Posted on June 7, 2020
Backups & DR
Cloud computing is the future. With demand for cloud computing growing 18% in one year increasing from $209.2 billion to $246.8 billion, it’s not hard to see why. Cloud computing is cost-effective and reduces strain on your IT systems.
Now seems to be the perfect time to make the switch. But how do you know you’re making the right choice?
If you’re looking to understand the different types of cloud storage options then check out our guide to the who, whats, and whys of private cloud storage.
Cloud computing refers to using computer resources located in a separate location. This process is virtualization. It distributes all the functions of a traditional machine around many different users.
The business model of cloud computing is Storage as a service or SaaS.
In this model, a company leases its storage capacity out to a client and warehouses its data. For many small companies, this is a lifesaver. It allows them to save money and space on expensive storage hardware.
The cloud storage company gives clients the software to access their stored data. Clients have the ability to perform any actions associated with data maintenance like backups and transfers. This system also makes it easy for the client to recover any data or corrupt files.
To begin working with cloud storage, the client uploads their data to the provider. This is either done through the internet or the provider’s wide area network. This process usually happens on a set schedule over a period of months.
These services have different pricing models. Some charge on a cost-per-data-transferred basis while others use a cost-per-gigabyte-stored basis.
There are three options for cloud storage public, private, and hybrid.
To understand the difference between the options for cloud computing we need to define “cloud computing architecture”. This term refers to the elements needed for cloud computing.
In public cloud storage, the type of cloud architecture used is utilized by multiple clients. The provider offers resources such as computing power or storage.
With public cloud storage, the platform is accessed entirely over the internet. This has the added advantage of decreasing costs to a once-monthly fee or pay only for what you use model. But this comes at the expense of more customizable options.
Public cloud storage functions as a “one size fit all” system. But sometimes this system is too restrictive for some. This is where other cloud storage options come in. Private cloud storage is used when public cloud packages are unable to meet the client’s needs.
With private cloud storage, the user’s information is kept separate from all others. Effectively this allows a tailor-made approach to cloud storage that meets the client’s needs.
Clients can use their own infrastructure. They also have the option of housing the infrastructure externally or within their own organization.
The final option is the hybrid cloud storage options. These options are interesting because they come with the benefits and limits of the 2 previous options. They allow you to join private cloud storage with public cloud storage.
In theory, hybrids work well because they combine the flexibility of private cloud storage with the cost-effectiveness of public cloud storage. In practice, it often leads to compatibility issues when working between systems.
Private cloud storage frequently referred to as corporate cloud and internal cloud.
The main thing that distinguishes private cloud storage from all other types of cloud storage is customization is its degree of flexibility. Though all cloud storage options provide some degree of scalability only private cloud storage gives you the ability to be adaptable at the same time.
Rather than having to locate the physical servers to meet your needs, instead, you can build them yourself. You can also start side servers and quickly begin protocols.
If cloud-based storage options have similar features then what makes cloud-based private storage the best? Why private cloud storage? What unique private cloud benefits will you miss out on with these other options?
If you’re considering a private cloud server you need to think about what means the most to you as an organization. We’ll go over the benefits of a private cloud so you can decide if its right for your company.
One of the most appealing benefits of private cloud storage servers is the ability they give you to monitor all of the people using your system. This gives you the ability to control access to any sensitive data you have.
Even if you’ve found the perfect system it’s worthless to you if it’s out of your price range. Small to mid-sized businesses must be extra careful to ensure that the total cost of ownership or TCO of storage infrastructure.
Your first instinct may be to assume that public storage options are cheaper. But this may only true for large organizations.
Over time private servers become less expensive as companies begin to scale up.
One of the best ways to ensure that your resources are being put good use is to have an infrastructure that’s designed to optimize your allocation of resources. Private cloud storage gives you the ability to customize the distribution of information.
It also allows you to change the way resources are spread out across your company as your demand shifts. You can also reduce the strain on physical like monitors and hard drives.
You may also see smaller benefits like turning off outdated or dysfunctional servers and duplicating servers which will help you get the most bang for your buck.
With private cloud storage, your data is more accessible then it’s ever been before. If there is a crash then you have the option of moving data and resources from a corrupt server to one that hasn’t been impacted.
You can also run backups in realtime giving you peace of mind that your data is always safe.
The biggest benefit of using private cloud storage is the added security and safety of your data. For many, this is one of the most pressing fears about cloud-based computing. In fact, in 2017 70% of enterprises reported that they were very concerned about security threats from keeping data in the cloud.
Private cloud storage comes with security features like anti-virus, firewalls, and physical security measures. All these combined mean that you are basically untouchable by external threats.
Though you should note that your system is still vulnerable to many internal threats. For companies that handle a lot of sensitive information, this is an excellent option. You can monitor who sees or has access to your data and guarantee that no unauthorized party has access.
Though we’ve talked about reasons to convert to private cloud storage lets go over a few things to keep in mind before you make the big leap. The costs are often steeper and may increase as you continue to scale upward.
You are also in control of your own maintenance. This means that there is no outside party to call when things go wrong. Fixing problems with your system will either depend on your team or a technology partner.
It may also increase the need for your IT team’s size as once you switch to private cloud storage. As the private cloud storage will demand a dedicated IT team to keep it functional.
The ability to scale up makes this the ideal choice for small businesses or firms that plan on expansion.
Private cloud storage helps organizations that face heavy regulation. It allows users to customize their data handling to ensure they are in compliance with regulations.
An example of this is industries that are in compliance with HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. This act mandates that all electronic health information is handled in a secure way.
Private cloud computing can also be helpful if your organization has stable and predictable demands on resources. It may allow you to decide which features you need and use them more effectively. This allows them to “trim the fat” and will help you avoid paying for excess functions that you won’t use with a public cloud server.
Private cloud storage provides flexible and customizable architecture to protect your data. It’s cost-effective, safe and gives you more control over who has access to your information.
Your company’s data is unique and so your cloud storage system should be designed to meet all your needs. If you’re looking to find the perfect private cloud storage system at the perfect price then contact us today.