Cloud storage vs local storage. Which is cheaper? Which is more reliable?
With cloud storage becoming more available and affordable, it makes you wonder whether or not local data storage is still a good option. A few years ago, this wouldn’t have even been a question; the only option was local storage. However, technology is continuing to advance, and now in the golden age of technology, IT professionals have to consider every data storage solution.
If you’re trying to weigh the pros and cons of each data storage option for your business, you’re in the right spot.
There are many advantages to local data storage:
Advantages
1. You have complete, and total control over the data. Because the data is stored locally on a server, you have control over the hardware. However, this does mean that either you, or a dedicated IT employee, have to maintain and manage the hardware to keep it functioning properly.
2. Your data is easily accessible. Having your data right at your fingertips is a huge convenience. There is no worry of upload or download speeds of retrieving your data.
3. There is no need for an internet connection to access your data. There is no worry of how the data storage will work with you internet service!
While there are many advantages, there are also downsides to storing data locally. The first should be the most obvious:
Disadvantages
1. If your server dies, the data dies with it!This may be the most major concern for businesses when moving data into the cloud. Data that is stored locally is much more susceptible to events, such as fires and floods. Local storage, and local backups would be lost. Risks of drive failure is enough to make people crazy.
2. Cost! To store data locally, it will require you to buy the hardware, such as file servers and network cabling, which can be expensive.
3. Data Safety and Security.An on-site data storage can crash at any time, leaving you with damaged or no data. By putting your data online, you avoid this potential hazard – unless of course the internet goes down.
Cloud Data Storage: An Alternative to Local Data Storage
Advantages
1. You and your users can access your data virtually anywhere. This is a great benefit when you are constantly on the move. As long as you have access to the internet, you have access to your data.
2. You don’t have to worry about taking care of the hardware. Your cloud storage provider handles the hardware–everything from managing and maintaining the data.
3. Back up data can be shared easily. Do you have remote workers or multiple locations? Cloud data storage allows the data to be shared with a number of remote locations, whether it is your office across the country, globe, or employees working from their kitchen table.
4. You can save money! Businesses can usually reduce monthly costs by using the cloud as their data storage, because it does not require internal power to store data and information offsite. An effective solution for data storage needs without breaking the bank.
As with local data storage, storing your data in the cloud has many advantages, as well as disadvantages:
Disadvantages
1. At any time, you are vulnerable to a security breach. Although cloud providers have measures in place to protect you against hackers, there is always a possibility that your sensitive data can be breached. We all know nothing on the internet is completely safe and secure.
2. You do not have control over your own data. With cloud data storage, a third party has control over your data and at times, you may not be allowed to upload a certain type of data. It is important that you always read the fine print, as cloud providers can create their own terms and conditions – which could be a disaster if you use a low-quality cloud service.
3. You must have an internet connection to access your data. I know I know…this was an advantage to cloud storage. However, it can be a downside, too, depending on the reliability of your internet connection. If you are thinking about storing your data in the cloud, one of the most important considerations is your current internet. If you do not have fast and reliable internet, you may want to consider switching to another provider with a fiber solution.
So, which data storage option do you prefer: local or cloud? Would you rather utilize both options, just in case one fails so you have the other to rely on as a data storage redunancy? I guess the better question is: Are you even backing up your data at all?
There is a certain amount of risk involved with any storage solution. The type(s) of storage that you choose to use should answer the following questions:
- Can it be accessed by mobile phones/devices and is that necessary?
- Can people/users access data remotely, and is that necessary?
- Can they also collaborate within your data storage system if they need to?
- Do you have a backup strategy in play in the event that your files are lost?
- If you’re going with a local data solution, do you have a safe environment for all of the drives and hardware?
It’s imperative that your videos, photos, spreadsheets, customer information, SOP’s, etc. are safe and easily reachable.
If you have any questions about data storage and how Teltek can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us! Call 1.866.9.TELTEK, or visit our website. Check out our recent blog on the different cloud computing options!
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, Zultys, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania.