Cloud service and storage providers offer valuable IT solutions for businesses of all sizes. Originally thought of as more for personal use, cloud storage for business is following in the footsteps of many personal technologies adapted for business purposes. As Clay Ostlund, Marco CTO, said, “From storage to software to security, cloud services are taking over almost every aspect of technology.” Many businesses can benefit from comprehensive cloud services – hosted applications, Infrastructure as a Service and more – and the transition often begins with data storage needs.
How Cloud Storage Works
Cloud storage works by storing data on remote servers, where it can be maintained, managed, backed up and accessed remotely. Data stored in the cloud is accessible by any device at any time, as long as permissions are in place. Despite its accessibility, data stored via the cloud is extremely safe and secure.
Advantages of Cloud Storage for Business
Many people reap the benefits of the cloud for personal reasons, but most businesses have yet to take the leap. Whether your current on-premise data storage seems sufficient or you simply haven’t taken time to consider cloud storage, reviewing these advantages is a good place to start.
To find out if cloud storage is right for you and your business, use this free questionnaire.
1. Cost Savings
The first benefit, and perhaps most important in the minds of many business owners, is the cost advantage. Cloud storage is generally more affordable because providers distribute the costs of their infrastructure and services across many businesses.
Moving your business to the cloud eliminates the cost of hardware and maintenance. Removing these capital expenditures and the associated service salaries can translate into significant cost savings.
Also, consider the increased productivity cloud storage allows.
2. Simplified Convenience
All you will need within your office is a computer and an internet connection. Much of your server hardware will no longer be necessary, which saves physical space and eliminates the need for maintenance and employee attention.
Your cloud storage provider will maintain, manage and support your solution. This frees up employees who would otherwise cover the tasks necessary for keeping your data safe and your server(s) up and running.
3. Enhanced Security
Instead of having hardware within your office, cloud storage is housed in a data center, providing enterprise-level security.
There is also no single point of failure in the cloud because your data is backed up to multiple servers.
This means that if one server crashes, your data stays safe because it is stored in other locations. The potential risk of hardware malfunction minimizes because your data is safely stored in redundant locations.
4. Mobility Opportunities
The mobility benefits provided by the cloud are rapidly increasing for businesses of all sizes. In today’s world of connectivity, we are able to work (and play) whenever and wherever. While you’re waiting for a flight at the airport or at home with a sick child, you can still work – and work efficiently.
Before cloud storage, working outside the office was problematic and more time consuming than it needed to be. Remember having to save your files on your laptop and then returning to work and needing to transfer your updated files to ensure others have access to the latest version? I sure do.
This example highlights another one of the advantages of cloud storage – enabling mobility.
If you work from multiple devices – i.e. phone, tablet and desktop computer – you won’t have to worry about manually adding the latest file onto each device.
Instead, the newest version of your document is stored in the cloud and will be easily accessible from any of your devices.
5. Scalable Service
With cloud storage, you pay for what you use, as you use it. You do not need to anticipate how much storage space you will need for the year and risk paying for unused space or running short. You can adjust the resources available through cloud storage providers and pay based on your current needs, modifying as they change.
These descriptions simply highlight a few (of many) advantages of cloud storage. Continue your exploration of cloud storage and computing by downloading our Cloud Questionnaire.
Corporate Cloud Storage Providers Security Features
Microsoft One Drive/Office 365
Microsoft OneDrive features connect files across Office 365. With user visibility and controls for security, OneDrive for business offers capabilities like sync reports and manage migration. With protections for data recovery, whether it’s the result of accidental deletion or malicious attack, admins can easily and seamlessly manage security policies to keep information safe.
Google G-Suite
Google G-Suite, remote teams can stay connected — and do it safely — with premium video infrastructure built on Google’s robust and secure global infrastructure. Built-in security features keep data, devices and users protected, as all files are automatically backed up in the cloud.
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services provides a flexible, yet secure, cloud platform for businesses. With top-notch encryption and barely there downtime hours, Amazon Web Services protect customers’ information, identities, applications and devices. Automating manual security tasks makes it easier to focus on core work initiatives.
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