Advantages And Drawbacks Of Cloud-Based Data Storage?

You may have heard people talking about cloud-based systems or storage, but do you know what it means? With so many new technical developments come new terms to describe them, and it is not easy to keep up. These clouds have nothing to do with the weather, although they can help you prepare for stormy times at your business. Years ago, the floppy disk was considered a great way to store data, which is sure to get a laugh now. Fast forward to the present, and we've gotten so far from those little plastic squares, they seem quaint. Now it is all about off-site data backup and storage, and that off-site location is the cloud – a hosted network of servers. You can find companies that offer packages that back up your data and store it remotely while providing you with instant remote access to it. Cloud-based systems also mean you can access your information from anywhere you can get online, including from a mobile device.

The Advantages

•    Your data is safe from any physical hazards at your premises such as flooding –which includes anything from extreme weather to a spilled cup of coffee.

•    You can access the same data from multiple locations, which is great for businesses with locations in different areas whether they are on different sides of the same town or spanning several states.

•    Busy owners and managers can retrieve the data while on the go with a mobile device whether they are waiting to meet with a client or on a bus or train. Anywhere you have a signal, you have access to your data.

•    The sky really is the limit as far as the amount of data that can be stored. You'll never run out of space.

•    A cloud based system can include an automatic data backup, thus eliminating the danger of human error in your backup processes and storage.

The Drawbacks

No, this system is not perfect. It does have a few drawbacks, although most would agree the advantages outweigh them significantly.

•    The price can vary a lot depending on the amount of data you need to store. Some companies can be quite expensive, although not all of them. Really this just means it is important to shop around.

•    The security is not flawless. Like price, this can vary. When considering providers, it is important to talk about security and find out how you can control access to the stored data and backups within your own organization to reduce the risk of human error or malicious damage.

Technology is not marching along; it is flying. Business owners and managers need to stay up to date with cutting edge advances such as cloud storage for data backup to make sure the competition isn't getting an advantage.