What Data Storage Technology is Right for You?
By Matt Brennan
Data storage technology is an important consideration for any business. The information businesses collect plays a critical role, and how they store that data makes a difference in protecting it.
Companies thrive when they make informed decisions based on the data they collect. It’s not necessarily about collecting more data, but instead using the data that you have in more intelligent ways. But first it needs to be properly stored.
There are three methods for storing your data, and any further options will fit into one of these categories. Each method has advantages and drawbacks, and what you choose will depend on individual factors related to your business.
Types of Data Storage Technology
On-Premises
This is for businesses looking to maintain control (and responsibility) of their data in all forms. This method amounts to the data being kept on the individual servers for your business. For many companies, the servers are typically on-premises, in a dedicated server room.
While this method may offer a more straightforward strategy, there’s increased responsibility within the IT department to protect that data, and ensure that it’s there when you need it. Companies who store their data on-site need to make sure that their hardware is current and secure, and that software is regularly updated. It’s important to make sure that the IT department is given the appropriate resources to safeguard this valuable asset.
Colocation
For many businesses, the responsibility of safeguarding that data may be a little more than they want to take on. Colocation data storage is simply taking advantage of a data center. They get the versatility of using that data and having complete control over it, without being responsible for the on-premises storage. There are pricing models that make this a dependable option.
There are often protection methods involved with colocation data storage that would be difficult to implement in an on-premises model. Data storage centers often implement new features, and companies benefit from the more complete security measures of an established data storage facility. Many data storage facilities also offer remote support, adding additional value to the package.
Cloud Storage
Businesses no longer have to be limited by the finite space in hardware storage devices. They no longer need to worry about the expense of replacing outdated storage devices, or buying new hardware as they continue to grow. Cloud storage offers an easy alternative to maintaining your own data storage equipment.
It’s also easier to access critical company data on mobile devices, or laptops, with cloud storage. This is a significant benefit to any business with a remote workforce – which is many companies during the pandemic.
The drawback to cloud storage comes in the open nature of the technology. Preventing unauthorized access to cloud storage is a significant part of data security. Added security measures such as encryption protocols and 2 factor authentication add to the security of this popular data storage method, however.
Finding the Data Storage Technology That’s Right for You
Your company will have individual factors that influence the decision on how to store your data. What you decide will likely be determined by factors such as:
- The size of your company
- The overall sensitivity of the data that you keep
- How you use the data that you keep
- The size and capabilities of your IT department
- Accessibility of data to employees and company stakeholders
Once you determine the data storage technology that you want to use, there are methods specific to that technology for keeping your data safe. If you do happen to experience data loss, you can contact We Recover Data to help you regain access.
