Instead of purchasing expensive on-site storage solutions, organisations are paying cloud storage providers a small monthly fee, boosting efficiency and gaining competitive advantage.
Cloud storage involves saving data to a remote location over the Internet, which is maintained by a service provider. According to a survey by TwinStrata, five out of six organisations are using or planning to embrace cloud storage.
Mimi Tan, Director at R & G Technologies, says “this is because historically, implementing new technologies cost organisations a great deal of time and money. Cloud storage comes at a reduced cost compared to traditional storage methods, with minimal upheaval to existing systems.”
Many organisations have turned to the cloud to reduce capital expenses and operational costs. Organisations leveraging cloud storage benefit from a more mobile workforce and increased uptime, due to superior data security.
Read on for more information on the benefits of cloud storage:
1. Reduced costs
The weighty hardware and labour costs associated with traditional storage systems hamper organisations striving to find more innovative ways to operate. The scalability of cloud storage means you’re not paying for any resources you’re not using.
Initially, cloud storage reduces costs because it allows organisations to dispense with tape cycling and storage system management, reducing both equipment and operational costs. Finances can be directed away from ongoing support, and spent on new initiatives.
For example, according to a survey by Rackspace hosting, 88% of cloud users report savings, while 62% have reinvested savings back into the business, including increasing headcount, boosting wages and driving product innovation.
Additionally, the scalability of cloud storage means organisations can add storage capacity seamlessly, ensuring fewer delays and disruptions. You’re also not buying more storage than initially required, as storage can be upgraded or reduced rapidly to meet business needs.
When organisations use cloud storage, the reduced spend on IT gives them more resources to devote to achieving higher goals.
2. Increased mobility
Supporting a remote workforce has become a huge priority for organisations hoping to survive in the modern world. Cloud storage makes it easy to effectively support a collaborative and globalised workforce.
According to a global survey conducted by Citrix, 63% of organisations worldwide believe mobility is the greatest factor in helping them gain competitive advantage. Cloud storage gives staff the ability to work from home, while travelling or from any location with an Internet connection.
Vice President of Blue Jeans, James Campanini, says that “mobility is not as simple as just allowing 'working from home' - it really means that you are able to conduct your business from where it is most convenient for you.”
Cloud storage also enables seamless collaboration, since staff can access the latest version of documents or files from anywhere in the world, minimising version conflicts and wasted effort.
A well-supported mobile workforce gives organisations an advantage unlike any other, improving staff well-being, collaborative processes, and productivity.
3. Security
Executives worrying about data leakage and data control continue to be suspicious of cloud services. However, experienced vendors provide access to state-of-the-art security systems, and knowing where your data is stored ensures you won’t lose control of your data.
A good storage provider keeps data safe by encrypting it during transmission and at rest, has complex access controls, and sophisticated physical security at data centres. Updates, patches and new services are automatically rolled out, allowing you to focus on other areas of the business.
When it comes to controlling data, it’s wise to choose a provider that hosts your data locally in Australia. You won’t have to worry about complying with international privacy laws, ensuring you have complete control of your organisation’s data.
Having multiple security layers is a luxury many businesses can’t afford. Investing in a quality cloud storage provider can result in excellent uptime and soaring productivity.
Should you implement cloud storage?
There’s no denying the benefits cloud storage can give your organisation. Yet determining who to trust can be as difficult as choosing the right nanny for your first-born. If you’re considering cloud storage ask yourself the following:- Am I looking for cheaper ways to store mass quantities of data?
- Do I want to increase support for my remote workforce?
- Would I benefit from greater security?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, your organisation is definitely in a position to benefit from cloud storage. Look for vendors with a stable history, third party validation and accreditation, and local data centres. Embracing cloud storage ensures your organisation’s roots are embedded in a solid platform, supporting rapid growth and a secure future.