Cloud Computing is the first link to the digital transformation of any company. For this reason, stop seeing local storage as the only way to manage your data should be a priority task in your digitization agenda. Cloud Storage brings multiple benefits to organizations, including corporate scalability, optimization of operational processes and better treatment of data.
According to reports, 67% of companies’ infrastructure is expected to be hosted in the cloud by 2020. Undoubtedly, Cloud Storage has gone from being a disruptive project to a recommended solution in digital asset management. And in some cases, it is an indispensable requirement for the control of public and private policies.
To help you with the digital transformation of your business, in this article we answer frequently asked about Cloud Storage and its implementation.
Frequently asked questions about Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage is the direct alternative to local technology infrastructure. Allows to save, share and manage data packages without assuming traditional costs such as: RAM, hard disks, portable devices, human resources, and offices. In this sense, the service provider can adjust the capacity and investment of the “warehouse” according to the needs of each company.
This storage model works with hypervisors or virtualization software. The hypervisors play the role of mediators between computers and virtual spaces to ensure traffic and data management.
Besides, the service provider’s platform allows the visualization of all files from any device and geographic region.
On the other hand, Cloud Storage applications can have both public and private features. The difference between the two is the storage capacity and the number of integrations.
# 1 What are the advantages of Cloud Storage?
Cloud Storage generates a number of competitive advantages for enterprises. The most important benefits are: storage capacity, security backups, multi-platform management, and sustainability.
Besides, Cloud Storage is purchased on demand. You can get as much capacity as you want without acquiring additional devices. In most cases, cloud solution providers adjust the budget according to the size of the enterprise; each plan includes different functionality and its own level of performance.
Although storing data in virtual environments requires an annual investment, the cost will always be less than the costs incurred for repair, upgrade and acquisition of in-office devices.
On the other hand, data is backed up periodically and do not require constant intervention by the IT team. Despite its autonomy, the service is quite flexible. Your tech team can intervene for file cleaning, data transmission, content modification and monitoring of unusual activity.
# 2 How to choose a Cloud Storage for business?
Before purchasing a data storage service or any other cloud computing service, consider your company’s needs. Think about the amount of information you need to store, the types of digital assets you have, and the tasks you need to perform within the platform.
Nowadays, you can process Big Data in private clouds. However, you must make sure that the service is really capable of analyzing and managing that amount of information.
In this respect, when some companies have to process heavy data such as Hadoop Clusters, they prefer to implement hybrid solutions. These solutions leverage cloud resources and local resources to operate efficiently.
Other criteria you should consider are:
Decoupling
Consult the information output protocols used by the provider. You must know exactly what level of participation of the vendor is about your data, what he can do with it and what your guarantees are as a client.
We recommend requesting a demo and implementing the Consensus Assessments Initiative questionnaire to discover the transparency of the product.
Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud
If your intention is to migrate all IT resources to the cloud, it is advisable to use a private cloud. The private cloud makes you the unique user of the service, where you can manage your own scalable infrastructure. You can upload to the cloud CRM, SaaS, applications, websites and any other computing resources.
In this sense, the provider is only responsible for ensuring system functionality and licensing, while your IT team manages the in-office data center.
On the other hand, the public cloud works from servers outside the corporate network. This solution is recommended for medium and small businesses, as well as those businesses dedicated to e-commerce or streaming.
In the same way, public cloud can receive large amounts of traffic without slowing systems or interrupting the service.
# 3 Can Cloud Storage be hacked?
Like any data transmission resource, Cloud Storage can be attacked, especially public clouds. However, the vulnerability of the service depends on the information management protocols. Still, cloud solutions are more secure than local resources. Cloud Storage uses encryption to prevent data leakage.
# 4 How to protect data in the cloud?
Whether you choose private or public Cloud Storage, you need a complete cybersecurity strategy. In other words, you must start by eliminating all vulnerabilities related to the company’s hardware. As well as improving common access and privileged access management practices. Note that at this point you can also implement passwords life cycle protocols.
It is also important to monitor activities on cloud-linked systems such as websites or applications. On the other hand, it is possible to protect files and databases with centralized and scalable encryption; in order to make your systems more difficult to hack.
At GB Advisors we have the necessary solutions to strengthen your local and cloud systems. Contact us for consultation.
