In our modern business world, there is rarely anything more valuable than the data our businesses use. This could be as simple as customer data or as complex as an entire SaaS (software as a service) application. Managing this data effectively is important to maintain and grow revenue while also avoiding negative PR that can arise from failures.
Since business owners began to rely on computers, there has been a debate about data storage practices. For many years, the discussions around data concerned hdd vs ssd (hard disk drive vs solid state drive). Today, there is new technology to consider when planning data management for your business: cloud data storage.
With all of these options available, how do you decide between cloud data storage and hard drive storage? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to ensure you can make an informed decision.
Bringing Cloud Data Storage Down to Earth
When someone mentions data is stored on the cloud, it can often give the suggestion that data is simply floating in the air waiting to be accessed. Many people use consumer cloud data services like Google Drive or Dropbox in their day-to-day lives without fully understanding how the technology works. Still, that hasn’t stopped cloud storage usage to increase rapidly with a further 30% increase expected by 2022.
Simply put, cloud data storage is a service offered that gives people or businesses the ability to save their data at an offsite location which is connected to the internet. This allows users to access their data on devices that have an internet connection like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. When data is stored on the cloud, it is basically sitting on a hard drive inside a massive cloud storage warehouse.
The real excitement about cloud data storage begins when you dive into the additional features of cloud storage. Ransomware protection, disaster recovery, cloud-to-cloud backup, and more are offered in addition to storage. Add in the flexibility and ease-of-access with cloud data storage and it’s easy to see why so many businesses are excited to say their data is stored on the cloud.
The Hard Facts about Hard Drives
Hard drives are much more well-known among consumers and businesses. Everyone who has used a laptop, desktop computer, or external storage drive has had personal experience with hard drives. Although a hard drive may not have the hype of cloud storage, hard drive storage is still a reliable and affordable way to store and manage data for businesses.
Today, hard drive technology has advanced so far beyond what was common even just ten years ago. People can carry terabytes of data on a small portable hard drive that slides easily into their laptop bag while businesses can efficiently store hundreds of terabytes of data in a basic server room. This kind of storage capability gives businesses the opportunity to take complete control over their data.
There is more work in maintaining an on-site hard drive storage setup but the benefits are often seen in the company’s bottom line. Hard drive storage is typically more affordable than cloud data storage solutions. For businesses looking to manage data on a budget, hard drive storage is often the clear solution. Within that solution, there may be additional options like considering hdd vs ssd and the advantages offered by each technology. Budget-conscious businesses will opt for hard disk drives while businesses willing to pay a little extra for speed and reliability will likely lean toward solid state drives.
Which Solution Is Right For Your Business?
The answer really depends on the size of your business and the industry you’re in. Cloud storage often demands more of your budget over time, but the services offered along with the data storage can be extremely valuable during stressful situations.
Hard drive storage may be less costly but, in the event of a failure, the costs for your business to retrieve data and replace faulty hardware could skyrocket. There is also a question of mobility. Maintaining hard drive storage on-site makes moving office locations difficult while cloud storage would make moving simple and seamless.
The data recovery options and backup redundancy offered by cloud storage simply cannot be matched by most organizations operating their own hard drive storage. Even the best laid plans can fall victim to disaster. This simple reason is why so many businesses are choosing to move to cloud-based storage for their important data. Ultimately, this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a number of factors at play when deciding between cloud storage and hard drive storage.
If you’re looking for more information about data storage and management, then our experts at CDS Office Technologies are ready to address all of your questions and concerns. Contact us today for a complete analysis of your businesses unique needs.
