Cloud Storage: Yay or Nay

Space is a resource that companies are beginning to discover is very expensive. Establishing dedicated server farms for huge amounts of data can either be too expensive for your company or is something that will not even be maximized at all. Enter cloud hosting.

What Is Cloud Hosting?

Ever heard of the adage “divide and conquer”? This is the principle of cloud hosting: spreading across more than one server the resources needed to maintain your website. In doing so, the number of downtimes and cases of server malfunctions is greatly reduced.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting?

Like all kinds of technology, cloud hosting has its share of pros and cons. Read on and find out the yays and nays of this service.

1.       Accessibility

YAY

Once registered to the cloud, you can easily gain access to your data from anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection. This lets you get around restrictions brought about by time zones and geographic locations.

NAY

Although easily accessible, the requirement for Internet connectivity is a downside. Also, because of the ease of access, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and privacy of data stored remotely. Comingling of information with other organizations is a serious security concern that can’t be taken lightly. In Singapore, security solutions have been one of the top priority of companies with delicate information.

2.       Bandwidth

YAY

Since all files are already in an accessible remote server, you’ll no longer need to email whole heavy files. You only need to send a web link through your email granting the recipient access to the data needed.

NAY

Since cloud hosting is mostly a paid service, there is normally an allowance for the amount of bandwidth that you are provided for your files. Exceeding said limitations would incur significant charges. There are providers who offer unlimited bandwidth. Take this into consideration when choosing your cloud storage provider.

3.       Cost

YAY

For small- or medium-sized businesses, cloud storage can come at little or no cost at all. Aside for a minimum fee, you’re all set to store your files online and access it remotely through the Internet.

NAY

Although starting up with cloud hosting bears almost no cost, the price over the years might increase and normally adds up. This arrangement might look appealing at the beginning; however, as time passes, it will hit you hard. This is especially true if your applications are stored locally and the files you need are in the cloud. In that case, your cloud hosting fees can add to your networking costs.

4.       Security

YAY

In times of disaster or if your local server gets corrupted by a virus, you can be confident that your files are pretty safe in the cloud. Businesses usually use the cloud as their storage back-up, sending copies of important files into the cloud for emergency access through the Internet if ever the local copy gets compromised.

NAY

Since the cloud is on the Internet (and the Internet is not completely secure), there is always a possibility of attack. Secure a trustworthy provider to maximize the security of your files.

Still weighing the pros and cons of cloud hosting? Study each factor before deciding on which of the many server storage solutions available in the market you are confident to go with, and prioritize your company’s security.