The Geopolitics of Data: Why Cloud Server Location Matters?

Uzone.id – Does location affect cloud server? The answer is yes. Why is that? Let’s discuss it in depth in this article.

First of all, you may already be familiar with cloud computing. Cloud computing is a technology that utilizes internet-based data, servers, and networks with the function of maintaining data and applications. Simply put, the cloud is a digital storage that can store all files that can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

Many companies use this service to store data. As a third party, cloud service providers will manage, host, and secure data within the infrastructure they have built. The provider will ensure that the data is always available whenever the user wants to access it.

Cloud server are part of cloud computing

The increasing demand for cloud computing has led developers to release cloud services built on cloud computing technology. Cloud services come in several models and new implementation strategies to help meet the specific needs of users. Among them are:

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a service that provides a complete cloud computing infrastructure, including servers, storage media, and networks. An example is Amazon EC2. 
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud service provider in the form of a platform that can be used to create applications. An example is Google App Engine. 
3. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a service that provides various types of cloud-based software without the need to purchase infrastructure, all of which can be accessed via the internet. Examples include Google Docs and Dropbox.

Reasons why location affects cloud server

Location is closely related to the cloud. Essentially, the cloud has reached users worldwide. 

However, despite being globally accessible, cloud providers do not have a single massive data center. Providers build multiple data centers scattered across various locations around the world.

Then, groups of nearby data centers are called regions. This regional division provides flexibility, better performance, regulatory compliance, and enhanced resilience for users.

From the user’s side, you have full control to choose where you want to allocate computing resources. You can consider the following things before deciding on a region:

Price

It is undeniable that some cloud regions set prices that are easier compared to other regions. Each region has its own pricing for the services provided. On a global scale, the cost of power, environmental factors, currency exchange rates, and labor wages can drive prices higher.

Speed will effect for cloud server

If you’re looking for cloud services delivered on a global scale, location becomes a primary consideration. The advent of cloud computing allows you to deliver content to users from anywhere. However, that is not the issue. The distance between the sender and the receiver will affect the delivery speed.

For instance, if there is a delivery delay while the sender is in the US and the receiving team is in Europe, a delay of a few minutes can ultimately waste a lot of productive time. As global networks and clouds continue to evolve and improve, this will become a less significant issue.

Reputation

Reputation does not lie. Large cloud providers backed by Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and BIM are generally more trusted. They have more resources to protect their users from hacking. Additionally, there is more hardware to distribute their cloud services worldwide.

However, it is not uncommon for companies to prefer to subscribe to local cloud services due to the lower prices. Using services from well-known cloud providers—with all the amenities provided—will certainly come at a higher cost.

Privacy

What good is it to be cheap and fast if privacy is not maintained? Yes, one of the considerations you need to think about before subscribing to a cloud service is related to the privacy and security of your content.

Imagine you store data in the cloud, even if only you can access it, if something happens to the cloud service provider, you will undoubtedly be affected. Whether it’s server seizures, the need to deactivate accounts, or other actions that could disrupt your cloud service.