Your business will eventually be faced with the difficult question: should I keep all my data here in the office, or have the data stored in the cloud? The decision to choose between on-premises and cloud backup solutions is a critical one, as it directly impacts data security, accessibility, scalability, and overall business continuity. Let’s take a deep dive into the topic to help you make the right choice for your business.
On-Premises Backup: A Closer Look
Storing your data “on-premises” is exactly what it sounds like: you may have a small closet or a large room in your office that houses some IT racks complete with rows of servers that store all of your most important data. Traditionally, this method has been favoured by businesses that prefer having direct control over their data and infrastructure. Here are some key advantages and considerations when it comes to on-premises backup:
Advantages:
> Control and Privacy: On-premises backup gives you complete control over your data, ensuring that sensitive information remains within your premises, minimizing the risk of data breaches. You are in complete control: if you forget to lock the room on a Friday afternoon, you may be missing your servers come Monday morning.
> Data Access: With data stored locally, you can often achieve faster recovery times, especially for critical systems and applications. In simple terms, you can have backup systems in the corner of the room ready to be swapped in and out if there are any issues.
> Compliance: Some industries have stringent data storage and security regulations that may necessitate on-premises backup to comply with specific requirements. This applies to industries like banking and finance where data can never go missing.
Considerations:
> Cost: On-premises solutions require significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and maintenance. This cost includes not just the initial setup but also ongoing management and upgrades. You are responsible for ensuring the room doesn’t overheat, putting fires out when they occur, and ensuring only the key people have physical access.
> Scalability: As your data grows, scaling on-premises backup systems can become complex and expensive. Additional hardware may be required, leading to further costs and management challenges. Just remember: more servers need more space and produce additional heat and requires even more electricity.
> Disaster Recovery: On-premises backup may not provide robust disaster recovery capabilities, especially if your physical location is affected by natural disasters or other emergencies. When disaster strikes: you are on your own.
Cloud Backup: The Advantages and Considerations
Cloud backup, on the other hand, involves storing data in remote servers managed by third-party cloud service providers. This approach has gained popularity due to its flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. Let's explore the advantages and considerations of cloud backup:
Advantages:
> Cost-Efficiency: Cloud backup eliminates the need for substantial upfront investments. Instead, you pay for the storage space you use, making it a cost-effective solution for SMBs.
> Scalability: Cloud backup can easily accommodate the growth of your data without the need for constant hardware upgrades, ensuring seamless scalability.
> Remote Accessibility: Cloud-based solutions enable you to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and support for remote work.
> Automated Management: Cloud backup services often include automated backups, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring that your data is consistently protected.
Considerations:
> Data Security and Privacy: Entrusting your data to a third-party provider raises concerns about data security and compliance. However, reputable cloud providers invest heavily in security measures to safeguard your data.
> Internet Dependency: Cloud backup requires a reliable internet connection for both backups and recoveries. Slow or interrupted connections can impact the speed of data restoration. If your business relies on large files for video editing or drafting, the slow connection is a big consideration.
Making the Choice: Factors to Consider
When deciding between on-premises and cloud backup, several factors should influence your decision:
> Business Needs: Assess your business's data volume, growth projections, and recovery time objectives to determine which solution better aligns with your requirements.
> Data Sensitivity: Consider the nature of your data. Highly sensitive data might be better suited for certain solutions, while less sensitive data can benefit from the convenience of the cloud.
> Resource Availability: Examine your internal IT resources. If you lack the expertise to manage on-premises systems effectively, cloud backup might be a more practical option.
Remember, regardless of the chosen backup approach, regular testing and monitoring are essential to ensure the effectiveness of your data protection strategy. Consult with managed IT experts to get personalized guidance tailored to your business's specific requirements.
Need help choosing between On-Premises vs Cloud Storage? We recommend connecting with one of our experts to find the best solution for your business. There are many considerations to ensuring business continuity and we’ll help you zero in on your specific needs. At Plenum, we keep up with technology changes so you don’t have to.