Cloud computing seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. But is it really the best way to handle large amounts of data at an affordable price? We approached the topic and analyzed it from the perspective of companies that work with big and small data.
Let’s face it: a few years back, there weren’t that many companies who loved the idea of storing important information in the cloud. The data had to be kept on-site, in secure servers that could be watched and maintained by the company employees.
However, with the rapid development of big data, it seems that local storage facilities can’t keep up. As a company, you either invest more in equipment, personnel, and storage spaces, or you make the leap and put everything in the cloud.
Furthermore, due to recent technological developments, cloud storage solutions are more secure, cost less, and don’t require hiring specialized people for maintenance. So, you can see why more and more companies make the switch and give up on standard data centers.
In fact, the industry has grown so quickly that, even though it’s the next natural step, changing to the cloud can feel confusing. So, to find the right solution for your needs, we will provide some helpful tips that will come in handy to businesses of any size and type.
Choose the Provider for your Needs
The good news is that there is a cornucopia of cloud providers on the market, for any type of business. However, this doesn’t mean it is going to be easy to select the one that works best in your favor.
In this situation, you need to start with a list of needs. Ask yourself: what exactly do you need from cloud computing? Do you need more storage space, faster data access, software systems to use on the go?
Cloud computing offers include a diverse list of services, solutions, and resources, so take your time to understand your needs before signing in for anything.
Once you have a well-defined list of needs, it will be easier to select one out of the best cloud providers on the market, starting with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Experience on the Market
As you can see, some of the largest IT companies in the world are invested in the development of cloud computing services. With such names, you know with certitude that they have experience in handling high amounts of data and that they invest in highly-reliable security solutions.
Still, you shouldn’t take the brand for granted! Conduct your research, to make sure the company hasn’t been breached recently (we had several impressive breaches in the last year). And, if they did, learn about how they handled the situation and the improvements made to reduce the risks.
Data breaches may happen (they are an unfortunate consequence of tech advancements), but it’s important to learn how to deal with them to avoid the same situation. And this is why a company with experience in the market and resources will always be the best choice.
Price
Luckily, most reliable solutions available right now are scalable. This means that you will only pay for the resources you’re using, which is a fantastic option!
Furthermore, cloud solutions are not just about storage; they also provide users with accessibility, flexibility, and versatility through the apps they offer. Of course, the price will be different from one package to another, which is why you need to have that list of company needs we discussed above.
Keep High-Sensitive Information Locally
Preparedness is the best practice, which is why we recommend a system where you separate data in “regular use” and “high-sensitive”.
Data that is considered high-sensitive should be kept in a local data center, administered by a trustworthy system manager, with experience and/or training in cyber security. Also, the access should be limited only to personnel who strictly needs it, to reduce the risk of exposure through human error.
By implementing this system, you can make full use of the power of cloud computing while still protecting the core that drives your business.
In Conclusion
It looks like cloud computing is no longer the future, but the best solution that’s easily available right now. Sure, we still have some data breaches from time to time, but these can also happen to a standard data center.
If you know how to select your cloud solution providers and understand how to use this option to your company’s advantage, you have nothing to worry about!