Do You Believe Cloud Can Kill The USB Flash Drive?

The neat feature of these Cloud based storage and data transfer products is that the data is held securely on servers that use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and AES-256 bit encryption. Cloud based storage options are without doubt very impressive and they look set for huge growth over the next few years but will they lead to the death of the immensely popular Mini usb flash drive?Not only that but both you get to see a history of what you've saved and you can un-change or un-delete files if you've made changes you need to undo. We think it's too soon to write-off the USB flash drive because: No cloud based solution (private or public) is perfect and as such access to your data is entirely at the mercy of your service provider so there is always the risk that when you need your data the most the Cloud could be down.Even if you are tempted to use a Cloud based storage option it is still worth employing a "belts and braces" approach and backing up your files onto a USB flash drive. This is a particularly important personal strategy if you're planning on using your files during an important meeting, at a conference or seminar or if you're on a deadline to deliver coursework to your school or college. Once you exceed the "Free" thresholds for data storage on the Cloud it can get expensive - a single months cost can be more than buying a good quality, high capacity and high speed USB flash drive. Could storage costs could run into hundreds of pounds per year.No speed issues - transferring large files from a USB flash drive is quick, painless and simple. Arguably you can say the same for Cloud based storage products but only if you are connected to fibre optic connection!If you're a company and you want to promote your brand, sell your products or inform your customers (or prospective customers) then USB flash drives win hands down over the Cloud. A Mini usb flash drive that has been printed or engraved with your logo and pre-loaded with your sales collateral is a fantastic "giveaway" at a tradeshow, event, of seminar. Posting a URL or link that people can download files from just doesn't have the same impact and nor will it for the foreseeable future!