How to Use Dropbox Sharing

Cross organisation projects and sharing files and folders with friends and family member is
one of Dropbox’s key features. It’s something that Dropbox has worked on to make as easy as
possible; removing the previous Team link and focusing instead on consumer-level sharing.
TEAM CLOUDS
Using Dropbox Sharing is remarkably easy. It’s quick to set up, simple to understand and implement and yet can be
quite powerful when used with other members.
To get started with Dropbox Sharing, locate You’ll need to name the new folder to begin
STEP 1 and click on the Sharing link in the Dropbox STEP 3 with. Remember to give it a logical name,
interface sidebar. This will launch the currently as others who you share with will be able to
shared files and folders set up page, with some brief but handy identify it when the email comes through telling them that
feature information. they’re now a part of a shared folder group.
Let’s start by creating a new folder that will Under the folder name, enter the email
STEP 2 be shared with others. Click the blue button to STEP 4 addresses of the people who you want to share
the right of the screen labelled Create Shared the folder with; you can also just enter their
Folder. This will open a pop-up box offering two options, ‘Create names if you’ve signed up for Dropbox via Google, as it will use
and share a new folder’ and ‘Share an existing folder’. For now, your Google account address book. You can also click the Can
make sure the first option is highlighted and select Next. Edit button to the side and detail the user’s access levels.
How to Use Dropbox Sharing
If you want you can enter a message in the If you have any existing files or folders in your
STEP 5 lower section of the folder creation window; STEP 8 Dropbox store, you can tick the boxes next to
it’s not necessary but courteous to those you’re them followed by the Copy link to the right.
inviting to share it with. When you’re done, click the Share Then, highlight the newly created shared folder and the Copy
button to create the folder and automatically let Dropbox send button to transfer the selected content to the shared folder.
off the email invitations.
Members that you’ve chosen to be a part of the Obviously the great benefit of sharing files
STEP 6 shared folder will now receive their invitation STEP 9 and folders is that you and your colleagues are
email. It will state who created the share and its able to collaborate on the content. For example,
name and add a button for them to click to be redirected in a click on the files you’ve copied into your new shared folder. To
new browser tab to the shared folder location. the right you can enter Comments for sections of words, or
even on images.
Now everyone has access, you can begin to To assist those who frequently view and edit
STEP 7 populate the new folder. You can drag and drop, STEP 10 files within a shared folder, you can click the
or use the Upload files option to the right of three full stops to the right of a file and then
the screen to add content. Likewise, the other members of the you’re able to view the file’s Version History. This will give you a
shared folder can do the same, although not those who have breakdown of what edits, comments and alterations have been
only been selected with View access levels. applied since the file was uploaded to the folder.
How to Use Dropbox Paper

Launched in 2016, Dropbox Paper is the company’s first foray into cloud-based document
team working. The service focuses on the easy creation of rich text documents followed by
collaboration and sharing of that content.
QUALITY PAPER
Dropbox Paper offers a lot more than just creating a base document to share with others. Thanks to its design, you’re
able to achieve some interesting results.
You can find the link to Paper listed in the Moving back to the main Paper launch page,
STEP 1 Dropbox sidebar, between Files and Sharing. STEP 3 click on the Create New Doc button located on
Clicking it will take you to the Paper launch the far right of the page. The first task when
page, where you’re able to choose a New Document or one of creating a new Paper document is to give it a title, you can do
the predefined templates. so in the labelled text box provided.
The Getting Started document, located to You can of course simply write directly into a
STEP 2 the left of the templates, is an excellent place STEP 4 new Paper document. However, the service
to begin. It outlines the basics and use of offers a lot more in terms of rich content. After
Dropbox Paper, as well as how to embed content and make it coming up with a title click on the area below, in particular, the
discoverable with other users and use any collaborations you’ve plus sign. This will stretch out a list of available content icons:
set up. Image, Dropbox, Table and so on.
How to Use Dropbox Paper
Clicking on the first icon, Image, allows you to With Paper, you can also embed video into the
STEP 5 upload an image from your computer or device. STEP 8 document you’re working on. For example, to
The second option, Insert from Dropbox is a add new content locate a YouTube video. Then,
little more interesting. With it, you’re able to pull out any of your next to the plus sign, right-click and select Copy Video URL;
other Dropbox content into the newly created Paper document. back in Paper paste the link next to the plus sign. The video is
now embedded into the Paper document.
Using the When you’ve created your Paper, you can

STEP 6 Insert from STEP 9 click on the Share button and add the email
Dropbox option addresses for those with whom you wish to
with several items can help share the content. You can also add it to a new folder, although
you create an impressive at present you’re not able to save a Paper document to Team
document, filled with text from Folders; but you can download and reupload to a Team Folder.
Word documents, images
and even video footage. The
content placeholders can be
edited to drop the items into
better positions, simply by
clicking and reordering them.
When you’re happy with the Paper content, you You can create separate folders within
STEP 7 can click the three full-stops icon, next to the STEP 10 Dropbox Paper, to store any Paper content you
Share button, in the top right of the screen. want to share with others. Click on the Folders
From there you can Download the Paper as a Word document link to the side, followed by Create New Folder, or any of the
or click Present to view it in a separate browser tab without the options below the button.
Dropbox UI.
How to Use Dropbox Photos

Dropbox Photos presents a clear, easy to navigate timeline of all the images that you
currently store in your Dropbox cloud. It may lack some of the more advanced features that
Google offers but it’s still worth using if you have numerous images to browse through.
CLOUD PICTURES
Whatever it lacks in complexity, Dropbox Photos makes up for with its simplistic interface and ease of use. As a basic
service, it works really well.
You can find the Photos link to the Dropbox Individual photos can be clicked to expand
STEP 1 UI sidebar, just under Recents. When clicked, STEP 3 them into a full-screen view. This view will
it takes you to the main Photos page and display the time and date the photo was
providing you have content, images obviously, in your Dropbox created; you can also move the mouse pointer over the top
store the Photos page will be populated. right of the photo and ‘tick’ it to add it to the process bar
located along the top of the screen.
Moving the mouse pointer over to the far right You can click the arrows either side of the photo
STEP 2 of the screen will bring up the dates within the STEP 4 to cycle through the next or previous and tick
Photos timeline. You can click any of the dates any you want to add to the process bar in the
and the timeline will automatically jump to the date that the same fashion as the original image. You can skip through the
image or photo was created, not when it was uploaded. currently selected photos via the process bar too.
How to Use Dropbox Photos
When you’ve selected the photos you want, the When you click the Create button you’re taken
STEP 5 ones that are in the process bar, you can opt to STEP 8 to the new album page, displaying the photos
share them through Facebook or Twitter and you selected to be included into the album.
you can click on the Share button to create a share link or enter Further albums can be viewed and created by clicking on the
an email address for someone you want to share the photo with. Albums link in the sidebar.
The icon with the three small circles, next to the You can add photos to already created
STEP 6 Facebook icon in the process bar, will expand STEP 9 albums in the same way as before: by opening
a few more options when clicked. The options up the Photos Timeline and selecting the
available here allow you to add the selected photos to an images. Instead, this time click on the ‘X’ rather than cycling
album, download them to your computer or device or delete through the images. This will bring you back to the Timeline,
them from Dropbox. where you can browse the photos while still adding them to the
process bar.
Selecting Add to Album from the menu will Finally, when you have your photo selections,
STEP 7 launch a Choose an Album pop-up window. STEP 10 click on the three circles icon and choose Add
From here you can click the Create New Album X To Album; you have a number specifying the
link and enter the title for a Dropbox Photos album. Click on the amount of photo’s you selected. You can then choose the album
Create button when you’ve finished naming your album. you’ve created to copy the photos into. Individual albums can
then, naturally, be shared with others.
Cloud for Business
Cloud for
Business
We’ve looked at how cloud services
benefit and support the home user
but what about your business?
Small to medium business owners are

often fighting a losing battle when it
comes to implementing technology
that works for them, with expense
being the major cause for lack of
technology adoption.
Thankfully the cloud has a lot to

offer the SMB user. It will grow with
your business and it can be relatively
inexpensive to implement too.
Cloud for Business
Cloud Services for SMBs

As the owner of a Small Medium Business, cloud technologies are certainly worth
considering. They carry the technical impact that an in-house solution can deliver, without
the extra cost of administration, space used or purchasing of hardware. What exactly can
you expect from the cloud though?
GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Cloud based tools and services that are best suited to SMBs are quite varied, depending on the type of business you
run. Here are ten examples of what’s on offer.
Voice over IP (VoIP), video Offering a digitally secure environment

COMMUNICATIONS conferencing, email marketing SECURITY for both you, your co-workers and your
and social media engagement customers is a great benefit when it comes
are an important part of the modern business. You’re no longer to gaining new business. Tales of companies going under due
limited to word of mouth within the town you operate in; with to a lack of security within their customer database are all too
cloud communication services you’re part of the global market. familiar. Cloud services can greatly enhance your security, and
that of your customers.
A web-based storefront is a powerful Cloud connectivity tools are far

E-COMMERCE element of the modern business but CONNECTIVITY better at allowing remote workers,
it needs to be flexible enough to work and customers all around the world,
for you and what you’re selling. Cloud computing services that to connect to the services that your business offers. No matter
cater for e-Commerce solutions are ideal in helping you win what time it is and where in the world a customer or employee
more custom and gain ground in an ever competitive market. is, they are able to access what they need; giving you time to
focus on the core business.
Cloud Services for SMBs
Small businesses are increasingly Colleges, training centres

FINANCIAL turning to a cloud-based accounting ON-LINE LEARNING and academies can all
and financial solution instead of the benefit from the vast range
traditional desktop accounting software. Cloud financial of cloud-based e-Learning services. Whether it’s learning a
services offer secure access to the company’s financial records, new language, training for work-based qualifications of even
are cheaper to establish and allow you to get to your records creating your own learning content, there are cloud solutions
from any Internet connected device. available to help create what you need.
The biggest draw to using a cloud service Setting up, building and maintaining your own
STORAGE is undoubtedly secure and reliable data EMAIL email server isn’t too difficult but it does take a
storage. Many SMBs opt for a complete high level of expertise and maintenance to do it
cloud-storage solution, keeping all their data online to avoid right, and that’s often quite expensive. Using cloud-based email
data disasters, and allowing 24/7 access to it. Most though, is a cheaper and hassle-free solution that the SMB should
tend to lean toward a hybrid solution, where both on-site and really consider adopting.
cloud storage solutions work best.
Collaboration in the cloud can Helpdesk cloud software isn’t limited

COLLABORATION have a huge impact on how you HELPDESK to just the technical side of a company.
and your business works with A good Helpdesk solution can be
others. Remote or mobile users can work as if they’re in the customised to fit whichever sector your company provides help
office and cross company projects can be managed easily. for. What’s more, a cloud Helpdesk allows people to contact you
It’s a smarter way of working together and thanks to cloud from anywhere in the world, widening your customer base.
technologies, also a lot easier.
Cloud for Business
Team Collaboration
Cloud Examples
The ability to work together on a single project, wherever you are in the world, is what
communications technology was originally designed for; consider John McCarthy’s concepts
from the 50s. Finding the right tool for the right job though requires some research.
WORKING TOGETHER
There are countless cloud collaboration services available, which can be quite bewildering. Here are ten proven
business solutions, to help you fine-tune your choice of provider.
One of the more popular Huddle offers a secure cloud collaboration

DROPBOX BUSINESS cloud collaborations services HUDDLE service for customers such as the
available for businesses is Department for Work and Pensions, NHS and
from Dropbox. With companies such as National Geographic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Files, tasks and
University of Cambridge, AA and more, the service is designed team communications are all handled easily and can deliver
to scale and grow as your collaboration with others does. exceptional results for your business.
Citrix has a long history of Aside from offering

CITRIX SHAREFILE working with collaboration GOOGLE BUSINESS APPS a complete cloud
services. The company’s solution for the
newest cloud-based resource is ShareFile and it provides a home user, Google’s apps also cater for the business user. The
simple, secure way to collaborate with teams all around collaboration tools are the same as what’s on offer for free,
the world. however a business can demand more content, space and
unique customisations.
Team Collaboration Cloud Examples
The business side Box prides itself on offering a simple, centralised

OFFICE 365 FOR BUSINESS of Office 365 BOX service where your teams can manage and
offers considerably collaborate on projects more effectively. The
more than the home user gets. For a reasonable monthly cost workflow can be managed easily and a lot of the setting up
you get all the usual Office 365 apps, alongside MS Teams, processes are handled automatically.
Sharepoint and OneDrive for business, all of which makes for
an excellent suite of collaboration tools.
The newly redesigned Socialcast offers Yammer is a part of the Office 365 business
SOCIALCAST a complete collaboration service to YAMMER suite that focuses on social networking and
help your business work better. Users team collaborations. It’s a concise and easy
can share, collaborate and focus on what’s needed to bring to use service that works seamlessly with Office and fosters
together the project or customers. It’s a streamlined service great collaborations across the workforce.
offered here, one that the likes of 3M, Philips and Siemens use.
Trello is an excellent productivity and Ovum Research has ranked MangoApps

TRELLO collaboration platform. It’s designed to help MANGOAPPS as the best mid-market collaboration
your business increase its workflow with teams services in a recent enterprise social
anywhere in the world. It’s reasonably priced and integrates networking report. The company’s collaboration tools are
with apps like Evernote, Google Hangouts, Dropbox and more. excellent and cover every aspect of the cloud service, to deliver
No wonder the companies such as PayPal, Kickstarter, Adobe a scalable solution for your business.
and Pixar use its services.
Cloud for Business
Cloud eCommerce Examples

The ability to lower costs, respond quickly to any market opportunities and accelerate sales
is why many businesses are turning to cloud-based eCommerce applications. There are
countless eCommerce solutions available, so again, some research is needed beforehand.
CLOUD SALES
Businesses need to consider a lot of aspects when it comes to choosing the eCommerce platform that best suits their
needs. Out of the many, here are ten excellent examples to research.
Hailed as one of the best eCommerce cloud Using

SHOPIFY services available, Shopify covers almost YAHOO AABACO SMALL BUSINESS Yahoo
every aspect of sales for your business. It’s as an
easy to use, has a vast range of services and can be customised e-Commerce platform may not be every company’s first choice.
for your company. However, Yahoo Aabaco Small Business is one of the
leading services in this field. It offers a stable, secure and
scalable platform, as well as best in class SEO and
e-shopping integrations.
Another of the top names in Here is another of the heavyweight

BIGCOMMERCE e-Commerce cloud computing is VOLUSION names when it comes to e-Commerce and
BigCommerce, a company that online shopping. With it you can create
prides itself on handling huge volumes and more web traffic. your online store quickly and easily, building the e-Commerce
With an average uptime of 99.99 per cent, BigCommerce is an front end with numerous themes, and all at a reasonable
ideal solution for those businesses who can predict significant monthly cost.
growth in their sector.
Cloud eCommerce Examples
1ShoppingCart is an all-in-one Although not as well-known as some of

1SHOPPINGCART solution that offers a range of 3DCART the other e-Commerce solutions in this list,
packages covering all aspects of 3dcart is by no means small fry in the online
getting your online store up and running. There’s a high degree shopping ocean. With competitive SMB price plans and plenty
of flexibility for your business, as well as for the products you’re of technology available for the business to grow and expand
selling; and it’s easy to manage and update too. into, 3dcart is an excellent choice.
Surprisingly, Wix, the free website builder also Etsy is an interesting addition to this list, in that
WIX offers an e-Commerce service. If you’re a growing ETSY it’s not as much of a heavyweight e-Commerce
but still small business and you want a hassle- platform as most of the companies here but it still
free, cheap e-Commerce solution, then Wix may well be worth can offer the SMB user exactly what they’re looking for. With
looking into. While it won’t be able to compete with the big no monthly fees (just listing, transaction and payment
names, it’s a fantastic resource to consider. processing to pay for) and a great selection of tools available,
it’s an ideal start.
X-Cart uses a host of open source tools to This is another all-in-one

X-CART provide an impressive e-Commerce platform. PINNACLECART e-Commerce and online shopping
There are far too many features offered by this solution, very similar to that of
company to list here but suffice to say it just about covers all 3dcart. With it you can create some stunning storefronts and
aspects of your online business. Pricing starts with free use integrate leading business tools into your site. It’s easy to use
and goes up to several thousand for a lifetime license and top and can expand as your business and customer base grows.
tier support.
Cloud for Business
Cloud Accounting Examples

Small business owners no longer need to purchase expensive and time consuming
accounting software, thanks to cloud accounting services. The benefits of accounting in the
cloud are well documented: better security, disaster recovery, accessible data etc. What’s
available for you though?
CLOUD FINANCIALS
A typical cloud accounting service will offer invoicing, banking, purchasing, expenses and tax management, with the
ability to integrate add-ons such as PayPal.
ClearBooks is a great start when According to FreshBooks, you can

CLEARBOOKS researching cloud accounting for FRESHBOOKS save 192 hours a year just by using its
your business. With it you can create software. Hailed as one of the easiest
customisable invoices, set automatic payment reminders and to use and implement cloud accounting services, FreshBooks
schedule recurring invoices. It’s also excellent for keeping up can manage every aspect of your small business accounting
with your tax returns and managing your banking. needs, together with being able to integrate numerous apps.
Xero allows online invoicing, a mobile app, stock QuickBooks is an excellent choice
XERO management, payroll management and bank QUICKBOOKS of cloud accounting services for the
reconciliation. It can handle multiple currencies, small business user. It offers good
has a high level of security and customisable reporting. value for money, is easy to use and covers everything you’ll
In short, it’s considered one of the best online accounting need from financial software, including an easy to use tax
solutions available. return feature.
Cloud Accounting Examples
Kashoo advertises itself as being ‘easier than This is another interesting, easy to use
KASHOO QuickBooks, more powerful than FreshBooks, ZOHO BOOKS online accounting platform, specifically
and more human than Xero’. There are designed for small business users to
certainly plenty of features available and it’s good value for help manage their finances. The Zoho Books dashboard is a
money too. One worth considering for your SMB needs. clean interface that offers the user quick access to everything
they need to track and automate their accounting.
This London-based cloud accounting OneUp is one of the fastest growing online
KASHFLOW service specialises in providing ONEUP accountancy platforms for small business
everything the small business user owners. With advanced automation, a tidy and
needs from their financial software. It’s secure, quick and easy easy to use interface, competitive pricing plans and an all-in-
to set up, easy to use and integrates over 85 e-Commerce add- one business management services, it’s no wonder that over
ons. It’s also very reasonably priced and provides a wealth of 700,000 users have adopted it.
other features.
Formally There can hardly be a list of accounting services

GO DADDY ONLINE BOOKKEEPING known as SAGE without any mention of Sage. The company
Outright, is a giant in the financial market and offers
the acquisition by Go Daddy boosted the company’s SMB everything for individual users, SMBs and beyond; it’s an
accounting services, helping smaller companies get the best incredible cloud accounting package.
from an easy to use, cloud-based financial platform. There’s
plenty on offer here, it’s good value for money and is certainly
worth considering.
Cloud for Business
Data Management
Cloud Examples
Data management in the cloud is more than just online storage. A good data management
cloud service will offer multiple platform access, collaborations, sharing, syncing with
devices and operating systems, as well as being good value for money and having a secure
digital environment.
DATA CLOUDS
Cloud storage can greatly improve a business’s operation by offering unlimited access to its data, from any place
and at any time. There are countless services available, so here are ten for your consideration.
The business side of Dropbox is one of Box offers the SMB user a great cloud storage
DROPBOX the top choices of cloud storage for the BOX platform. Collaboration, file sharing, security,
SMB user. It’s priced competitively and content management and mobility are all catered
offers a lot of storage, centralised administration and better for using Box’s easy to navigate and use interface. You can
management of your online documents. also integrate popular apps such as Office 365, Google Apps,
SalesForce and many more.
SugarSync has been a great value Without a doubt one of the most
SUGARSYNC cloud storage provider for many years. GOOGLE DRIVE used cloud storage solutions
The company offers a range of flexible available to the business user
features and solutions for the end user, along with the usual is from the internet giant, Google. There’s plenty of storage
collaboration, syncing across devices and operating systems available, up to tens of terabytes and naturally you have the
and disaster recovery. backing of one of the biggest companies on the planet.
Data Management Cloud Examples
Integrating Office 365, Ideally suited for small business users,

MICROSOFT ONEDRIVE its Office Online apps MOZYPRO MozyPro offers a worry-free cloud data
and the company’s protection service. You can backup your
server and SharePoint portals, Microsoft’s OneDrive is probably data from a range of devices and computers, even servers and
one of the first choices of cloud storage for the business user. synchronise mobile data when out and about.
There are numerous features available and it’s a reasonably
priced service too.
SpiderOak is an interesting cloud storage JustCloud offers data synchronisation

SPIDEROAK service, in that it’s one of the most JUSTCLOUD across multiple devices, mobile access,
secure available. The company uses a No file sharing and high level encryption
Knowledge feature whereby the company has no knowledge of across its data centres. The price plans are reasonable and
what’s stored in your area, as each user’s content is covered there are additional services to adopt for an annual payment.
with a range of impenetrable cryptographic encryptions.
Zoolz offers the business user a service that Data management, sharing, online
ZOOLZ utilises artificial intelligence to backup, discover OPENDRIVE editing, collaboration and user
and organise stored data. The company also management are all part of what
offers a unique triple-layer storage service: Instant, Cold and OpenDrive offers its business customers. There’s a lot more
Local storage, whereby data can be organised into on-demand, on offer too, with competitive price plans for up to 100TB of
rarely used and hybrid recovery options. storage available.
Cloud for Business
Email Providers for SMBs

Email has become one of the most critical services of the modern business age. Customers
are won and lost through email, co-workers are better informed and can collaborate
together and without email your company’s growth is severely limited.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF EMAIL

The importance of finding a good cloud-based email provider goes without saying. There are plenty of services to
research before choosing, which can be time-consuming. Here’s ten to help start you off.
Google’s Gmail for business is an obvious first Amazon’s WorkMail is a

GSUITE choice for most small business users, as there’s AMAZON WORKMAIL good choice for the growing
a good chance you and your workforce already business. It’s easy to use
use the personal version. Gmail for business offers 30GB of and set up, supports existing desktop and mobile email clients,
storage, compatibility with MS Outlook and a personalised is good value for money and uses enterprise-grade security to
email address for your company. help protect your inbox contents.
Also called
MICROSOFT EXCHANGE ONLINE YAHOO AABACO SMALL BUSINESS Yahoo
Business
The competitively priced Microsoft Exchange Online offers the Mail, the service offered here for small business users is
business user premier disaster recovery solutions, global server certainly worth considering. There are a lot of features
coverage, anti-spam and anti-malware filtering and a range of available, an easy to use and understand management console
plans to choose from. It’s easy to use, familiar with its users and and the pricing is reasonable too.
easy to maintain too.
Email Providers for SMBs
Rackspace is an affordable email With over 50 million users worldwide,

RACKSPACE hosting service for small business users. ICEWARP including the likes of Canon, Sony and
Outlook, webmail and mobile access are Marriott, IceWarp is a great email provider
all covered, along with large mailbox storage options and an with plenty of features on offer. It’s an integrated solution
easy to set up email migration service. Support is good and the for email, document management and communications, with
company even offers several How To articles to help you out. Outlook support and collaboration with other contacts.
GMX is an interesting cloud email service solution. Atmail Cloud is customisable, simple
GMX It offers unlimited storage, anti-virus protection, ATMAIL CLOUD to manage and use, offers spam and
a spam filter, the ability to send up to 50MB file malware protection and filters. It’s
attachments and access via mobile devices. There’s a lot more also scalable and can be used as a hybrid solution, where you
available from GMX, so it’s definitely worth checking out. can install it on-premises as well as using it in the cloud.
Kerio Cloud
KERIO CLOUD MESSAGING Messaging IPSWITCH HOSTED IMAIL SERVER
offers spam
filtering, drag and drop attachments, custom filters, desktop Reliability and ease of use are the key factors for Ipswitch’s
notifications, a calendar with invite facilities, contacts, tasks Hosted IMail Server. This cloud email service has countless
and notes and instant messaging. The price plans are very benefits on offer for the small business user and is reasonable
competitive, with unlimited mailbox storage from as little as $7 priced too
or £5.60 per month.
Cloud for Business
Green Cloud Providers

Although powering a huge datacentre may not appear to be very ‘green’, the environmental
costs of cloud computing have been assessed by Sustainablebrands.com and found to be of
benefit to those businesses looking to reduce the impact on the environment.
GOING GREEN
Fewer machines, efficient climate control, reuse of generated heat and many more environmental benefits can be
achieved with cloud computing. Here are ten cloud providers who are ‘going green’.
Based across Google’s entire infrastructure is carbon-

EVRY CLOUD SERVICES Scandinavia, this cloud GOOGLE neutral, which is a pretty impressive feat
hosting company considering the size and computing power
offer many excellent services through its green datacentres. that the company’s datacentre operates at. 35-percent of
Powered by hydropower and operating in accordance with the energy that Google uses for its datacentres comes from
ISO 14001 Environmental Standard Guidelines, this Nordic renewable sources and the company is aiming to improve that
datacentre is one of the greenest in the world. further in the future.
Headquartered in Iceland, Microsoft Azure offers a set

GREENQLOUD Greenqloud offer private and MICROSOFT AZURE of cloud services through
hybrid cloud solutions for any size the company’s managed
business. The datacentre is centred around Iceland’s renewable datacentres. The company’s datacentres and cloud platform
geothermal and hydro energy infrastructure; the company services are carbon-neutral, using renewable sources for its
even offers a CO2 meter in its dashboard for users to view. It’s energy needs; in fact, Microsoft is one of the USA’s largest
certainly one of the best and environmentally friendly cloud green power purchaser.
providers available.
Green Cloud Providers
As well as adhering to the highest IBM’s SmartCloud

CLOUDSIGMA possible security standards, Swiss IBM SMARTCLOUD datacentres are exceptionally
cloud service provider Cloudsigma is environmentally friendly.
also carbon-neutral across all its datacentres; it was one of the Just a few years ago, twenty seven of the company’s
first to achieve carbon-neutral status. The Switzerland based datacentres were awarded ‘Participants in Datacentre
datacentre is one of the most power efficient in Europe too. Efficiency’ by the European Commission. So as well as offering
enterprise-level cloud services, the company is also actively
lowering its carbon footprint.
Suited for home and business users, As well as offering excellent cloud
APPLE ICLOUD Apple’s iCloud uses renewable RACKSPACE services, Rackspace also operates
energy across its entire business, its datacentres with 100 per cent
specifically the iCloud datacentres, as well as greener materials renewable sources. The company is also continually looking to
in its manufacturing and building processes. In 2015, 93 per reducing its environmental impact further through the use of
cent of the company’s energy use came from renewable sources, greener materials.
and 100 per cent of the datacentre’s energy use is clean.
Dediserve is one of the biggest cloud Akamai’s delivery servers, thousands spread
DEDISERVE service providers in the world, operating AKAMAI across 126 countries, is committed to
fifteen datacentres from around the lowering its environmental impact by using
world. This Irish company has taken great steps in reducing its renewable fuels. The company has plans to reduce as much of
environmental impact over the years, ensuring that its power its energy impact by 2020 and lower its carbon emissions to
consumption is considerably less than a conventional in-house less than 2015 levels.
server setup.
Cloud for Business
Public Cloud Benefits

Public clouds are the standard cloud model, whereby a service provider makes its resources
available openly to the public and multiple clients over the Internet, hence a public cloud.
Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365 and so on are all examples of a public cloud.
THE PUBLIC CLOUD

So what are the benefits of using public cloud computing over traditional setups, private or hybrid clouds? Let’s have
a look at what the public cloud model has to offer the SMB user.
One of the main benefits that As your company grows so will its
PAY AS YOU GO the public cloud offers is that it’s SCALABILITY need for more data storage, more
decidedly cheaper for an SMB to user licenses and more infrastructure.
setup over buying dedicated, in-house hardware, software and Again, this is a financial impact as well as costing time for the
everything else. Public cloud servers and space are rented technical staff to set up when using an in-house approach.
and therefore you only pay for what you use. Plus the initial Using a public cloud offers elasticity and scalability for the SMB
investment is very low, or even zero in some examples. user with limited interruption and less cost.
To expand the Pay Although there are instances of security

CHEAPER ENERGY COSTS as You Go benefit, if SECURITY breaches in public cloud services, they
you’re considering are far less than the documented security
using a traditionally installed server, together with other breaches when using an in-house setup. Security is handled
hardware, then you also need to factor in climate control for by the cloud service provider, to some extent protecting you
that server, upkeep and possibly its own dedicated server room. against the fallout from a security breach.
The costs soon mount up, whereas using a public cloud cuts out
everything associated with locally installed hardware.
Public Cloud Benefits
Mobile, home working, collaborations Public cloud services, by their Pay

MOBILITY across other companies and globally and NO CONTRACTS as You Go nature, are often contract
file sharing are all benefits of using a free. While that won’t necessarily
public cloud setup. As other companies will also use a public impress some business users, others will enjoy the freedom of
cloud the integration is relatively seamless and as long as you not having to commit to a long term contract.
have an Internet connection you can stay in touch.
A public cloud, when compared to other As you are no

EASE OF USE cloud service types and a traditional DOWNTIME AND UPGRADES doubt aware,
in-house server, is relatively easy to upgrading
set up for your business. You don’t necessarily need any great software or hardware within a business can be tricky. Updated
technical knowledge and the process is often backed up by software may not work with older versions, hardware may
24/7 support from the cloud service provider. require more expense to implement and testing times for IT
staff can be long and expensive. A public cloud service cuts
down on the expense and time taken during upgrades, keeping
downtime low.
Although you still need to As you are aware by now,

LOW MAINTENANCE maintain your in-house PLENTY OF CHOICE there’s plenty of choice when
computers and devices, using it comes to picking a public
a public cloud service will drastically cut out the high-end levels cloud service provider. You’re not limited by geographical
of maintenance that’s usually associated with running your location or languages and you’re not limited by what’s available
network. It’s not just the maintenance of the servers either, in terms of IT support or skills in your local area region.
consider the saving in not having to maintain a server room,
climate control and so on.
Cloud for Business
Private Cloud Benefits

Contrary to public clouds, a private cloud is dedicated to a single organisation. This offers
better control over the cloud setup, better security and privacy, virtualisation and better
resource allocation.
THE PRIVATE CLOUD

While public and private clouds share many benefits, opting for a private cloud can yield better results for a
business, depending on what the business wants from its cloud service.
A private cloud setup gives more control to More often than not, a private cloud
CONTROL the business over the cloud’s servers and REDUNDANCY setup will factor in better redundancy
configurations. The servers are dedicated than that of a public cloud setup.
to the business in a private cloud, therefore you can tailor it to Disaster recovery solutions are generally built into the private
your own company specifications. cloud too, so you can recover your data quicker should anything
go wrong.
Sensitive data such as On the flip side of no contracts through

IMPROVED SECURITY banking, medical and CONTRACTS a public cloud service, a private cloud is
other confidential material, a contract between you and the cloud
needs a higher level of security than that required when provider. Therefore, should anything go wrong (security, data
dealing with non-sensitive data. Using a private cloud solution loss and so on) with the service then you’re covered within the
means that your company, and your company alone, has access wording of the contract.
to your data.
Private Cloud Benefits
Cloud Bursting is a term used In a private cloud scenario, you

CLOUD BURSTING in private cloud setups whereby CUSTOMISATION are the one who specifies what
a sudden increase of demand hardware and software setups
from your business may exceed your quota on the cloud you want for your business. You’re not limited to what a public
servers. In these cases, non-sensitive data can be exported to a cloud offers by default and you can tweak your needs to better
public cloud setup, thus freeing up space on your private cloud. suit the business you’re involved in.
A private cloud isn’t as flexible as that By adopting a private cloud

FLEXIBILITY of a public cloud. However, if you know COMPLIANCE setup you’re able to better comply
what your computing demands are with whatever regulations your
going to be over a set period of time, then you can configure business must adhere to. Whether that’s a security or
your private cloud to take that into account and potentially save environmental compliance or anything in between, you’ll be
money long-term. able to remain compliant with the laws and industry regulations
for your business.
As you’re using a dedicated server One of the more important benefits of

PERFORMANCE in a private cloud setup, one that’s EXPERTISE using a private cloud setup is that
not being shared with hundreds your IT will be managed in-house.
of other users, as in a public cloud, you can see the benefit of With such a high level of expertise within your business you
improved computing performance. If you deal with big data can implement and better use your company’s technology
like AI or develop your own apps, then private cloud computing compared with the competition.
will benefit you more.
Cloud for Business
Hybrid Cloud Benefits

A hybrid cloud setup is a best of all worlds approach, where you can have a mixture of in-
house computing and server hardware and software, whilst still using both types of cloud-
based services. A company with its own server for storage, while using webmail is an example.
THE HYBRID CLOUD

An ideal hybrid cloud setup will allow a business to move its workloads between in-house, private and public clouds
seamlessly. This gives the business a host of extra benefits.
Without doubt, the The hybrid cloud

WORKLOAD FLEXIBILITY greatest benefit a ABSOLUTE CUSTOMISATION approach also
hybrid setup offers ensures that a
is the flexibility of having an in-house server setup whilst business has its technology customised to near perfection.
still being able to move into private and public cloud setups. Use of in-house and private cloud setups can be personalised
Information, according to its sensitivity for example, can be to the company as a whole or for each individual employee if
arranged between the three models ensuring greater security. necessary; and pushing information to the public cloud enables
ease of access for the workforce.
A business that uses Big Data, which The security aspect is

BIG DATA is a term used to collectively describe GREATER SECURITY improved through the use of
voluminous amounts of data to be mined in-house and private
for information, can use a hybrid cloud approach to store the cloud access. A hybrid cloud setup utilises all the security
vast data collection locally, while running cloud based analytics benefits of every cloud service layer, as well as locked down,
within the cloud. on-premises security.
Hybrid Cloud Benefits
A lot of the time a A hybrid cloud setup

IN-HOUSE DEVELOPMENT hybrid setup calls for GREATER ACCESSIBILITY joins all the aspects
a company’s unique of the company’s
software and apps development, in order to access all the technology: in-house, private and public clouds. A remote
cloud service layers. This in turn can lead to an in-house worker therefore is able to get to any layer of the technology, or
development team, programming bespoke applications for the to just one aspect of it should they need to. Increased firewall
company workforce. access also bolsters security.
If a company Although a hybrid cloud

EXPANSION AND GROWTH expands rapidly DISASTER RECOVERY setup can be quite costly,
then a hybrid setup there’s usually a far better
can easily cater for the company’s needs and demands; as the disaster recovery plan factored into that initial expenditure.
technology is in place and ready to be utilised. However, that Your in-house servers can be backed up to the private cloud
can also have a costly negative effect should the company’s and non-sensitive data can be present in the public cloud,
growth decline. ensuring that your data is always recoverable should it need
to be.
As a company is using Having your apps and

USE LEGACY HARDWARE both cloud models as GREATER PERFORMANCE data in-house means
well as an in-house you’re able to call
approach, it’s able to make some cost savings by not having to them up faster than when they’re stored in a cloud. A hybrid
update its hardware as frequently. You can utilise the power setup usually has better network support and uses faster,
of a private cloud and the storage of a public cloud whilst still higher performing hardware to get the most from the in-house
keeping your legacy hardware in use. and cloud layers.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Advanced
Cloud Uses
If you want something a little more
personal or you don’t fancy paying for
terabytes of storage, then why not make
your own cloud?
Surprisingly, making your own cloud isn’t as

difficult as you might first imagine. There
are plenty of options available and thanks
to modern storage devices, implementing a
home or business cloud from your desktop
can be done with very few steps.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Why Would You Consider a

Do It Yourself Cloud?
Whilst using one of the many services available is perfectly fine, a small business or
home user may want a little more than the service is offering. That little extra could
come in the form of far more space without monthly payments or complete control over
the cloud contents.
YOUR VERY OWN CLOUD

In such circumstances, having your own cloud is preferable to that of using one of the current solutions. For
example, as an individual, you can set up your own cloud with the computer hardware you already own; making it
available to friends and family to access, or simply just for your own private use. Likewise, if you own a business, you
can opt for your own cloud, again using already available computer hardware connected to the company’s router and
providing as much storage as is needed for home workers or those on the road.
Taking a few points into consideration here, let’s see what advantages and disadvantages a DIY cloud can offer both
the home and SMB user:
A DIY cloud may not have the backing of Although most folks these days are more
SECURITY the likes of Google, however it is going to SETUP technically savvy than they initially think they
offer a secure environment for you and are, setting up a DIY cloud can be a fairly
any employees to access the content. It’s not often that a home complex affair. Thankfully there are easy to use apps and
user or a small business is targeted by a legion of international programs available for a range of operating systems. These
hackers, whereas the big cloud names are probably running a will help to make the setting up and accessing process much
constant battle with nefarious forces attempting to gain access simpler, especially when compared to the way you used to have
to any of its cloud users’ contents. to set up an online, available storage solution.
To link the security aspect of the cloud, a The initial cost of setting up your own DIY cloud
PRIVACY DIY cloud offers a higher degree of privacy. COST may be a factor worth considering. If you’ve
Mainly, this is due to the simple fact that you any computer hardware going spare, such as
own the space, it’s your storage and you can populate it with a motherboard, processor, memory, hard drives, case and so
whatever you want. Some cloud providers may well be limited on, you’re able to use them to build your own cloud server,
when it comes to privacy, for whatever reason, so a DIY cloud is something we’ll look at very shortly. If you don’t have the kit to
your own and therefore yours to do with as you please. hand, then you’ll need to buy them in. It needn’t be particularly
expensive and refurbished computers will work just as well as
ones that cost thousands; incidentally, you’re able to create a
Raspberry Pi cloud with the right components.
Once you’ve set up your DIY cloud One thing you need to be
MAINTENANCE there’s very little needed to keep DISASTER RECOVERY especially aware of is that
it running. However, beyond the using your own DIY cloud
core cloud software you use, the computer it’s set up on will eliminates the disaster recovery protection you get through an
inevitably require operating system updates and the average cloud service. If something goes wrong with a cloud
occasional reboot; as well some TLC from time to time, as most service provider, generally, your files are still safe within the
computers often seem to crave. Updates can have the habit of company’s backups. Should your house or business ever fall foul
‘breaking’ some feature further down the line, which can be a of something disastrous, let’s hope not, then losing your DIY
costly pain when that feature has something to do with your cloud will effectively lose all your cloud data. You therefore need
DIY cloud setup. to factor in another level of backup and disaster protection.
Why Would You Consider a Do It Yourself Cloud?
IS IT DIFFICULT TO SETUP?
It’s all fine and well talking about the benefits of a DIY cloud setup but in real world terms is it a mammoth project
that requires intricate IT skill levels?
A short, simple answer to the above question: no. Yes you will We’ll look at how you can set one up over the next four pages,
need some IT skills, that much goes without saying. Knowledge utilising both existing hardware and a brief shopping list of
of how to install an operating system and any third-party components should you not have anything to hand. Essentially,
software is certainly advantageous. However, you needn’t be a you can set up a DIY cloud with a standard computer, or if
computing guru to set up a DIY cloud service; it’s not you’re interested in stretching your project skills, you can use a
something that will take up too much time either. Within an Raspberry Pi. We won’t go into RPi detail here but it’s certainly
hour, you can be up and running and hosting your own cloud. worth considering for a future endeavour.
A Raspberry Pi and LEGO cluster of servers, perfect for the DIY cloud project builder.
A DIY cloud needn’t be an ultra-powerful spec PC. Cobble your left-over hardware
together and see what you can make.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Setting Up Your Own Cloud –

Part 1
If you’re interested in setting up your own cloud server, you’re going to need to get hold of
a few items to begin with. It’s not too difficult to get up and running but you may need to
invest a bit of time making sure it works for you.
INGREDIENTS FOR A CLOUD

Let’s begin by looking at what hardware you need to get your own cloud server up and running.
Your own cloud doesn’t need to be an ultra- Don’t forget to include a keyboard, mouse and
STEP 1 powerful PC. If you have a motherboard, STEP 3 monitor in the setup. Although not necessary
processor and memory, all preferably within a once the server is up and running, as you can
case, manufactured during the last five years or so, then you remote desktop to it from another PC, you need them to set
already have a great hardware base on which to build your cloud. everything up to begin with.
If you’re lacking initial hardware, getting hold Ideally, you want to have one hard drive as the
STEP 2 of the components cheaply can be a bit of pain. STEP 4 main system drive, where the operating system
Searching for compatible and good value for for the machine is installed, along with all the
money hardware is time consuming. An alternative solution apps. Ideally, you need to have a second hard drive available.
is to buy a refurbished system. There are many suppliers on This is the cloud storage drive and can be as big as you need it
the internet and you can easily pick up a great potential cloud to be. 1TB, 2TB, even up to 10TB if necessary.
server for as little as £99.
Setting Up Your Own Cloud
SOFTWARE FOR YOUR CLOUD

The hardware is just one element of the setup, for everything to work correctly you’ll need to install an operating
system and the software needed to set up the cloud side of things.
You’ve got three choices of operating system: You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes
STEP 1 Windows, Mac and Linux. Windows and Mac STEP 2 to cloud software. Although there are plenty
operating systems cost, so you need to factor in of programs that offer simple, online and
the extra expense of one or the other. Linux, on the other hand, accessible file sharing, better developed cloud server software
is freely available but it carries with it a steeper learning curve will offer the user the ability to access their cloud via mobile
than the more familiar Windows or Mac options. apps and other operating system clients, etc.
STARTING YOUR CLOUD BUILD

We’re assuming you have the hardware in place and that you have at least an inkling as to which OS and cloud
software you want to use. For this particular example, we’re going to use Linux and OwnCloud.
A good option to consider, if you want to save Once you’ve downloaded the Ubuntu image
STEP 1 costs, is to use Ubuntu and OwnCloud. The best STEP 3 and transferred it to either a DVD or a USB
version of Ubuntu to go for is version 16.10, it’s stick, you need to install it onto the cloud
remarkably stable and performs very well on both modern and server’s main system hard drive. Again, the process is a little too
older hardware. It’s also freely available from http://releases. long to feature here but look up www.ubuntu.com/download/
ubuntu.com/16.10/. You’ll need to download the Ubuntu-16.10- desktop/install-ubuntu-desktop for a guide on how to install
desktop-amd64.iso file, at 1.5GB. Ubuntu 16.10.
Getting Ubuntu installed on your cloud With Ubuntu installed, make sure you’re up to
STEP 2 hardware is surprisingly simple. There are many STEP 4 date by clicking on the Dash, the icon in the top
guides available but for the sake of keeping you left of the screen, and typing in Terminal. When
in one location, look to www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/ the command line Terminal opens, enter the following: sudo
burn-a-dvd-on-ubuntu, for a guide on how to transfer the apt-get update and press enter. Type in your Ubuntu password
downloaded Ubuntu to a DVD, or www.ubuntu.com/download/ and when the process is complete, enter: sudo apt-get upgrade
desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu for transferring the and press enter again.
image to a USB stick.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Setting Up Your Own Cloud –

Part 2
With luck you should now have the latest version of Ubuntu installed on what will soon be
your cloud server. For this example, we are using the free cloud server software OwnCloud,
which is available for Ubuntu and numerous other Linux distributions.
YOUR OWNCLOUD
You need to download and install the OwnCloud setup files. It’s an easy process and all handled from the command
line. So, click the Dash and open a Terminal session.
With the Terminal open, enter the following: The installation doesn’t take long and when it’s
STEP 1 cd Downloads/ && wget -nv https:// STEP 3 done you are returned back to your command
download.owncloud.org/download/ prompt. You can minimise the Terminal for now.
repositories/stable/Ubuntu_16.10/Release.key Open up Firefox from the sidebar Launcher and in the address
-O Release.key. This will download the access key to the bar enter: www.localhost/owncloud. This will direct you to the
OwnCloud repository. Once that’s done add the key with: sudo newly installed OwnCloud portal. Enter a new Administrator
apt-key add - < Release.key. username and password and click Finish Setup.
You now need to add the OwnCloud repository, You are now taken to the main OwnCloud
STEP 2 where the installation files are held, with the STEP 4 interface for the Administrator account you’ve
following command: sudo sh -c “echo just created. You can close the ‘A safe home for
‘deb http://download.owncloud.org/download/ all your data’ window and then notice a pair of ready-made
repositories/stable/Ubuntu_16.10/ /’ > /etc/ folders, Documents and Photos. Before you create any new
apt/sources.list.d/owncloud.list”. Then you need to users, open the Terminal again and enter: ifconfig.
update the system with the new information: sudo apt-get
update. Now you can install OwnCloud with: sudo apt-get
install owncloud. Press ‘Y’ to install.
Setting Up Your Own Cloud
With ifconfig you’re looking for the IP address Folders within OwnCloud can be created or
STEP 5 of the cloud server, it’s found after the ‘inet’ STEP 8 deleted by clicking the Plus symbol at the top of
entry in the list; ours in the Step 4 screenshot, the screen. Folders and files can be shared with
is 192.168.1.192. Open a new tab in Firefox and enter: other users by clicking on the Share symbol or the three full
http://192.168.1.192/owncloud, replacing the 192.168.1.192 stops. You can change between file and media views by clicking
part with your PC’s IP address. Click on the Add x.x.x.x as on the four boxes in the top right of the screen.
trusted domain button, followed by Yes.
The last step added the network address of the This next step is tricky. To gain access to
STEP 6 OwnCloud server as a trusted source. To create STEP 9 OwnCloud from outside your network you need
users, on the OwnCloud Admin page, click on to open a hole in your router’s firewall. Every
the pull-down Admin link in the top right of the screen and router is slightly different, making it difficult to say what to do
select Users. Click Add Group and create a new user access exactly. However, look for Port Forwarding and allow port 80
group; click the Plus sign to enter the group. access to the OwnCloud server.
At the top of the screen you can see the Admin You need
STEP 7 and Password boxes. Use these to enter a STEP 10 your
new username, their password and the new Broadband
Group you just created. Click the Create button when you’re IP Address, as displayed on
done. On another computer, open a browser and navigate your router connection status
to: http://192.168.1.192/owncloud and enter the new user’s page. Use this to connect
details. Repeat these steps with all your users. to the OwnCloud server as
www.broad.band.ip.address/
owncloud. With port 80
allowed through the router
to the OwnCloud server, you
should be able to access
the sever from any Internet
connected device. It’s basic
compared to Google Drive, but
it works.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Virtualisation for the Consumer

Virtualisation in the cloud, also known as Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), is a
technology that allows a user access to an entire operating system. The operating system is
an image, housed on a cloud server, where you can work on the desktop as if it was installed
locally on your computer.
DESKTOP ANYWHERE
What are the advantages of setting up or using a cloud-based virtual desktop? As it happens, here are ten examples
of where a VDI will help you out.
One of the main A virtual desktop is

RUN LEGACY PROGRAMS advantages of SANDBOX ENVIRONMENT what’s known as a
running a virtual sandbox environment.
desktop in the cloud is the ability to execute old programs and This means it’s a virtual space where new, untested or
apps in the operating system environment they were designed untrusted software and coding can be executed without fear of
for. For example, running a DOS 6.22 or Windows 95 virtual it damaging the host PC. You’re also able to browse securely as
desktop in the cloud will allow you play all those DOS classic your personal data isn’t on the VDI.
games and programs.
If you think a downloaded file from As you’d expect, you’re

VIRUS TESTING a website may contain a virus, you USE OTHER SYSTEMS able to use and test other
can safely experiment with it in a operating systems within
virtual desktop in the cloud. This way your actual PC isn’t going a virtual environment. The handy thing here, on the cloud, is
to be infected and thanks to the fact that the VDI is simply a file that your local system isn’t using its storage holding the virtual
on a server, it’s scanned and cleaned too. desktop image.
Virtualisation for the Consumer
Using a common scenario: while Oddly enough, if you’ve access to a

REMOTE WORK on holiday you suddenly need to CLOUD SETUP cloud-based virtual desktop, then
do some work. Using a virtual you’re able to set up your own cloud
desktop in the cloud will give you access to a fully working server within the already cloud hosted virtual environment. This
computer and you can complete what you need to while way you can create secure tunnelling for the users to access
sharing it with others. the cloud and have everything hosted remotely.
Having a secure backup is always a good If you have need to access

BACKUPS idea, even for a home user. Utilising a CUTTING COSTS multiple desktops, the initial costs
cloud-based virtual desktop is certainly in terms of hardware, software
one way to achieve that goal. You can, with some examples and licensing and time to set everything up, not counting a backup
services, create an exact copy of your locally installed operating routine or anti-virus support, can be high. Alternatively, you
system in the cloud; so it’s always backed up and ready for a can opt for a hosted virtual desktop platform, with multiple
quick restore. desktops available for as little as £25 per month.
It’s a tricky business As you’re accessing a

SKILLS IMPROVEMENT trying to keep up with USE OLDER HARDWARE virtual machine online,
the latest technology there’s little need to fork
and software, and more often than not, expensive. Not all out for a £2000 computer. While you probably won’t be able to
of us are able to test and get to grips with the latest version run complex 3D imaging, or the latest graphically demanding
of Windows Server, for example. Here a cloud-based virtual game on a cloud-based virtual machine, you can use it for
desktop can allow the public to test and become experienced everyday work without needing to buy a new computer.
with the latest software.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Virtualisation for
SMB/SME Users
Virtualisation for the home user is certainly beneficial, in some respects. However,
virtualisation in the cloud for the business user can be a far more powerful tool. Cost
savings, remote working, support and security are all achievable with a hosted, virtual cloud
desktop service.
DESKTOP AS A SERVICE
Many of the benefits of virtualisation in the cloud for the business user cross over with that of the home user but for
a business those benefits can yield great advantages over the competition.
Remote workers can help Looking again at cost cutting,

REMOTE WORKING make substantial savings REDUCED BILLS using a virtual desktop to access
across the entire business. You multiple and different operating
don’t need to provide office space, or the power costs therein, systems can mean you’re able to install Thin Clients as opposed
and you can reduce software and hardware costs. Aside from to full PCs. A Thin Client is able to access the remote desktop
the cost savings, your workers can access their desktops from and work as a normal computer but with an estimated £60 per
anywhere in the world. annum per machine saving in electricity.
Using a virtual desktop hosting Further to last

EASIER SUPPORT service will ensure that you ENVIRONMENTAL SAVINGS entry, using Thin
receive the highest possible Clients to replace
support, 24/7, without the need to have an extensive in-house PC and accessing a virtual desktop service, will see a CO2
IT team. Any issues with the virtual desktop setups can be reduction of 20,956KG per year and a total energy saving
quickly resolved and broken images easily replaced with a cost of 40,300 KWh; based on 100 NetVoyager Thin Clients
former snapshot. replacing PCs. See www.netvoyager.co.uk/general/energysave.
html for more details.
Virtualisation for SMB/SME Users
A virus hitting an individual, It’s often

VIRUS PROTECTION home user is bad enough MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS difficult for
but when one gets loose in a business
a company it can be disastrous. Using a virtual desktop service to merge all its departments and users’ operating system
will greatly reduce the chance of a virus spreading through the needs. Marketing and design will require Macs, office staff PCs,
company network and other PCs. developers may want Linux, PCs, Macs or even mobile operating
systems. With a virtual desktop service, you can specify and use
all the available operating systems across your entire business.
Workers using a virtual As with most cloud service offerings,

BACKUP PROTECTION desktop can quickly SCALABILITY you’re able to easily scale up or
recover from any disaster down your virtual desktop numbers
by restoring a recent snapshot of their desktop. The down time as your business demands increase or reduce. New workers are
therefore, for a ‘broken’ virtual desktop is minimal compared to quickly added, and allocated a virtual desktop, while former
that of a standard, in-house desktop restore. workers or contractors can be removed to save bandwidth and
support costs.
A business that uses virtual desktop As with the home user, a business is
SECURITY services is also better placed to secure the LEGACY APPS able to use a virtualised older desktop
desktops its offering. You’re able to fine operating system to keep supporting
tune the security settings so workers can’t access unnecessary it apps and software. If you’ve already paid for a piece of
websites, or run illegal copies of software. This is all possible on software and a new operating system won’t support it, then
a traditional in-house setup too but much easier for the virtual using a legacy system within a cloud virtual desktop setup will
desktop service to set up and utilise. keep you up and running.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Using a NAS Drive as a

Cloud Server
While creating your own cloud server is a great solution to an online offering, it’s not always
practical, secure, cost effective or easy to manage. NAS, Network Attached Storage, drives
are a far better solution. They’re small, efficient and powerful units designed to store and
share data.
NAS BENEFITS
NAS technology has come a long way in the last few years. No longer are NAS drives monolithic boxes dominating
the room they occupy, in fact they’re quite discreet, media-type installations that can easily be hidden away in the
corner of a living room or in the corner of the office.
They are remarkably powerful these days too. With specifications In terms of service and software many modern NAS units run a
that better that of a top of the range PC from not so long ago, a customised version of Linux, which serves as the backbone to
modern NAS is a far more capable ‘computer’ than some of the their file and media sharing capabilities. There’s also a range of
PCs found on desks. This improved processing power allows more installable apps available, that can further improve the scalability
services to be run simultaneously, and with support for more users. and use of a NAS, such as cloud server software, for example.
A NAS drive is a reasonably

COST inexpensive investment for A consumer NAS is just as capable as a business model,
both home and business it depends on what capacity you want.
users. A single bay, which means a
NAS unit with space for a single hard
drive, can be picked up for well under a
hundred pounds. Dual bay, two hard drive
capable, NAS units can be around the
hundred pound mark. The only expense
is the actual hard drives you buy to install
within the NAS unit. Depending on what
capacity hard drive you want, and how
many, you could be looking at anything
from £40 up to £400.
A NAS drive,
PERFORMANCE by this we
mean the
entire unit and the hard drives within,
has a reasonable set of specifications.
You can easily expect to see dual or quad-
core processors, gigabytes of memory,
high performance read and write speeds
and gigabit Ethernet ports. In general, a
NAS will outperform a similar specified
PC at the same file serving duties due
to its low memory use operating system
and the limited number of processes the
hardware is required to run. This frees up
a lot of resources for its sharing duties.
Using a NAS Drive as a Cloud Server
Businesses who want ultra-scalability can opt for enterprise level NAS solutions, with 24 drive bays possible.
We’ve already looked at the Naturally, using a NAS as a cloud

VIRTUALISATION benefits of virtualisation for CLOUD SERVING server is a great solution. You can
home and business users. If utilise the huge capacities of the
finding a virtual desktop hosting solution isn’t working for you, installed hard drives, up to 10TB, whilst offering the users an
then a NAS drive may be a good alternative. Some NAS drive easy to connect and use cloud solution. Most of the NAS drives
manufacturers have implemented a virtualisation app that also offer a simple management setup, allowing even non-
can be downloaded and installed to the NAS; and when set technical users the chance to get up and running with their
up correctly will serve the user base with a variety of virtual own cloud within a matter of minutes; and often without the
desktop images. security hassle of opening up a hole in the router.
NAS drives aren’t useful for simply sharing Dual bay, or more, NAS drives offer
BACKUPS your media. With the right setup, all your REDUNDANCY the user a set of RAID (Redundant
desktop computers, regardless of whether Array of Independent Disks) options
you’re an individual or a business, can be backed up to a NAS. with the installed drives. A RAID setup simply offers different
You can even store multiple backups across days, weeks or kinds of configurations, or levels. Each of these levels can
months if you have enough storage available. implement a different type of redundancy. For example, RAID
1 offers data mirroring, so any data written to one drive is
mirrored by the second. This way, should one drive fail, you can
replace it and rebuild the data from the other one. Depending
on the RAID level, you either lose some or use all of the drive(s)
capacity installed. Two 10TB disks at RAID 1 will only allow you
to use 10TB, as the other drive is being used as the mirror.
A NAS is an excellent one-

stop solution for any type of
user. An individual can house
their media collection, family
photos and data backups on
a NAS, whilst using a cloud
app to host photos and music
to other family members.
A business user can use
multiple NAS units to backup,
provide cloud server access
and virtualisation to the
workforce, and all from
an inexpensive and easily
manageable box.
Mostly though, an SMB will be more than satisfied with just as powerful NAS
drives, offering more than ample capacity.
Advanced Cloud Uses
NAS Drives for Home Users

Group Review
With the wealth of NAS drives available for the consumer, it can be a tad challenging finding
one to suit your needs, and that still offers good value for money. Most of the NAS drives
you’ll come across are of excellent quality but some offer a little something more than the
average model.
THREE NAS GROUP REVIEW

We’ve got three different NAS drives in for review, from Synology, QNAP and Buffalo. All are considered consumer
units and suitable for the home or even the small office.
The role of the NAS has changed in recent years, thanks in part to For the most part, there is a wealth of available apps from most of
the consumer push for more storage and better ways in which to the big names in the NAS industry; especially with the three units
stream content to our various smart devices. As a result most NAS we have for testing here.
units are dedicated media servers, offering streaming of the
media stored on the drives via a number of protocols: DLNA, In terms of the operating system on a NAS, you can usually find a
SHOUTcast, iTunes and countless more. heavily customised version of Linux. This ensures the NAS is
operating without consuming too many of its own resources, whilst
Beyond the media serving capabilities, a home NAS can act as a offering a secure and easy to use interface with which to interact.
surveillance station, connecting to security cameras and
recording the feeds. You can use one as web server, hosting your The Cloud duties on such units are just as impressive. Chat, file
Wordpress blog or a content management system. There are sharing, calendar sharing, collaboration across folders and files
apps to connect to Dropbox and other cloud services, to keep with anything up to 2048 individual users on a single NAS. The
your backup files in sync with each other. You can even use a NAS beauty of using a NAS drive as a cloud server is that it’s
as a Virtual Private Network server, taking over the role form your marvellously scalable for the individual. You can expend its
router and providing your internal Internet connected devices a storage by buying bigger capacity hard drives and installing
private and secure connection to the outside world. them, most have multiple USB ports that allow you to fit further
storage. You can download different modules to enhance or
The number of apps available for a particular NAS unit depends enable other NAS cloud features and you can assign groups and
greatly on the manufacturer of the unit and how they go about create users with limited or whole access to certain folders stored
creating apps that can be integrated into its operating system. within the filesystem.
NAS Drives for Home Users Group Reviews
Home NAS Comparison

The three NAS drives we used for the home reviews are all excellent in their own unique
ways. As with most technology, it’s what the user wants from the system that dictates which
model they eventually buy.
COMPARISON CHART
Here’s a quick summary to help you compare some of the features and specifications of each of the NAS drives.
Remember though, the better spec model isn’t always the best choice.
SYNOLOGY DS216PLAY BUFFALO LINKSTATION 520 QNAP TS-251+

£220 £145 £250
1.5GHz Dual Core STM STiH412 1GHz Realtek RTD1195N Quad-Core Intel® Celeron® 2.0GHz
1GB DDR3 (Dual Core) (burst up to 2.42GHz)
1x USB 2.0 256MB DDR3 TS-251+-2G: 2GB DDR3L RAM
No USB 2.0 Ports (1 x 2GB)
1X USB 3.0 TS-251+-8G: 8GB DDR3L RAM
No HDMI 1x USB 3.0 (2 x 4GB)
165 x 100 x 225.5 mm No HDMI Expandable up to 8GB
0.88KG (without drives) 87 x 126 x 205mm 2x USB 2.0
WebAccess 2.5KG 2x USB 3.0
DLNA™ Media Server WebAccess HDMI
NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition DLNA™ Media Server 169 x 102 x 219 mm
BitTorrent™ NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition 1.28KG
Apple Time Machine® BitTorrent™ WebAccess
Apple Time Machine® DLNA™ Media Server
NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition
BitTorrent™
Apple Time Machine®
Advanced Cloud Uses
Synology DS216Play
NAS units for the home have improved immensely over the years, thanks
in part to the technology used in business server rooms and superb
manufacturers such as Synology.
Synology has just about perfected the NAS solution for small Naturally this increases the noise of the device somewhat, along
businesses and the home user. The company’s Value Series is with the drives chugging away in the internal cradle but the
considered to be one of the best examples of NAS units design of the DS216Play does dampen the noise levels slightly.
available; in particular the DS216Play. The on-paper level indicates 18.5 dBA but we’re tempted to say
that even with a pair of 6TB drives fitted and whirring away, the
This is a two-bay NAS drive complete with an STM STiH412 dual noise levels were below that and barely audible at all.
core processor running at 1.5GHz, 1GB DDR3 memory and a
built-in 4K hardware video transcoding system with support for The DS216Play is actually quite a stylish looking unit. The matt
H.264, H.265, MPEG-2 and VC-1. black finish of the body, with air vent Synology logo imprinted
on the sides, is complimented by the piano-black polished trim
Other features include a single USB 3.0 and a single USB 2.0 that houses the indicator LEDs.
port. The large 92mm fan, located at the back of the unit, does
an excellent job of keeping the two installed hard drives cool, Behind the hardware though is the real star of the show, the
even when under substantial load. DiskStation Manager operating system. Now on version 6.1,
Synology DS216Play
this Linux based OS boasts a much improved security that’s driving the unit. Get a few packages up and running and
enhancement by utilising AppArmor to block any unauthorised the DS216Play can still stream and transcode high and ultra
access to the system resources through malicious programs. definition video without any visible signs of the processor
DSM 6.1 also offers a Build Your Own Cloud feature, where you struggling under the load.
can remotely access and share files over the Internet or sync
files among multiple client devices. All that’s needed is the There are lots of possibilities with the Synology DS216Play.
Cloud Station Server on the DS216Play, and the Cloud Station You could potentially have 20TB of storage with two 10TB
Drive on your computer, Android or iOS device; and you’ll be drives, set up multiple RAID with levels to choose from and t
able to access the NAS easily from outside your home network he potential to add external drives via the USB 3.0 port.
by using the QuickConnect software.
Considering the specifications of the DS216Play, Synology has
Needless to say, there are countless more apps and packages managed to keep it reasonably cheap. The £220 asking price
that cover nearly every aspect of the home user and small isn’t too bad at all, although you need to factor in two hard
business’ needs. Each though are executed exceptionally well, drives as well. Overall though, it’s an excellent power NAS for
part in thanks to Synology making sure that the DSM packages the home; certainly one of the best models from one of the top
are developed correctly, as well as the adequate hardware NAS manufactures around today.
Features at a glance:
CPU Model STM STiH412
CPU Architecture 32-bit
CPU Frequency Dual Core 1.5 GHz
Hardware Transcoding Engine H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-4 Part 2, MPEG-2, VC-1,
Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160), Maximum FPS: 30
System Memory 1GB DDR3
Drive Bays 2
Maximum Internal Raw Capacity 20 TB (10 TB HDD x 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
USB 2.0 Port 1
USB 3.0 Port 1
Size (Height x Width x Depth) 165 mm x 100 mm x 225.5 mm
Weight 0.88KG
Maximum Local User Accounts 2048
Maximum Local Groups 256
Maximum Shared Folder 256
Maximum Shared Folder Sync Tasks 4
Maximum Concurrent 256
CIFS/AFP/FTP Connections
Maximum Concurrent File Transfers 256
Advanced Cloud Uses
Buffalo LinkStation 520

For many years, Buffalo Technology has provided the end user with some
excellent backup and storage hardware. The LinkStation range is an easy-
to-use, consumer NAS solution.
The Buffalo LinkStation 500-series offers single, dual and four

bay solutions to the home and SMB user. The LinkStation 520
is one of the company’s more popular models, and it’s easy to
see why.
This is a two drive device with supported capacity options of
2TB, 4TB, 6TB and 8TB setups. Inside there’s a Realtek
RTD1195N dual core 1GHz CPU and 256MB of DDR3 memory
that helps power the unit along nicely.
Connectivity consists of a single USB 3.0 port along with one
for Gigabit Ethernet; also DC power in and a power slider
between devices as well as any custom settings you’ve added.
The device measures 87 x 126 x 205mm and weighs a
reasonably chunky 2.5Kg. The matte black plastic casing is well
constructed and capable of taking a few knocks. There are a
couple of LEDs located at the front of the NAS for power and
when a USB transfer is in operation.
The front door can be removed , popping off completely as
opposed to a swing door option, revealing the two drive bay
slots fitted with a couple of hot-swap drive bays. Removal of
the drives is as simple as pulling on the handle and you can
custom fit any SATA 3Gb/s drives up to a maximum capacity of
8TB at present.
There are a number of storage options when you first setup the
LinkStation 520. The default is RAID 0, offering better
performance but with no redundancy should anything go
wrong. You also have RAID 1 that drops the capacity but adds
mirroring for data safety should one of the drives fail. Finally,
there’s a Linear option, where the total capacity of all the drives
are available but without any redundancy.
Setting up was incredibly easy, through the combination of the
Buffalo NAS Navigator app and the Linux-like web portal of the
drive itself. Once you’ve added a user, set up the time zone and
so on, you afre presented with a desktop where you can gain
access to all the LinkStation’s functions and shared folders,
along with the maintenance and set up of the device.
Buffalo LinkStation 520
Setting up your own cloud service is very easy

and thanks to a Private Cloud feature
together with a WebAccess function, you can
access your own cloud storage from
anywhere that has an Internet connection.
Other available applications cover all the
usual NAS aspects: DLNA, FTP, Samba, AFP
and a Bit Torrent Downloader. Each works
well and are designed for ease of use as well
as easy set up and maintenance.
The Buffalo LinkStation 520 is an excellent
NAS solution for the home or home office. It’s
quick to get up and running, easy to use and
provides the end user with terabytes of cloud
storage potential. Pricing varies but comes in
at roughly £145.
CPU Type Realtek RTD1195N (Dual Core)
CPU Speed 1GHz
Performance 110+MB/s
System Memory 256MB DDR3
Number of Drive Bays 2
Total Capacity Enclosure, 2TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB
USB 3.0 Port 1
Dimension 87 x 126 x 205mm
Weight 2.5KG
WebAccess Yes
DLNA™ Media Server Yes
NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition Yes
BitTorrent™ Yes
Apple Time Machine® Yes
Advanced Cloud Uses
QNAP TS-251+
Like Synology and Buffalo,
QNAP is a company that has
produced some excellent
NAS solutions for both home
and SMB users.
QNAP TS-251+
The modern home NAS solution has evolved over the last TS-251+ and set up the RAID levels for the inserted drives.
couple of years into something rather extraordinary. No The UI is large, colourful and extremely easy to use; and
longer are they simply networked boxes housing a hard offers you the ability to tweak the NAS unit to your
drive and serving your collection of media; there’s particular specification or to delve deeper into its inner
considerably more that the home and small office user workings for a more advanced level of configuration.
demands from their networked storage solution.
The services the TS-251+ offer via the NAS Management
QNAP has therefore pulled out all the stops and is now facility include the usual DLNA server but with the added
offering a complete package in the form of the TS-251+. ability to hardware transcode video in real time up to five
This is an extremely high performance and high capacity different devices simultaneously. The myQNAPcloud
networked storage solution that takes the traditional service will allow you to access your NAS contents
operation of the NAS device and turns it on its head. remotely, creating your own personal cloud storage
solution. It’s very easy to use, following a wizard that
Inside this two bay NAS you can find a quad core Intel will test the connection between your router and the
Celeron CPU at 2.42GHz and 2GB of DDR3L RAM, outside world.
expandable up to 8GB, along with 512MB of flash memory.
You can fit two 3.5”, or two 2.5” SATA drives in the hot swap In addition to all that, there’s also a VPN service, MySQL
cradles that slide into the unit and lock into position. server, network based surveillance station and server, and
many more services via the QNAP App Centre. The
The rear of the TS-251+ features ports for HDMI, a pair for Virtualisation Station is particularly good, giving you
Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0s as well as a single one of access to network wide virtual operating systems.
USB 3.0 spec; there’s also a power input and a pin-hole
reset. The front contains a further single USB 3.0 port, the The installation of the TS-251+ is quick and easy too.
power button, one touch copy button, a strip of LED Everything is taken care of via the QTS interface and walks
indicators and of course the two drive bays. you through the process without any incoherent technical
jargon. Priced at roughly £250 it’s a little more expensive
Driving all this is a customised embedded Linux operating than Synology’s offering but like the DS216Play it’s worth
system called QTS 4.2.3, whereby you can configure the the cost.
CPU Quad-Core Intel® Celeron® 2.0GHz (burst up to 2.42GHz)
System Memory TS-251+-2G: 2GB DDR3L RAM (1 x 2GB)
TS-251+-8G: 8GB DDR3L RAM (2 x 4GB)
Expandable up to 8GB
Drive Bays 2
USB 2.0 Port 2
USB 3.0 Port 2
Dimensions 169 x 102 x 219 mm
Weight 1.28KG
WebAccess Yes
BitTorrent™ Yes
Advanced Cloud Uses
How to Set Up a Cloud Using

a Home NAS
Creating your own NAS-based cloud server is remarkably easy, thanks to the modern
operating systems and apps available for a NAS drive. In this example we’re going to use the
Synology DS216play NAS fitted with a pair of 6TB Seagate IronWolf hard drives.
CREATING YOUR CLOUD

We’ve pre-fitted the two IronWolf drives and run through the initial set up process; this involves creating an admin
user account and installing the latest version of DSM OS.
First we need to install the Cloud Station Server With QuickConnect enabled, and once you’ve
STEP 1 from the Package Centre, located on the DSM STEP 3 confirmed the new account with Synology (via
desktop. In the Package Centre, you can find an email sent to you), click the Apply button in
the Cloud Station Server app in the Business section. Click the Control Panel. Scroll up a little way in the Control Panel until
on Install and Agree to allow the new app to install on your you come to User and click on it. The right-hand pane of this
Synology NAS. section will detail the current accounts with access to the NAS.
Open the Control Panel from the DSM desktop To create a new user, click on the Create button
STEP 2 and scroll down the side panel until you come STEP 4 and fill in the form detailing Name, Description,
to QuickConnect. Click the QuickConnect link, Email and Password. You can tick the boxes to
and in the right-hand main pane, tick the Enable QuickConnect send the user an email to inform them of their new account.
box. You need to enter your email and sign up for a Synology Click the Next button when you’re done.
account but you will be allowed a connection to the cloud
server without opening your router.
How to Set Up a Cloud Using a Home NAS
The next page will list the current groups Still within the Control Panel, scroll up to Shared
STEP 5 you have active on the NAS. For the average STEP 8 Folders and click the Create button. Enter a
consumer sticking with the built-in Users new name for the cloud-accessible new shared
group is more than sufficient but try and limit the number of folder and a Description and click OK to create the folder. On
Administrators to just yourself. Click Next when you’re ready the next screen you’re able to assign permissions to the new
to continue. User or Groups; adding the group permission saves you adding
individual users.
The built-in shared folders within the NAS With an example user and shared folder
STEP 6 are: Homes, Music, Photo and Video. On the STEP 9 created, we can now attach to the cloud server
next page you’re able to select the type of using the QuickConnect app. For outside users
permission the new user will have to each of those folders. to gain access to the NAS, you need to inform them of the
Don’t worry too much about the shared files, as you can create QuickConnect address, which is listed on the QuickConnect app
one in a moment. Click Next when you’re ready to continue. page. It will be http://QuickConnect.to/NAMEOFNAS, where
NAMEOFNAS is the QuickConnect name you set up.
The remaining steps cover the disk quota Once the user has entered the address, they
STEP 7 allowed for the new user and the application STEP 10 are taken to the DSM page where they can
access they’ll have. You can assign permissions enter their NAS login details. They gain access
beyond the default if you like, or return later to redefine to a customisable DSM desktop similar to the one used as the
the permissions. When you’ve finished with the quotas and NAS admin. Clicking on File Station, they are able to upload,
assigned apps, click the Apply button to create the new user. download, view and share any content they have permission to
on the NAS.
Advanced Cloud Uses
NAS Drives for SMB Users

Group Review
There are just as many business-oriented NAS drives available as there are consumer
versions and just as with the consumer, the business user can get a little overwhelmed by the
sheer choice. As before we have three to review, all from the SMB lines of the manufacturers.
THREE BUSINESS CLASS NAS REVIEW

To aid with consistency, we’ve selected three business class NAS drives from the same manufactures as the home,
consumer models: Synology, QNAP and Buffalo; it will be interesting to see how they compare next to their home
user siblings.
If the role of the consumer NAS has changed significantly in

recent years, you’d think the business led NAS would have
stayed somewhat static; after all, the role of a business NAS is
simply to provide a backup and file server role, isn’t it?
There’s more to a modern business NAS though than you would
first imagine. First, it generally needs to be a more powerful
‘computer’ than the consumer versions; it’s usual that the
business NAS’ processors are more powerful, faster and have
64-bit architecture over the home-based 32-bit models.
Furthermore, there’s more memory available to cope and drive
the faster processor.
This elevated performance isn’t there to simply drive the
business-focused apps and other installed hardware. Consider
that a business NAS is designed to serve the needs of multiple
users simultaneously, both in the office and those working
externally. Therefore that performance impact is there to ensure
your business doesn’t suffer from slow access, poor
performance and down time.
A lot of business NAS drives tend to offer more drive bays as
standard. Whilst two bays are often the norm, you can easily
expect to see four, six, eight, twelve and considerably more the
further up the enterprise scale you go.
This high degree of scalability is the key for a successful
business NAS. Not only can you populate with numerous drives
but in most cases you’re also able to connect a NAS with other
model NAS drives from the same company; thus creating vast
100TB plus clusters of storage, for example. This is the extreme
end of the business scale but it signifies the operational
benefits of adopting such a technology into your own company.
There are usually other aspects that cover business use, such as
multiple Ethernet ports, more internally installed fans, hot-swap
drive capabilities and encryption engines built-in to the NAS.
Surprisingly, you also find that a lot of business NAS drives
share the media capabilities of the consumer models. The likes
of 4K transcoding, media streaming and so on are all a part of
the modern day business NAS.
NAS Drives for SMB Users Group Reviews
SMB NAS Comparison

As with the three NAS drives for home use, the three example models reviewed for the SMB
all offer superb performance, excellent features and plenty of expansion potential. The NAS
you choose as an SMB user, will depend greatly on the type of business you run.
COMPARISON CHART
Here’s a summary of some of the features the three business model NAS drives offer. There’s plenty more on offer
from each company, so a bit of research and shopping around is advised.
SYNOLOGY DS716+II BUFFALO TERASTATION 3210DN QNAP TVS-682T

£390 approx. £600 approx. £1,000+
Intel Celeron N3160 2.24GHz Annapurna Labs AL212 Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz
2 GB DDR3 Dual-Core 1.4 GHz dual-core processor
3x USB 2.0 1GB DDR3 Total DIMM slots: 4
No USB 2.0 Ports System memory: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
1X eSATA Memory modules preinstalled:
2x Gigabit Ethernet 2x USB 3.0 4 GB x2
2x Gigabit Ethernet Maximum memory: 64 GB
2x Drive Bays (16 GB x4)
No HDMI 2x Drive Bays No USB 2.0 Ports
157 x 103.5 x 232 mm No HDMI 5x USB 3.0
1.75KG (without drives) 170 x 170 x 230mm 2x 10GBase-T, 4x Gigabit Ethernet
Cloud Server 4.8KG 6+2x M.2
WebAccess Cloud Server 3x HDMI
DLNA™ Media Server WebAccess 231 x 225 x 320mm
Backup Apps DLNA™ Media Server 7.7KG (without drives)
BitTorrent™ NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition Cloud Server
Apple Time Machine® BitTorrent™ WebAccess
Apple Time Machine® DLNA™ Media Server
Backup Apps
BitTorrent™
Apple Time Machine®
Advanced Cloud Uses
Synology DS716+II
The business NAS offers some slight differences to that of the home,
consumer model, as we’ve already outlined. This is especially apparent in
the Synology DS716+II, one of the company’s leading business focused
drives in the Plus Series.
As we’ve already seen from the Synology DS216Play, the ports, an eSATA port and the latest copy of DSM 6.1 all ready
company produces a remarkably good NAS drive. That level of to go.
quality, in both the hardware and software, extends to the
business line too, in particular with the Plus Series. The two hot swap drive bays can take 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch
SATA3/2 hard or solid state drives to a maximum of 20TB (a
The Plus Series NAS drives range from two-bay units, such as pair of 10TB drives), formatted with EXT4 and in an assortment
this DS716+II model, through to impressive 12-bay units that of RAID levels. There’s also find a pair gigabit Ethernet ports,
would suit the enterprise server room. Needless to say, there’s and a decent sized 92mm quiet fan to help keep the fitted
something here for all types of business user. drives cool.
What you get for your money is a unit with a quad core High storage demand and scalability is handled by connecting
2.24GHz Intel Celeron N3160 64-Bit CPU, complete with the separately purchased Synology DX513 Expansion Unit to
hardware encryption, 2GB of DDR3 memory, three USB 3.0 the DS716+II’s eSATA port. The DX513 can house five hard
Synology DS716+II
drives to a maximum raw capacity of 50TB, add this to the faces. The drive bays are easily accessed via the push and
20TB from the DS716+II and the total raw storage capacity release clips at the front that allow you to slide the drive bay
comes to an eye-watering 70TB. An exceedingly large amount out and fit, or replace, the hard drives. It’s a good design that
of storage space. works well and can stand the test of time.
Within DSM 6.1 and the DS716+II you can find the usual Fitting a couple of drives and getting them set up in a RAID
media server, photo station, audio station and backup add-on array is extraordinarily simple. Once you attach to the
packages, as well as the ability to transcode up to 4K DS716+II the DSM setup wizard walks you through the process
resolution content. You can also have access to the excellent in a quick but intelligent fashion, offering you more advanced
cloud station, web server and a surveillance station. There’s options should you already know what you want. Within a
even a Mail Server that will turn the DS716+II into a fully- matter of ten minutes or so, our pair of 6TB test drives were
fledged email server and a VPN station for up to fifteen RAID 1 and ready for content, as was the DSM 6.1 desktop.
simultaneous connections.
The Synology DS716+II is an exceptional NAS drive. It
The design of the DS716+II is much in the same vein as the performs magnificently, is fantastic value for money, priced at
other Synology desktop-type products. A sleek looking, roughly £390, and has more than enough scalability for the
compact unit, measuring 157 x 103 x 232mm housed in a business user to expand into. In short, it’s simply one the best
matte black metal case with toughened plastic front and rear NAS models on the market for SMBs.
CPU Model Intel Celeron N3160 2.24GHz
System Memory 2 GB DDR3
Size (Height x Width x Depth) 157 mm x 103.5 mm x 232 mm
Weight 1.75 kg
Hardware Transcoding Engine H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-2 and VC-1;
maximum resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160);
maximum frame rate per second (FPS): 30
Disk Encryption Hardware Encryption Engine (AES-NI)
Drive Bay(s) 2
Maximum Drive Bays 7
with Expansion Unit
Maximum Internal Raw Capacity 20 TB (10 TB HDD x 2) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
Maximum Raw Capacity 70 TB (10 TB HDD x 7) (Capacity may vary by RAID types)
with Expansion Units
USB 3.0 Port 3
eSATA Port 1
Maximum Local User Accounts 2048
Maximum Local Groups 256
Maximum Shared Folder 512
Maximum Shared Folder Sync Tasks 8
Maximum Concurrent 512
CIFS/AFP/FTP Connections
Advanced Cloud Uses
Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN

The Buffalo TeraStation 3010 range offers a robust and reliable NAS
solution for the SMB user. The TeraStation 3210DN is Buffalo’s mid-range
business model, offering the user an impressive level of storage along with
excellent features and build quality.
Buffalo aspired to combine the ease of use from its LinkStation The design of the TeraStation is simplistic but effective. The
consumer models, with the flexibility, mass storage and high black matte and glossy black mixture of metal and plastic
performance of its top-end business models when designing throughout works well and will certainly take the day to day
the TeraStation 3210DN, and it’s worked too. brutality of being in a busy office. There’s a range of LEDs on
the front panel indicating the current state of the installed
The desktop version of the TeraStation 3210DN (also available hard drives, power and network activity. It’s effective and not
as a rackmount option), houses an Annapurna Labs AL212 too distracting either.
Dual-Core CPU running at 1.4GHz, with 1GB of DDR3 system
memory to help drive the Linux OS along nicely. The Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN is a great business NAS. True
you can find more capacity with Synology and QNAP’s models,
This is a two-bay model NAS, with the drive bays accessible via and essentially there’s more on offer in terms of the software,
the lockable swing front door of the unit. You can purchase set operating system and available apps from the other two
capacity models: 2TB, 4TB and 8TB, spread across the two manufactures, but there’s something simple and useful about
drives within and offering a number of RAID levels to choose the TeraStation that puts it on a level pegging with the other
from. The drive bays are hot swappable, so you’re able to quickly models. It’s an ideal NAS for the SMB user and the home office,
remove and replace any faulty drives and rebuild the RAID power user too.
should anything go wrong.
Expect to pay in the region of £600 for the 8TB models,
There’s also a pair of USB 3.0 ports and dual Gigabit Ethernet housed with a pair of 4TB drives. Obviously the price drops with
ports. The main ports are located to the rear of the unit, the lesser capacity models, so shop around and see what you
grouped to the bottom of the NAS, allowing attachments of can find.
other storage options and quick syncing with USB flash pens.
The software is similarly very good. There’s the usual

media serving capabilities, along with an FTP Server,
web access and cloud server duties. There’s also
support for iTunes, Time Machine backups and
various settings to help create automated backups
of your workstations.
Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN
Processors Installed Annapurna Labs AL212 Dual-Core 1.4 GHz
RAM Installed 1GB DDR3
Max Supported Capacity 8 TB
Dimensions 170 x 170 x 230mm
Weight 4.8Kg
Drive Bays 2
Performance 110+MB/s
Ethernet Port 2
USB 3.0 Port 2
WebAccess Yes
BitTorrent™ Yes
Advanced Cloud Uses
QNAP TVS-682T
QNAP’s mid-range business
NAS models are remarkably
impressive looking and
impressively specified units.
The TVS-682T sit within this
range and offers the business
user a wealth of features,
hardware scalability and
incredible performance.
The TVS-682T represents the top end for the SMB user, those is a small production company, who records footage in 8K for
whose businesses are likely to expand quickly and support a editing. The storage capacity and performance of the TVS-
workforce in the potential hundreds. This is a high performance 682T make short work of that editing process, allowing the
NAS, utilising an Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz dual-core crew to work on finer details.
processor, 8GB of DDR4 memory as standard and with the
capability of expanding up to 64GB of memory and a 512MB The QTS 4.2 Linux operating system that drives the TVS-682T is
flash memory module. easy to use and speeds through its processes thanks to the
unit’s specifications. You get the usual array of media serving
The four main 3.5-inch hard drive bays that can accommodate and streaming elements, alongside file sharing, backup control,
drive capacities up to 10TB are impressive enough but QNAP virtualisation and of course, cloud computing.
has designed the TVS-682T to take a further two fast Solid
State Drives (SSD) and another pair of M.2 SSD modules as well. An interesting feature on this model is the ability to partition
the installed drives according to the applications you use. For
The additional SSD elements allow for fine-tuned storage example, virtualisation images can be stored on the SSDs to
options, which the user can utilise for fast access storage, or provide fast read and write access to the virtual desktop users.
use as cache acceleration drives. The acceleration will Surveillance, shared folders and cloud data can be stored on
significantly boost the read and write access times of the the high capacity hard drives and the M.2 SSDs can work in
main 3.5-inch hard drives, pushing the most used files to tandem providing data caching for the entire system.
the cache to be read from the faster SSDs. The overall
performance therefore, including the powerful CPU and The design of the TVS682T is quite extraordinary, because it’s
memory, is quite incredible. essentially a powerful desktop PC. Its 231 x 225 x 320mm
mixture of matte and glossy plastic and metal looks good and
Beyond the drive capacities, you can find a pair of 10GBase-T the drive bays dominate the face of the unit impressively.
network ports, a further four Gigabit Ethernet ports, three for
HDMI, a pair of Thunderbolt 2s, four USB 3.0 ports to the rear Looks aside, considering the specifications, performance,
and a single USB 3.0 to the front of the unit. There’s even a pair scalability, features and everything else about the QNAP
of built-in speakers for a full-media machine setup. TVS-682T, this is a NAS unit that leaves most of the competition
standing. Naturally this level of NAS doesn’t come cheap; in fact
Whilst the above may seem a little extreme to some, those who expect to pay out in the region of £1,000 before you even
will need a power-house NAS solution will greatly benefit from factor in the four hard drives, two SSDs and two M.2 SSDs. The
having access to the QNAP TVS-682T. A good working example overall cost would certainly exceed the £2,000 mark.
QNAP TVS-682T
CPU Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz dual-core processor
System Memory Total DIMM slots: 4
System memory: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
Memory modules preinstalled: 4 GB x2
Maximum memory: 64 GB (16 GB x4)
Drive Bays 6+2x M.2
USB Port 1 x USB 3.0 port (Front)
4 x USB 3.0 port (Rear)
HDMI Port 3
Dimensions 231 x 225 x 320mm
Weight 7.7Kg
Cloud Station Yes
iTunes Yes
Time Machine Support Yes
Virtualisation Yes
Web Server Yes
Mail Server Yes
Advanced Cloud Uses
How to Set Up a Cloud Solution

Using a Business NAS
The setting up of a cloud server on a business NAS is done similarly to that of the home NAS.
The web-based administration of a NAS drive makes it incredibly simple to configure and
use. In this example, we’re using the Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN NAS 2TB model.
CREATING YOUR CLOUD

The Buffalo TeraStation 3210DN has been updated to the latest firmware and has cycled through the initial admin
account set up process.
Login to the Buffalo TeraStation admin page. Scroll further down and you can see a heading
STEP 1 When loaded, click on the File Sharing link STEP 3 WebAccess Permissions. Click the pull-down
in the left-hand sidebar, followed by the link box and select Allow all groups and users from
button to the far right of the Web Access entry. Enable HTTPS/ the list (you’re stopping anonymous sources from entering the
SSL Encryption, enable Access via BuffaloNAS.com, click the cloud folder). Click the OK button when you’re done.
Generate Random Key button and add a name for the cloud
sever in the BuffaloNAS.com Name box.
Once you’ve named the cloud server, click OK Close the Shared Folder List window and click
STEP 2 and the details will be saved. Still in the File STEP 4 the link button next to Users. In the User List
Sharing section, click on the Folder Setup link window, click the Create User button. Enter
button, located at the top of the screen. In the Shared Folder a name for one of your users, and a password. You can set a
List window, click Create Folder and when the Shared Folder unique User ID if you wish and any storage quotas. Click the OK
Settings window appears, enter a name for the folder and button when you’re done.
tick WebAccess.
How to Set Up a Cloud Using a Business NAS
Click the Close button to exit from the User You can right-click the main pane to view the
STEP 5 List. Open a new browser tab, or do so on a STEP 8 possible actions your user can carry out with
separate computer, and enter the address: the privileges they have. For example, right-click
www.buffalonas.com. When it’s loaded, you may need to add an and choose Upload from the menu. Click the Browse button
exception to your browser to access it, enter the name of the and select some files to upload to the cloud server, then click
cloud server you created in the box provided. Click Connect the Upload button when ready.
when ready.
To begin with you have a blank interface, Once the upload is complete, click the OK
STEP 6 without any folders or files. Click on the Log In STEP 9 button. The interface will refresh, displaying
button in the top right and enter the username the folder contents. You can right-click each of
and password of the user you’ve just created. Click the Log In the individual files and select Share to create a link to send to
button when you’ve entered the details of the user. a user. You can also create and share folders with other users,
download files, copy and move.
Once logged in, the interface will change to Back in the Buffalo admin page, you can also
STEP 7 display the folders available to the user. This STEP 10 synchronise Amazon cloud storage services
view will depend on what folders you’ve given and Dropbox content with the folders on
them access to, either from the user level or the group level. your Buffalo NAS. Users can then access the Buffalo cloud
Double-click on the folder you created earlier, in the main pane server you’ve created, edit or update any content and have it
of the cloud interface. synchronised with the company’s Dropbox account.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Cloud Security
The biggest issue that faces every user of a cloud service, regardless of whether they’re a
home or business user, is security. How can you be certain your data is safe from hackers in a
cloud? Nothing is 100% secure but we can take precautions.
SAFE CLOUDS
The approach with Cyber security is often to ensure that you have multiple layers of security in place. Here then are
ten golden rules for cloud security.
Always use a cloud service that offers full If you’re going to use a cloud service to store
RULE 1 encryption for your data. Ideally, the cloud RULE 3 your data, then it’s best to fully read and digest
service will offer 256-bit AES military-grade the Terms of Service of the cloud provider.
encryption across all it’s communications and storage. This way, You’ll be able to see where they store your data, what actions
it’s going to be exceedingly difficult for a hacker to gain entry they perform to ensure its safety and what they can do in the
through brute force alone. event of a breach or data disaster.
Encrypting your data before uploading it to a If possible, try not to store any sensitive and
RULE 2 cloud service is a highly enterprising idea. RULE 4 extremely personal data on the cloud and if
Providing you takes steps to ensure the you do, then make sure it has been encrypted
encryption keys are safe, then all your data will be a before being uploaded to the cloud. Bank details, names,
jumbled mess of characters should someone ever gain entry addresses, credit card numbers are all worth their weight in
to your account. gold to a hacker; also, don’t store any text files containing
passwords on the cloud.
Cloud Security
Make sure that the password you use to access Attempts to access your data in the cloud don’t
RULE 5 your cloud service is strong and doesn’t contain RULE 8 always come from some hacker in front of a
anything relating to you, such as your surname, multi-monitor setup. We’re all familiar with
street name and so on. The amount of people who still use social engineering being used to obtain personal information,
‘password’ as their password is unbelievable. Try instead to with callers claiming to be from top organisations wanting to
insert numbers, capital letters and symbols. gain access to your computer. Don’t fall for it.
If a cloud service offers a two-step verification Be careful when it comes to sharing files and
RULE 6 process, then it’s best to use it. A two-step RULE 9 folders from the cloud. While it’s the ideal
process involves you entering a password solution for collaboration, giving someone the
that’s been sent to you via SMS and often includes an email wrong level of access, or access to something they should be
informing you of when and where the login has taken place. viewing can have disastrous consequences for an individual or
This way you’re doubling up on the security access layer. a business.
While having the ability to automatically Although your cloud data is pretty secure, it’s
RULE 7 upload everything to the cloud is certainly RULE 10 always best to have at least another couple of
helpful, there is a concern that items you don’t backup locations to hand. As the saying goes,
want in the cloud could get uploaded by mistake. Automatic don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. While Google Drive
syncing is great but as recent celebrity news dictates, it’s not isn’t going to go bankrupt anytime soon, it’s still worth having
always beneficial. another recent backup within easy reach.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Where Next for the Cloud?

The cloud has moved on from being the latest buzz word to a modern user’s must have
service. SMBs and large scale enterprise organisations would probably admit to being so
reliant on cloud services that their companies wouldn’t exist without it. So what’s next for
cloud technology?
RISE OF THE MACHINES

Big Data, AI, Machine Learning, cavernous datacentres and quantum computing
are all terms bandied about when it comes to discussing the future of the cloud.
In truth, no one really knows which direction cloud everyday tasks, as consumers. Equate to physical technology
technologies will take over the next five to ten years. and we’ve just reached the point in the early 80s when the
However, it’s generally agreed that the aforementioned home computer became possible and popular.
terms will play a big role in defining what the future of the
cloud will look like. Whilst it’s a little disconcerting to think that we’re putting
our trust into a technology that’s at the equivalent level of a
Cloud technologies are still in their infancy, in technical Commodore 64, it does mean that the future, consider the
terms at least. We’ve only just started to use the cloud for next forty years, is going to be quite spectacular.
Where Next for the Cloud?
Off the back of

AI AND MACHINE LEARNING the Big Data
surge comes
ever impressive leaps in Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning. Preparing hundreds of terabytes of Big Data for
analysis takes up considerable time for those involved, so
having a powerful computer do the preparation for you will
certainly make sifting through that data easier. Of course
Machine Learning can be expanded on that, helping to
create the cloud-based apps of the future that the consumer
will access via their mobile devices. Despite the Hollywood
negativity of AI, it’s the future of cloud computing.
Looking through a mid-sized

DATACENTRES datacentre is something you don’t
forget in a hurry, just imagine what
it will be like looking through the datacentre of the future.
These impressive structures, with their labyrinthine corridors of
monolithic servers will dominate the cloud future. It’s already
been stressed that although power hungry, a datacentre using
carbon neutral energy sources is far more ecological and
economical than a city full of server rooms in every company.
A popular buzz word at the moment, Big Although still quite

BIG DATA Data is set to transform the way cloud QUANTUM COMPUTING exotic in nature,
computing will work in the future. With the quantum computing
big names in cloud computing all vying to support bigger and is quickly becoming a real thing. Even now, you can access
better Big Data, it’s obvious that being able to analyse huge quantum processors and experiment with their built-in semi-
volumes of data will be second nature in the next five years. mythical tunnelling, entanglement and Q-Bit architectures. As
How this will trickle down to the consumer level isn’t clear at the future will no doubt tell, quantum computing will improve
present but the pundits have their bets on almost unlimited and finally leave behind traditional computing models. When
storage available for personal cloud use. this happens, expect to see a new generation of AI evolution
and near instantaneous accessing of cloud data.
Advanced Cloud Uses
Glossary of Cloud Terms

There are a number of confusing and bewildering terms used in technology and since the
cloud became a real thing, those terms have expanded to encompass everything we do
online and in a cloud service.
CLEAR SKIES
Here’s a quick list of some of the terms you’re likely to come across as you explore cloud technologies further.
Needless to say, the industry loves its terminology, so expect many more as you delve deeper.
AGILITY CLOUD BURST

Refers to the faster implementation of IT within a company, A hybrid cloud deployment feature, whereby a private cloud is
specifically cloud implementation. able to use public cloud resources when demand for computing
tasks spikes.
AIRFRAME
CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE
An open source cloud platform that’s targeted at businesses in
the thinking stages of adopting a private cloud service model. The physical hardware, software and connectivity that makes up a
cloud-based datacentre. The servers, apps, networking and so on.
BACKUP AS A SERVICE
CLOUD PYRAMIDS
Another form of online mass storage, where a company can
effectively backup its entire systems data to the cloud. This A visualisation of a cloud providers infrastructure that
service is of interest to audits, as off-site backups are secure shows, usually via colour coding, the services it offers on
and safe from accidental damage. different platforms.
CLOUD CLOUD SERVICE

The Cloud, an online set of services that’s globally connected The solution that’s offered from a remote, cloud server. That can
and allows individuals and businesses to interact with. be storage, email and so on, or be categorised as Private, Public
or Hybrid.
CLOUD BACKUP
CLOUD SERVICE PROVIDER
Being able to back up your data to a cloud storage service.
Used by both consumer and businesses alike. Offers support for The company that provides cloud-based solutions such as
multiple platforms and operating systems, from computers to storage, email, virtualisation and more. The company may or
mobile devices and even games consoles. may not own its datacentre and cloud infrastructure.
CLOUD BROKER CLOUD STORAGE

A company that liaises between several cloud service providers Online mass storage, housed on servers in datacentres, with
and clients to help find the best provision. quotas set for those who utilise the storage.
Glossary of Cloud Terms
CLUSTER
INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE
A group of linked computers that work together as if they were A cloud model that provides users with a virtual server and
a single computer, for high availability and or load balancing. network. The online server can be accessed from any Internet
connected device.
COMMUNICATIONS
AS A SERVICE
MOBILE CLOUD STORAGE
Cloud-based telecoms, messaging, video conferencing
services. The likes of Skype, Facebook and Twitter come under Simply a service that’s designed to house mobile data storage
the CAAS heading. for an individual or business.
DESKTOP AS A SERVICE NIST

A form of cloud-based remote working, whereby a user can National Institute of Standards and Technology. Founded in 1901,
access their desktop from any Internet connected device, NIST provides standards for most electronic and digital services.
regardless of the device’s operating system.
PLATFORM AS A SERVICE
DATABASE AS A SERVICE
A cloud model that provides developers with a coding platform
Cloud housed and driven database, freeing up the company’s to program new apps. The platforms can be any operating
investment in in-house hardware and significantly lowering system, offering greater scope for multi-OS app development.
power costs.
PUBLIC CLOUD
DATACENTRE
A cloud service that’s available to everyone, providing
A self-sufficient building with specialised climate control everything from email, storage, virtualisation and collaboration.
where lines of servers are housed. The servers work in a cluster
providing the various cloud services.
PRIVATE
CLOUD
ELASTICITY A cloud service that’s managed by a single business, providing
the same duties as a public cloud but having exclusive access
The ability for a cloud service to expand or retract its services to the business only.
depending on the demand to its servers.
SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE
GAMING AS A SERVICE
A cloud model that provides online access to software such as
Cloud driven gaming servers that host games for multiple productivity apps, email etc.
platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox, etc. and provide unique gamer-
specific rewards, trophies and events.
SERVICE MIGRATION
HYBRID CLOUDS The act of moving all your company, or individual, data from
one cloud service to another. Can also mean moving from all
A cloud service that uses public and private clouds, as well as in-house to a cloud-based service provider.
in-house hardware to provide cloud services.
VIRTUALISATION
HOSTED APPLICATIONS
Creates an image of an operating system on virtual hardware.
A web-based application that runs on a remote server, hosted in Users can create virtual machines for any hardware type, using
the cloud. The same as Software as a Service. them to develop or test on.
Congratulations, we have reached the end of your latest
tech adventure. With help from our team of tech experts,
you have been able to answer all your questions, grow in
confidence and ultimately master any issues you had. You
can now proudly proclaim that you are getting the absolute
best from your latest choice from the ever changing world of
consumer technology and software.
So what’s next? Do you want to start a new hobby? Are

you looking to upgrade to a new device? Or simply looking
to learn a new skill? Whatever your plans we are here to
help you. Just check our expansive range of For Beginners
guidebooks and we are positive you will find what you
are looking for. This adventure with us may have ended,
but that’s not to say that your journey is over. Every new
hardware or software update brings its new features and
challenges, and of course you already know we are here to
help. So we will look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Cloud Computing Tricks and - Tips - 4th Edition 2020

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techgo

Next level Advanced Rediscover

techgo techgo techgo techgo

Cloud Python Coding C++ & Python

NEW! | Gmail | Drive | Chrome | Maps | Play BDM’s

techgo techgo techgo techgo

Advancing your skill set is the goal of all users of consumer

Over the page our journey continues, and we will be

“… we cover what you need

@bdmpubs BDM Publications www.bdmpublications.com

It’s little wonder then that it’s so popular, and

How to Use Dropbox Storage

How to Use Dropbox Sharing

How to Use Dropbox Paper

Using the When you’ve created your Paper, you can

How to Use Dropbox Photos

Small to medium business owners are

Thankfully the cloud has a lot to

Cloud Services for SMBs

GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Voice over IP (VoIP), video Offering a digitally secure environment

A web-based storefront is a powerful Cloud connectivity tools are far

Small businesses are increasingly Colleges, training centres

Collaboration in the cloud can Helpdesk cloud software isn’t limited

One of the more popular Huddle offers a secure cloud collaboration

Citrix has a long history of Aside from offering

The business side Box prides itself on offering a simple, centralised

Trello is an excellent productivity and Ovum Research has ranked MangoApps

Cloud eCommerce Examples

Hailed as one of the best eCommerce cloud Using

Another of the top names in Here is another of the heavyweight

1ShoppingCart is an all-in-one Although not as well-known as some of

X-Cart uses a host of open source tools to This is another all-in-one

Cloud Accounting Examples

ClearBooks is a great start when According to FreshBooks, you can

Formally There can hardly be a list of accounting services

Integrating Office 365, Ideally suited for small business users,

SpiderOak is an interesting cloud storage JustCloud offers data synchronisation

Email Providers for SMBs

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF EMAIL

Google’s Gmail for business is an obvious first Amazon’s WorkMail is a

Rackspace is an affordable email With over 50 million users worldwide,

Green Cloud Providers

Based across Google’s entire infrastructure is carbon-

Headquartered in Iceland, Microsoft Azure offers a set

As well as adhering to the highest IBM’s SmartCloud

Public Cloud Benefits

THE PUBLIC CLOUD

To expand the Pay Although there are instances of security

Mobile, home working, collaborations Public cloud services, by their Pay

A public cloud, when compared to other As you are no

Although you still need to As you are aware by now,

Private Cloud Benefits

THE PRIVATE CLOUD

Sensitive data such as On the flip side of no contracts through

Cloud Bursting is a term used In a private cloud scenario, you

A private cloud isn’t as flexible as that By adopting a private cloud

As you’re using a dedicated server One of the more important benefits of

Hybrid Cloud Benefits

THE HYBRID CLOUD

Without doubt, the The hybrid cloud

A business that uses Big Data, which The security aspect is

A lot of the time a A hybrid cloud setup