There are a lot of options out there for storing data, but which one is best for you? This article will tell you the pros and cons of each so that you can choose the one that’s right for your business.
As data security and information management become increasingly important, it’s vital that businesses have access to effective data storage solutions. Whether you’re an SME or a global enterprise, storing your data successfully can improve cybersecurity, increase processing times, and allow you to make the most of the information that’s at your fingertips.
To get started, take a look at these data storage solutions and find out which one is best for your firm:
Cloud Computing for Data Storage
Cloud computing allows businesses to avoid the risks that come with storing data in a single physical location and provides an innovative alternative solution. Transitioning to the cloud allows you to store your data online. With no need to purchase expensive hardware or the burden of associated operating costs, cloud data storage can be the most cost-effective option for virtually every business.
This isn’t the only advantage associated with cloud data storage. As the cloud offers limitless storage availability, your data storage resources can grow with your business. As you scale your company, you can be sure that you’ll have access to the data storage facilities you need when you opt for cloud computing solutions.
What’s more – performance speeds are typically far higher with cloud data storage. In addition, a global network of data centres, combined with advanced disaster management protocols, ensures that downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.
As cloud computing has become more widely used, numerous data storage solutions have become available. To discover which one is right for your business, take a look at the cloud data storage options currently available:
1. Public Cloud
The public cloud is shared by numerous users including multiple companies. Although your data is kept secure, you share resources with other users. You will be able to select how much space you need for data storage and scale up as required. However, when it comes to security and maintenance, it’s the cloud service provider that remains in control.
The advanced security measures implemented by major cloud service providers mean that businesses can access data storage solutions via the public cloud that far exceed what most companies can deliver with on-premis or colocation data storage.
2. Private Cloud
A private cloud works in the same way as the public cloud but with one significant difference: you’re in total control. As the only user, you won’t have to share resources with other companies or rely on the service provider to implement security settings. Instead, you can determine exactly what level of bandwidth, space, and security you need.
Using the private cloud means you have more control over the infrastructure and greater visibility, which can be particularly important for businesses operating in heavily regulated industries.
While access to a private cloud can be a little more costly, compared to a public cloud, most businesses can still make significant savings when compared to on-site or colocation data services. Furthermore, increased scalability and higher performance mean that choosing private cloud data storage will provide your business with the resources it needs to operate at maximum efficiency.
3. Hybrid Cloud
As the name suggests, hybrid cloud solutions combine both public and private cloud functionality. When your company has access to public and private clouds, you can choose where to store data, software, or programs according to a variety of factors. You may choose to store sensitive data in the private cloud and less critical information in the public cloud.
Alternatively, you may decide to use the private cloud for all storage and rely on the public cloud to accommodate increases in website traffic. If your business benefits from spikes in web traffic at specific times of the year, a hybrid cloud solution will ensure that the public cloud provides additional resources if the private cloud becomes overwhelmed.
Providing you with the best of both worlds, hybrid cloud storage solutions offer a flexible approach to data management. Keeping costs low yet delivering the resources and scalability you need, a hybrid solution can be whatever you need it to be.
Are There Other Types of Data Storage?
Traditionally, businesses relied on on-site physical data storage or shared data centres, known as ‘colocation data storage’. Although these options are still available, there are considerable drawbacks associated with this method of data storage, particularly as cloud computing becomes more embedded in today’s IT infrastructure.
Installing servers at your premises is costly and requires ongoing maintenance. Similarly, you’ll need to design and implement both cyber and physical security strategies to keep your data safe. While co-location data storage can be a less disruptive alternative, you’ll still need to fund the cost of your servers and pay for them to be housed in a data centre. In addition, you’ll be limited by the protocols and working methods of the data centre, which means you won’t have full control over your data.
Due to the disadvantages that are associated with these types of data storage, few companies rely solely on this method of data management. When compared to the flexibility, cost, and performance that cloud computing offers, it’s easy to see why cloud data storage is a first-choice solution for the vast majority of businesses.
Cloud Computing Solutions for SMEs
Data storage is something that all businesses need to address, particularly in response to increasing data regulation, such as the UK GDPR. While cloud computing presents an effective solution for international companies and enterprises, it’s also highly suitable for start-ups and SMEs.
Whether you need a minimal amount of space to store business data or you want to create a growing CRM database to store client information, cloud storage can provide the secure, cost-effective and functional solutions you’re looking for.
