Software and storage elsewhere.
WHAT IT MEANS
Using software and storage that runs on someone else's computers, over the internet.
WHAT YOU ALREADY USE
Web-based email File storage and sharing Online accounting Anything used through a browser
WHAT THE ADVANTAGES ARE
Access from any device No installation or maintenance Automatic updates Sharing is straightforward
WHAT THE DISADVANTAGES ARE
It requires a connection Your data is held by someone else Ongoing cost rather than a purchase
WHAT REMAINS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Your account security Who you grant access to Having your own copy of anything important
THAT LAST POINT
A cloud service is not a backup.
A file deleted there is deleted everywhere it synchronises.
WHAT TO SET UP
A strong unique password and a second authentication step.
WHAT TO CHECK
What you have shared, and with whom.
WHAT TO KEEP LOCALLY
Anything you would need during an outage.