Local Data vs Server Data in Outlook: Which is Better?

Outlook has been the world’s leading choice for sending or receiving emails. This tool also provides you with features like a calendar, tasks, and contact management. These features make it the best and most famous tool for personal and professional information management. However, there is a comparison between local data vs server data in Outlook that leaves many confused.

Microsoft Outlook offers two types of data management services to its users. Using the local data, you can store all the information on your own PC and avoid saving it on their cloud-based services. On the other hand, they also offer server data services in which all your information is managed and stored on their gigantic servers. There are a number of benefits and disadvantages to both of these services. Looking into each of them will help you make the best decision in your interest.

What is Local Data and Server Data?

Local data and server data are two different ways Outlook saves information. Find out here the key differences between the old Outlook vs. the new Outlook, check the guide here!

1. Local Data means the data is stored on your computer or device. Everything stays on your device, and you do not need the internet to access it. If you are not online, you can still check your emails or calendar.
2. Server Data means the data is saved on a remote server. This server can be in the cloud, or it can be a mail server. Server data syncs across all your devices. This way, you can see the same emails, tasks, and calendar events on your phone, computer, and tablet.

Benefits of Local Data

There are some good things about storing data locally.

1. Use Without Internet:
   If your data is stored locally, you can still access it even if the internet is not available. This is helpful if you are traveling or in a place where the internet is not working.
2. Control Over Your Data:
   When your data is on your device, you control how it is saved. You can choose how to back it up and where to keep it safe.
3. Fast Access:
   Local data can work faster since everything is saved on your device. You do not need to wait for the internet to connect or sync the data.

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Downsides of Local Data

Local data also has some problems.

1. No Access on Other Devices:
   Local data is saved only on your device. This means you cannot check your email or calendar from another computer or phone unless the data is synchronized.
2. Risk of Losing Your Data:
   If something happens to your computer or device, like it breaks or is lost, your data can be lost too. To avoid this, it is important to back up your data regularly.
3. No Automatic Updates:
   If you use local data, your emails, contacts, or calendar events will not automatically update on all your devices. This means that if you check your email on one device, it will not show as read on another device unless you do it manually.

Benefits of Server Data

Server data can offer a lot of advantages for users.

1. Access on Any Device:
   With server data, you can check your email, calendar, or tasks from any device, anywhere. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can access your data from your phone, computer, or tablet.
2. Automatic Syncing:
   When you store your data on a server, it automatically syncs across all your devices. If you read an email on your phone, it will also be marked as read on your computer. This makes it easier to stay up to date.
3. Data Safety:
   Server data is often automatically backed up. If your computer or phone stops working, you will still have your data stored on the server. This helps keep your information safe.

Downsides of Server Data

There are a few downsides to using server data.

1. Needs the Internet:
   You will need an internet connection to use the server data. If you are in a place without internet, you will not be able to access your data.
2. Privacy Concerns:
   Some people may feel uncomfortable with their data being stored on a server. While many servers are secure, some people prefer to keep their information on their own device for privacy reasons.
3. Costs for Server Data:
   Many server services, such as Microsoft 365, require a subscription. This means you have to pay a fee to use them.

Syncing Outlook with Mobile Devices: DejaOffice

If you want to sync your Outlook data with a mobile device, DejaOffice can help. This app allows you to sync your contacts, calendar events, and tasks from Outlook to your phone or tablet. No matter if you use an Android phone or an iPhone, DejaOffice ensures that your Outlook data stays up to date and easy to access.

Which Option is Right for You?

Deciding between Outlook local data vs server data depends on your needs. If you want to access your data from many devices and enjoy the convenience of automatic syncing, server data might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer to have control over your data and need to use it offline, local data might work better for you.

If you need to sync your Outlook data with your mobile devices, CompanionLink and DejaOffice offer great solutions. CompanionLink helps sync Outlook with other devices, while DejaOffice keeps your Outlook data updated on your phone or tablet.