As companies deal with an increasing amount of data, backup solutions have had to grow, too. Instead of storing files onsite or transporting tape backups to a physical storage facility, businesses can turn to the cloud, using cloud providers to run their online backup or software-as-a-service, making it easier to maintain your company website or implement a social media campaign. But some people in business are wary of leaving their data in the hands of another company.
Who’s Afraid of the Cloud?
Some of the biggest concerns people have are about data being lost or a security breach occurring. But before you’re scared off, keep in mind that in cloud storage, data is kept within a structure of professionally maintained servers. Data on your computer’s hard drive or external media is likely at more risk if you’ve chosen the right cloud computing service.
Businesses should make sure their cloud storage provider uses strong data encryption before placing their information in secure storage. The provider should also have a mirror site in another location that would be brought online if a disaster occurred at or near the primary data center that would threaten the data. Redundant storage creates double the protection.
Roger Grimes, a security adviser with InfoWorld, says the best way to avoid an attacker is to avoid having domain administrators in order to avoid the potential of an attacker having administrative control. Grimes said that if domain admins are used, they should never log into normal end-user workstations, but should instead use a trusted computer known as a “jump box.”
Some businesses have concerns that cloud storage could be expensive, but cloud storage is available with a number of different options for different sizes of business and complexity of storage. Business-grade online backup from VaultLogix, for example, has a very different pricing scheme than iCloud, for example, which mostly caters to individuals. Choosing the correct backup option for your needs is integral to spending what you need to and getting the level of security that’s right for your information.
Embracing the Cloud
While there is a perception that many businesses are afraid of the cloud, the reality seems a little brighter as businesses are increasinging embracing cloud storage.
A study conducted by TechValidate on behalf of Asigra, a cloud backup software provider, revealed that 66 percent of businesses are considering using Cloud storage to back up and protect their businesses’ data.
Fifty-nine percent of survey respondents believe that as the amount of data that needs to be protected grows, backup and recovery methods need to be updated. Faster recovery times, 54 percent of respondents said, has been a motivator in terms of updating their current backup methods.
What to Look For
When searching for an online storage provider, choose a business class provider. Look for these attributes:
- Fast backup.
- Strong security.
- Multi-tiered monitoring and reporting.
- Emergency restore support by experienced, responsible professionals that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Calls should be answered by actual experts, not a call service.
- Advanced backup and restore capabilities.
- Familiarity and the ability to help with regulations.
- Account managers assigned to help you.
“A Bunch of Servers”
Seagate, an external hard drive manufacturer, writes in its official blog that cloud storage is “just a server … or, a bunch of servers.” That’s not much different from the way a business might store its own data on its own servers. With the cloud, the data is still stored electronically, but it’s housed in a remote location.
Cloud backup solutions, including online backup from VaultLogix, can be used by a business of any size, from one-person shops to large public companies. Even XBox is using the cloud for users who want to save their games. There’s some kind of cloud storage for everyone.
Article Authored by: Chandra Goldblatt, Chandra spent two years studying abroad in China. Being in such a cutting-edge environment solidified her love for technology journalism.