CLOUD STORAGE
Up in the Cloud
It may be more convenient, but how does cloud storage provide a better experience?
We’re always being told that data is the new currency, that data is the next big money spinner. If you need any proof of this being the case, you just have to look at the way that Chat GPT has captured the imagination of millions around the world. But with so much data comes the question of where to keep it. Cloud storage has provided somewhat of an answer now, as you’ll soon find out: How has the popularity of cloud storage grown? Mark O’Dell, Operations Director, Babble: “The evolution of cloud storage has been huge. The surge in its popularity has been fuelled by a number of factors from its compatibility with remote work to its ease of scalability. Consumer-friendly offerings such as iCloud have also normalised cloud usage, even in a professional setting. “While cloud adoption has become mainstream, certain scenarios might deter a business from using it. For data-intensive tasks that demand speed and cost-efficiency, local systems remain preferable. However, the instances where local management is deemed necessary are becoming less frequent as cloud security greatly improves over time. Eric Sugar, President, ProServeIT: “Several factors have contributed to the increasing adoption of Cloud Storage. Scalability is one factor, Cloud storage allows businesses to easily scale their storage needs up or down based on their requirements. Cost-effectiveness is another as businesses don’t need to invest in or maintain their own expensive data centres. They can instead pay for the storage they need on a subscription or usage basis, reducing upfront costs and ongoing costs. “Cloud storage enables users to securely access their data from anywhere, including offline sync. It offers flexibility in terms of remote work, collaboration, and sharing data across
multiple devices and locations. Finally, if we look at data redundancy and disaster recovery, cloud providers often offer robust data redundancy and backup solutions, ensuring that data is protected against ransomware, hardware failures, and natural disasters.”
Sergei Serdyuk, VP of Product Management, NAKIVO:
“While physical data centres have long been the go-to choice to store data, the emergence of cloud storage has provided a convenient and flexible alternative that is rapidly becoming the industry standard. Cloud storage has become an indispensable aspect of business operations, primarily driven by the escalating demand for secure and efficient storage solutions. The cloud offers several benefits to businesses, making it an attractive choice for data storage. “The COVID pandemic has also accelerated this trend, with remote work necessitating cloud storage for seamless collaboration and data sharing. Additionally, technological advancements like the Internet of Things (IoT) and the proliferation of big data have opened up new possibilities for cloud storage providers to cater to businesses of all sizes and expand their service offerings. The popularity of cloud storage is only expected to continue growing in the coming years as more businesses recognise its many benefits and advantages.” Are there trade-offs when deciding to embrace cloud storage? Balaji Ganesan, CEO, Privacera: “There are four trade-offs when deciding to embrace cloud storage, the first is your dependence on internet connectivity. Effective utilisation of cloud storage relies on a reliable and stable internet connection. Insufficient connectivity can hinder data access and productivity. Similarly, potential downtime and service disruptions should be considered because depending on cloud storage means relying on the infrastructure provided by the service provider. If the provider experiences
Mark O’Dell Operations Director
babble.cloud
Eric Sugar President
proserveit.com
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