Storage of data might seem easy to a common man, but this can be a tedious process when you own a small business. This data includes your company’s information or that of your consumers.
The storage of information has three major roadblocks — space, security, and management. With the advancement of technology, this data warehousing is also online. Gone are the days of robust solid-state storage.
This phenomenon of storing information online, such that access distributes to many systems, is called cloud storage. To understand this better, let’s take an example of a small business.
Let’s assume your small business uses a free loyalty app builder to develop a subscription service. All this information must remain on the app developers’ server or a cloud of your own.
Having this information on the cloud will help the application collect and store this data efficiently. It will also give the business heads and developers a chance to access them anytime you need it.
There are mainly two types of cloud storage available in the market:
Private storage
A private cloud uses a dedicated set of storage units, not shared with anyone else but the business. It is like owning a personal space online that can only be accessed by authorized company members.
These private networks are set up physically in the building. Remote access to this server is then provided via cables and wifi. This process of limited reach is a more secure way of holding data.
The private networks are tiresome to work with since they will need a team of people to maintain and manage. All the work involved with this type of storage will remain internal and never outsourced to agents.
Advantages Of Private Clouds Storage
The primary utility of private cloud services is the dedicated environment that they provide. The data and files on this cloud are only accessible to your business. This feature enhances the safety of your information.
This secure method also allows for vast levels of customizations. The tech-team can program the cloud-network compliant with the company regulations. They have the liberty to add any levels of encryption and features as needed.
Space or scaling is also much more manageable and has no upper limits. Since the complete control is in the user’s hands, adding expanse and features is much more comfortable. These additions are independent of the third-party provider.
Lastly, Using private clouds & network managed services is just a faster way to manage operations. Since the files only need local access, they are quicker to retrieve and process.
Drawbacks Of Private Clouds Storage
As ideal as they sound, these types of systems are not for every company. Firstly, they cost a lot more to set up and maintain when compared to a public cloud. Additionally, companies have to spend on a whole team to manage them.
They are also not the best option for remote access. The storage is content to the physical space of the installation. Also, mobile users will have minimal access to these networks as they require apps and computers to manage.
While the safety is higher, each upgrade point will cost the company a significant budgetary dent. This constraint also makes it harder to scale up storage. Many external parameters play a crucial role in all decision making.
Public storage
For a small business, public cloud storage is a more cost-effective way of storing data. This space comes from a universal cloud-storage unit. The companies who wish to add information are given a section of this cloud by the best cloud storage solutions agency of their choice.
The public storage model helps those companies who do not depend on large amounts of data retention. Most of the internet is part of the public cloud-storage network. Services like Google Drive and DropBox are prime examples of this.
Services given by these public domains are either free or a freemium model. A freemium service involves a service being free until you need value-adds or extra storage space.
In the case of public clouds, the cloud space provider is responsible for managing and maintaining these services. And they must ensure glitch-free support and operations.
Advantages Of Public Cloud Storage
The most simple advantage is the lack of large investments. The company does not need to spend a single penny, keeping them in check or developing the front-end. They can directly buy this space or use a free tool.
This tool also gives the business rooms better scalability. This means if the establishment wishes to double their cloud space, they can simply add features against a fee. This convenience is primary to declutter business operations.
Faster operations also mean fewer employees, lesser costs, and higher savings. The cost of these clouds varies from free services to high-quality premium offerings.
Drawbacks Of Public Cloud Storage
This open-sourced pricing also means small businesses need to depend on pre-created amounts. This fixed-price does not give them the flexibility in spending and must pander to the cloud-provider menu-like services.
The second most significant drawback is the uncertainty of security features. You are limited to the security and safety features of the cloud-provider. The public space is shared by many, keeping it more vulnerable to hacks and data leaks.
Lastly, there is no significant level for customization in the front-end or back end. Since you are working based on a premade template, the infrastructure might not fit your compliance needs.
Final Thoughts
There is a third type of service also available called the Hybrid cloud. These are a combination of both private and public networks. Here your storage occurs from a public-cloud-like infrastructure; but contains the security and technical aspects like a private network.
This hybrid happens when the company seeks a small chunk of dedicated cloud space, with maximum customization levels. However, physical data-blocks are not placed on the company’s premises.
Now that you understand all these simple requirements, drawbacks, and advantages, you should be a step closer to choosing your business’s right service. Keep in mind your safety concerns and utility to define precisely which network type is right for you.