Is Cloud Storage the Best Option, Period?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Exploring Storage Options: Cloud vs. On-Premise 

• On-premise vs. Cloud Storage: Both are great, but they are not built equally. 
• Cloud storage is a great option for most; it’s cost efficient, effective, and reliable.
• On-premise storage allows for a higher level of control; doesn’t rely totally on internet connection, has lower latency, and removes a third party.
• Hybrid solutions could be your answer, especially if you know what you’re looking for. 

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To start, Happy World Backup Day everybody! If you’re here, we’ll take a shot in the dark and say that it’s because you are curious about your different storage options, the pros and cons of different backup options, or because you really love Proper Sky!

Cloud computing/storage, has seen increasingly high-demand (See: Fortune Business projections) as a need for many businesses in the past 20 years or so. Now, while this increase and mass adoption of cloud technology may seem like a no-brainer, there are some things to consider when deciding what sort of storage option you will go with and you shouldn’t decide aimlessly. It’s important to know that not all storage solutions are created equally. While all storage options serve similar solutions, they do have their differences. 

First, let’s discuss on-premise storage. On-premise storage is still widely accepted as common practice by many companies around the world. It has been around for a much longer time and has stood the test of time. It comes in all shapes and sizes, is a sturdy option, and allows for high levels of customization.

The Pros and Cons of On-Premise Storage

Some pros of on premise storage: 

• Ensures that your data stays stored on local-servers, making it harder for a cybercriminals to reach your data since no 3rd-party is involved and you are not incurring a 3rd party’s risk. 
• Gives you total control over the storage – grant permissions to data, resources, etc. 
• Lowery latency than a cloud storage option – faster
• Can access it with no internet access – a huge pro for those in areas prone to power outages (i.e. Southern US states).

Some cons of on-premise storage:

• The set up, power consumption, maintenance, etc. can all be very expensive, especially when added up.
• Oftentimes it requires IT support as it is a more intense set-up.
• A system malfunction or compromise can lead to a large data loss.
• Set-up and deployment can take some time.
• Not as friendly towards remote or hybrid work spaces. 

The Pros and Cons of Cloud Storage

Less reliant on infrastructure, cloud storage is a great option for all, especially with those who have less available resources or capital. 

Some of the pros of cloud storage would be: 

• Less responsibility, as someone else is handling the servers. 
• Cheaper to get started and less variables as a whole. 
• Scalable for your company and it’s needs, easily upgradable
• Ease of deployment; in contrast to on-premise storage, cloud storage is pretty readily available right out of the box. 
• Vendors of cloud storage will often offer management of your cloud storage, taking some of the weight off of your shoulders. 
• Friendly towards remote companies, hybrid companies, or more international companies that have offices in different locations 
• IT support does not have to be on-site to give a helping hand. 
• Can backup more frequently, on a more automated basis.

While that list is enticing, there are still some of the cons of cloud storage and cloud backups, all of which are to be considered: 

• Cloud storage relies on internet connection. If the internet is out, you will, generally speaking, not have access to a decent amount of your data. 
• Your data is stored by a third party meaning it is in a public cloud (Google Drive, Microsoft Azure) – increases risk of security breach. In other words, if the service you store with is breached, you are at risk as well. 
• Not as flexible or, does not give the same level of control that on-site storage may give. 
• As it is a newer technology (comparatively speaking), it is subject to bugs small and large. 

Concluding Remarks

It goes without saying that cloud and on-premise storage options each have their own strengths and weaknesses. 

When deciding what storage option is right for you, some good questions you can ask yourself would be: “How much storage capacity do I need and is there the possibility of ever needing more?”, “How crucial is it that we consistently backup our data?”, “How much money am I willing to spend on my backup solution?”, and really the most important for most business owners. “What will cause the least amount of headaches?” 

There is also the third option of a hybrid backup solution – allowing for you to benefit from the best of both worlds… keeping in mind this may lead to cons from both. Hybrid solutions allow you to, more or less, pick and choose which services you want from each. This option, although probably the most costly, likely will check all of your boxes regardless of your company size, wants, and needs. 

As they say, storing data is cheap, recovering data is expensive. Please keep in mind that these lists are not totally extensive and independent research is highly encouraged. 

Happy World Backup Day, everybody.