What is Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage is a hot topic in the technology industry. But what is cloud storage and how can it help your business?

Cloud storage is where you store your digital data in multiple servers so a variety of users can gain access with certain permissions. There are many reasons to store your data in the cloud, some being:

• Increased Scalability
• Energy Efficiency
• Resource Pooling
• Cost Savings & Budgeting
• Universal Access
• Disaster Recovery
• Mobile Impact
• Fast Deployment
• Easier Collaboration

With cloud storage, a company or business can easily tweak their computing capabilities to accommodate for overall growth or employee changes. This is a great feature because the cloud allows you to make changes quickly and with little-to-no hassle.

Using cloud storage is not only green for your wallet, but for the environment too. Instead of using servers and large data centers that require 24/7 cooling and power, you can use a third-party cloud storage host to regulate that for you. That way, you pay a flat rate and don't have to worry about your energy cost for IT purposes.

Is all of your software up-to-date? Are you sure you're using the most recent program available in your industry? With cloud storage, you'll always be up-to-date with software and programs. How is this so? With a quality cloud provider, they'll keep everything updated so you have access to it.

As mentioned above, if you hire a third-party cloud provider you'll only have to pay the flat-rate for cloud storage services. This means that you will not receive any unwanted or unexpected charges each month. Without any additional charges, like you would expect if you were paying for cooling and in-house storage, you can use those resources to invest in your business.

Cloud storage and services allow your employees and clients access to data regardless of location. Of course, you can add restrictions to who can view what, depending on which cloud storage option you choose. Details on the different types of cloud storage are below.

One of the most beneficial factors of switching to cloud storage is that you have your data backed up in case any unforeseen accidents happen. What if your business floods and your servers are destroyed? Or an employee accidentally deletes a crucial file? With cloud storage, you can get all of that data back if something were to happen.

Bring-your-own-device, or BYOD, is becoming an increasingly popular practice in businesses. By connecting employees' personal devices to the cloud, they're able to work from their own devices which cuts down training time and the amount of money you spend on buying devices for the office. Additionally, employees can work from home which increases morale and helps employees avoid burning out.

Implementing cloud storage in your business allows for quicker recovery and updating times. This means that if your servers go down, you won't have to spend time worrying and trying to fix them. Instead, your cloud provider, like Converged Communication Systems, can set you up with temporary servers while they restore your original ones.

Since employees can access documents through the cloud, this makes for easier collaboration. Employees can share documents and edit them without having to save different copies. They can also have online discussions, share multimedia files and subscribe to dynamic content.

There are three types of cloud storage, which are private, public and hybrid. So, which one is right for your business?

The private cloud is the most secure, however is also the most expensive. The advantages are that it comes with greater control, more security, deeper compliance and is more customizable. The disadvantages are that its usually more costly, requires on-site maintenance and has a capacity ceiling. Private clouds are a good choice for companies that have highly critical applications and data, are required to comply to strict regulations and are large enough to run cloud data center on their own.

With public clouds, the data and infrastructure are located off-site over the Internet. Public clouds are good for sharing resources and reducing complexity. However, public clouds tend to be more vulnerable, although they are the least expensive cloud option. The advantages are that there is no maintenance and public clouds are more flexible. The disadvantages are the lack of control and potentially weaker security. Companies that use the public cloud are many collaboration projects, less regulations to comply with and outsource part or all of their IT requirements.

The hybrid cloud is a mix between the public and private clouds. This means that business can choose which data needs to be allocated on or off-site to comply with policies and rules. Hybrid clouds are best for companies that want to use a SaaS application but are worried about security, are in e-commerce and/or offer services that are tailored for different vertical markets.

Are you looking to switch to cloud storage? Call Converged Communication Systems today at 877-598-3999 or email sales@convergedsystems.com to speak with our cloud consultants.