E.3 | Cloud Storage#

[1] General Considerations#

A typical rivt report folder is about 50 to 100 MB in size, depending on the formats used and resources stored. Folders can be stored locally or in the cloud. The preferred storage location depends on the purpose. The simplest location is local storage. It does not require and internet connection.Other options include remote repositories and file based cloud storage.

[2] Remote Repositories#

A remote repository stores a version of the rivt project files and version history hosted on a server or online network (like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) rather than on your local computer. It acts as a central hub for team collaboration and an off-site backup.

GitHub is the repository for rivtlib and related code. See rivtlib.dev and rivtlib.info <https://github.com/rivtlib-info>.

Repositories usually include local files managed by a tool like which are synced to a cloud based host. The local files should not be stored on folders that are also synced to other file based cloud storage services. This leads to potential conflicts between the syncing services.

One approach to avoid this conflict is to independently synchronize the local files to a file based cloud storage folder using a synchronization utility. File management tools like git only sync when invoked, not as a background process.

GitHub is a popular and widely used cloud and version control system based on the Git program that may be downloaded here. Git <https://git-scm.com/> is part of rivt-code. It is a free, open-source, distributed version control system designed to manage and track changes in files. It allows multiple people to work on the same project simultaneously without overwriting each other’s work. GitHub is a web-based platform for hosting, managing, and collaborating on code built around Git. It allows teams to work together efficiently on software projects and provides features like pull requests, issue tracking, and project management.

Each rivt folder is typically stored in its own repository. Every user of GitHub has a personal account with essentially unlimited repositories.Free accounts provide for:

  • Unlimited Repositories: You can create as many public and private repositories as you need.

  • Unlimited Collaborators: There is no limit to the number of people you can work with on your repositories.

  • Community Support: You have access to the GitHub Community Discussions for help.

  • Core Services with Usage Limits: The free plan includes a certain amount of monthly usage for services:

    • GitHub Actions: 2,000 minutes per month for private repositories

      (unlimited for public repositories).

    • GitHub Codespaces: 120 core hours and 15 GB of storage per month.

[3] File Based Cloud Storage#

File base cloud storage is convenient for storing and sharing rivt folders. Public rivt files may be downloaded from Google Drive.

Summary of File Based Cloud Storage

  • Microsoft OneDrive: Best for Windows and Microsoft 365 users, featuring strong collaborative editing and deep OS integration.

  • Google Drive: The go-to for Google Workspace users, offering seamless sharing and heavy-duty data workloads.

  • iCloud: The standard choice for Apple device owners, syncing photos, documents, and backups across all iOS and macOS devices.

  • Dropbox: Ideal for remote teams and general file synchronization across multiple platforms.

  • pCloud: Highly rated for media storage and video streaming, offering unique lifetime payment plans.

  • Proton Drive: Based in Switzerland, this is the top pick for a privacy-focused ecosystem with end-to-end encryption.

  • IDrive: Comprehensive online backup that supports external hard drives and disaster recovery.

  • Box: Geared toward enterprise businesses with advanced security, compliance tracking, and administrative controls.

  • MEGA: A great option if you need a generous free tier or highly affordable massive storage capacities.