An effective and affordable plan for data storage is a requirement for businesses of all sizes. This is especially true in the case of small and medium-sized businesses, where margins are tighter than ever. Let’s take a look at cloud computing vs. a traditional in-house server solution.
Data storage, an essential need of the modern business
Is cloud computing the solution that fits SMBs the best? Data storage is a crucial concern for small and medium-size businesses. Modern commerce utilizes an increasingly digital set of software and recordkeeping tools, in addition to hosting email and file sharing. Traditionally, companies have relied on in-house, purchased hardware located on company property.
These solutions are known for their reliability and security, and continue to be chosen by many companies. Over the last decade, however, the emergence ofcloud computing solutions has presented a considerable challenge as an alternative with a large amount of advantages. These advantages in overhead, adaptability, and multi-platform support have allowed cloud storage to be the data plan of choice for half of the companies listed on the Fortune 500.
These advantages, however, may be even more marked in the case of small and medium-size businesses.
Streamlining your overhead
There are a considerable number of arguments for cloud computing as the solution that fits SMBs the best; to employing cloud-based data storage, whether switching over from an in-house server or setting it up for a new business. A number of recent studies have shown that small businesses that utilize cloud systems enjoy a revenue advantage due to more efficient management of their IT resources.
The scale of this advantage depends, of course, on the quantity of information used and how it needs to be accessed, but they are universal to companies of nearly every type. The most obvious of these benefits is a reduction in overhead. Using a cloud computing system allows you to avoid costly infrastructure investments, staff time, and even the physical space required by an in-house server system.
In addition, maintenance is covered by the cloud provider, removing worries related to obsolete or malfunctioning equipment, saving you money as well as giving you peace of mind.
Scalability and accessibility
Cloud providers often offer a variety of packages tuned to the needs of your business, allowing you to scale your data plan to your company’s information requirements. This is especially true in the case of a new business, where flexibility is crucial. In-house servers require a significant initial investment, and the adaptability of cloud plans allow new business owners to adjust as the needs of the company expand.
Additionally, cloud computing storage is able to be used immediately, and often includes mobile and multi-platform integration. These features allow employees to access company data (with the proper encryption) from anywhere and easily exchange important files and communication with colleagues. Although it is always important to know and understand how your cloud data is protected, the security concerns traditionally associated with cloud computing have decreased substantially as innovation in cloud data protection continues to improve.
As an owner of a small or medium-sized business or prospective entrepreneur, cloud computing is well worth investigating, even if in-house servers still represent an important part of your backup strategy. To be sure, cloud backup and recovery can provide the same or even better protection than on-premises data protection options at a fraction of the cost.
