Amazon is caving into the high demand for cloud storage, something that is being embraced by consumers, corporations and websites all over the world because the data can be accessed anywhere in the world and be edited and viewed at anytime.
The online retail juggernaut announced Tuesday that its Prime members will have access to store unlimited photos on its Amazon Cloud Drive without paying any additional fee each month or year. Also, there will not be any device restrictions, which means users can utilize any mobile device or apps to upload their photos.
Unlimited photo storage will be complemented with unlimited streaming music, a full Prime Video library, free two-day shipping, Kindle e-book lending library and early bird access to special discounts and promotions. Prime memberships cost $99 per year, and will only be available in the United States.
“This time of year in particular, families are capturing thousands of photos of holiday parties, family gatherings and opening presents,” Greg Greeley, Vice President at Amazon Prime, said in a press statement. “With free unlimited photo storage, we’re providing one more reason for members to use Prime every day. Prime has always allowed members to conveniently save time and save money, and now with Prime Photos they can save memories too.”
Amazon may be trying to entice customers to return to Amazon or generate new clients after its Fire Phone flop this year, which generated lackluster sales since its debut.
This latest offering from Amazon isn’t necessarily groundbreaking because other tech titans and websites have been offering similar cloud services, such as Apple. With ubiquitous cloud adoption, petrified consumers who have been hesitant due to potential security vulnerabilities and data breaches may now be encouraged to start using cloud storage services.
Experts opine that Amazon Web Services (AWS) may be what define the company in the coming years. Here is what Kevin Maney of NewsWeek wrote:
“There’s a curious aspect of Amazon’s position, though: A lot of these cloud-based apps are made possible by another side of Amazon, its app-running, data-storing business, Amazon Web Services. Growth in AWS was one of the bright points in Amazon’s recent earnings. So Amazon is making a bundle selling tools to those who strive to unseat it. Maybe in a couple of decades, AWS will be Amazon’s best business.”
