Cloud storage vs. On-premise storage systems: Which is better?

What are 3 different types of cloud storage?

1. On-Premises Cloud Storage

One of the most popular business cloud options is to house all your data on-site. Just as you might traditionally keep all your hard data within the confines of your office walls, cloud storage of this nature falls completely to your company. This means that you have complete control of, and access to your data at all times. This system also has the name of ‘private cloud’.

To many companies, this is a lucrative solution. It offers a great deal of control.

However, the off-site cloud is often appealing because it lifts a lot of pressure and financial hassle off your plate. Third-party cloud solutions ensure that your data servers are looked after by a company you are in agreement with. This could lower your overhead costs and cause you much less hassle for your business in the long run.

2. Public Cloud Storage

Public cloud storage is much different from private cloud services in the sense that your data is off-site. It means that a third-party will manage your servers for you, as well as any remote backups and maintenance demands.

For a lot of businesses, this means they now have more time to spend actively building their brands. A lot of time can get lost on maintaining data servers and storage!

Public cloud systems, however, will request that you provide data to a third-party. This is, of course, safe under national law. However, many businesses feel that maintaining their own data and backups is more efficient for their needs.

There is no right or wrong answer – as all businesses are different and unique! Office 365 is a good example of a cloud suite that you can put to good use with public storage.

3. Hybrid Cloud Storage

As you might expect, a hybrid cloud system brings together the best of public and private systems. This means that you get to store some data on-site, while still benefiting from keeping everything ticking over efficiently through a third-party.

Hybrid cloud options are very popular with businesses who may not know the best option to take, and for those who may be upgrading from older storage standards to the full cloud.

Which is better for storing your data, the cloud or on-premises storage systems?

On-premises data storage

This refers to physically storing business data on local hardware, usually it’s stored on local servers, computers or other devices. As these servers and devices are locally operated, they are considered as ‘on-premises data storage’. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of using these on-site data storage solutions?

Advantages

• Greater level of security for your business. With a local server storing your business’s data, it ensures that hackers are not able to access it remotely. No single storage method is completely uncompromisable, however, breaches can be prevented locally by ensuring extra precautions are taken when employees leave the business.

Disadvantages

• High cost to businesses as you need to buy a server and the necessary software; this may also incur further costs if you need a professional IT company to help you install the system. Alongside this, a server requires lots of power to keep it continuously running and storing your business data; this can lead to high electricity bills, especially if you have more than one!
• Unlike desktop computers, servers have a finite lifespan and require replacing. Oftentimes, they last for 6 years and then become obsolete

Cloud storage

There are a number of different types of cloud storage, including public cloud storage, private cloud storage, hybrid cloud storage and the community cloud. With this type of data storage solution, it involves storing data remotely via a third party service provider.

Advantages

• Cost-effective and significantly cheaper than on-premises solutions
• You can buy specific amounts of storage space, tailored to your business’s needs, and it can be increased over time, if needed. Whereas, with an on-premises solution, if you have bought 10TB, but you’re only using 5TB, then you are paying for unused space, with a cloud solution, you only pay for what you need to store
• Ability to access your data at any time, from anywhere, on any device
• Private clouds offer greater data security. It’s important to note that not all cloud storage services are susceptible to data breaches, especially if data is held on a private cloud and limited to a single business or organisation

Disadvantages

• Whilst its beneficial that data can be accessed from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, this does have its drawbacks. There are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of a data breach, such as with encryption and educating employees on the how hackers can access and steal company data through phishing schemes

Related Articles

• Choosing The Right Cloud Solution Provider
• Types Of Cloud Computing - Cloud Software
• The Benefits of Using Cloud Computing

Contact Bluecube Technology Solutions

What is the best cloud storage option for you and your company? It’s not always easy to work out right away. Take a look at the various storage standards available to you and consider your long-term business goals.

If you’d like to find out more about cloud storage and how it can benefit your business, get in touch with our in-house experts. Chat to us today to see how we can help, call us on 08452 578 010 or drop us an email (enquiries@bluecube.tech), alternatively you can fill out our online contact form, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.