In modern times, technology continues to advance with IT professionals considering every data storage solution. It’s one concern if your device has enough space to store those files, and another if the device’s storage space is running low, compromising the computer’s performance. Having said that, let’s dive into examining the pros and cons of Cloud and Local storage, identifying which would be the right fit for your business. Let’s get started!
Cloud Storage
The question is who doesn’t need cloud storage? Scalability is the major advantage of using cloud storage for businesses. So, in cloud storage data is saved in an online space, maintained by a third-party, saving files to a remote database owing to the internet, allowing backing up and file access from any device having internet connection!
Advantages to Cloud storage
There are quite a few advantages and considerations when choosing between Cloud and Local storage. Here are some advantages of choosing Cloud storage:
Accessibility
Having data like your tax returns stored in the cloud, you can easily access it from any device with an internet connection, no matter the place or device. It’s a terrific option for enabling a remote workforce.
Scalability
You can always scale down your storage and save yourself some money when you lose a few users and have storage beyond your needs. On the contrary, adding another user and wanting more storage is never a problem in the cloud.
Disaster recovery
Constant storage backups in cloud storage are a huge peace of mind. In cases of hardware failure or infrastructure breakdown, disaster recovery in the cloud makes things a whole lot easier.
No On-Site Server maintenance required
On-site server need is eliminated when using cloud storage. Outsourcing server maintenance to the cloud eliminates the extra expense that comes from on-premises maintenance.
Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
Along with advantages, Cloud storage comes with disadvantages as well, listed below are a few.
No control over data
With cloud storage, oftentimes you have no control over your own data, but a third party does, outlawing you to upload certain types of data. You don’t own the storage; you merely use it. This arrangement is simply an agreement between you and a vendor. This type of relationship is termed software licensing, which stands in contrast to software ownership. In software ownership, you have full rights and responsibilities related to the creation and control.
Security breach vulnerability
Besides the measures taken in the cloud to protect you against hackers, the possibility of your sensitive data getting breached is always there. As you know, nothing that is on the internet is safe or secure.
Internet connection is a must
To access your data, you must be always connected to the internet. Yeah, I know, this was an advantage to cloud storage, but it can be a downside as well. One of the top considerations when switching to cloud storage is your internet connection, it should be reliable and fast. No connection means no file access, and a slow connection can be equally daunting.
Local Storage
All right, so, data that is stored on-premises is what local storage is. No matter the file size, every hard disk drive, flash drive and backup drive in your mobile device and laptops is local storage. While cloud storage offers benefits to businesses, some organizations find local storage a more effective solution.
Advantages to Local Storage
Local storage is both great and not so good, one way or another. Let’s have a look at the advantages:
Speed
If configured and set up correctly, local storage can be faster than cloud storage. Merely this is because with cloud services you are limited because of your internet connection’s speed.
Complete control over the data
Since the data is stored on the server locally, the hardware is all under your control. However, for the hardware to function properly, hardware maintenance is important.
Accessibility
Having your data on premises right at your fingertips is nothing but a convenience in local storage.
Survivor
Local storage isn’t dependent on an internet connection. Once stored on-premises, internet service would be the least of your concerns.
Disadvantages of Local storage
Moving forward, there’s nothing on planet earth that does not have disadvantages, and so does local storage. Listed below are a few.
The data dies with the server!
Data stored locally authorizes events like floods and fires, making it one of the major concerns as all local storage and backups would be lost!
Cost
Storing data locally requires you to buy hardware, such as network cabling and file servers which can be expensive.
Data Security & Safety
On-site data storage crashes at any time, leaving you with no data and at a loss. This potential threat can be avoided by putting your data online unless the internet goes down.
Have questions about data storage? Let Communication Square help you, book a strategy call with us today!
Last Updated 9 months ago
