Cloud Computing or In-House Servers: Choosing Data Storage for Businesses
Traditionally, businesses have used in-house servers for their network and data storage needs. However, with the advent of new technology, the ability to use a remote server that is located "in the cloud" is now available. After comparing the options available in more detail, more and more businesses are not taking advantage of cloud-based data storage. However, you should carefully analyse the pros and cons of both options to make a decision that is best for your company.
The Pros and Cons of In-House Servers
An in-house server is one that is physically owned by your company. In most cases, it may be located on-site at your office or facility. However, in some cases, a business may utilize one or more servers in a central IT location and will use these servers to connect to remote machines at other facilities. An in-house server is a privately owned piece of equipment that you retain complete control over. You are responsible for its security, safety and maintenance. You will have to pay for the initial investment of the server and periodic maintenance, but there is not a monthly subscription fee associated with this machine. There are some downsides associated with an in-house server. For one, the initial investment into a server can be large. More importantly for most businesses, however, is the fact that these machines are generally considered to be less secure. For example, if your facility suffered a fire, theft or other event, the information on the server may be lost forever.
What an Online Server Offers
Internet-based solutions are now available that provide businesses with an alternative to the traditional in-house server. There are several different types of cloud-based or remote options available, and these options provide you with the flexibility to customize your cloud-based experience. For example, with the infrastructure-as-a-service option, your business will pay for the equipment and data space that you actually use. With the platform-as-a-service option, you are purchasing an entire platform. Cloud-based solutions provide you with the ability to scale your costs to fit your needs while also giving smaller businesses the opportunity to take advantage of improved technology in a more affordable way. In addition, these options are generally considered to be safer due to the fact that data is stored in an off-site location. As a final note, with cloud-based storage, users can access data files from any location. This means employees may access work files while traveling on business, while working from home or even while sitting in a coffee shop. Concerns related to this type of data storage solution, however, relate to you the availability of your data if the cloud service experiences issues, the ownership of the data files after service is cancelled an the privacy of your data files.
While there are clear benefits associated with cloud-based data solutions, there are also reasonable concerns. If you make the decision to use a cloud-based solution, take time to find a reputable, dependable service provider.
About the Author
Karen Lawrence is a self professed tech-guru and writer for http://www.cloudspace.net.au/ . She is very knowledgable about the latest trends in cloud technology and always up to date with the newest gadgets.
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