When selecting how to save your company data in the cloud you have to know how to select between the different types of cloud storage. At the same time from the variety of suppliers on the market, there are all kinds of services. Some make it possible to share and sync files, others also make it possible to collaborate in the creation of documents; some include tools that make it easy to send large files, and those that provide online backup services cannot be absent. Do you know how to select the one that best suits your needs?
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The 3 types of cloud storage
Every day, millions of people use the cloud to save their data. In our daily life, the use of smart devices has exploded and, for security reasons, it is very common that mobile phone users sync them online, to be able to recover all the information contained in it in case of loss or theft of the terminal. This cloud storage mode could be considered as the personal cloud, and it is where the backup copies of each individual's devices are kept.
At the business level, types of cloud storage They can be categorized into three categories:
- Public cloud storage: In this option, infrastructure and services are provided outside the scope of the organization in a location within it. This cloud modality offers the higher level of efficiency in shared resources, despite this, present a safety-related drawbacks. For many companies, this is not an alternative, since this form of cloud storage is more vulnerable than private ones. Despite this, its advantages make it the ideal alternative if:
– It is necessary to have an increase in capacity in certain time slots or periods of the year.
– Application workload is very high.
– A suitable test environment is sought.
– When you have a new application whose demand is uncertain, how can it happen with interactive marketing properties and advertising campaigns (as an example, microsites).
– You plan to start a collaboration project between companies.
- Private cloud storage: is the option selected by those who prioritize a secure platform and restricted access to data. A private cloud is one in which services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network, hence ensure a higher level of control than the public cloud. The disadvantage of this option is that it is the company and not the supplier who is in charge of the investment in software and to cover the costs generated by its maintenance and that of the infrastructure. Despite this, many institutions choose this cloud storage modality when:
– The core of your business is your data and applications, so aspects such as control and security are a priority.
– There are industry standards that require compliance with strict data protection requirements.
– The size of the company makes it possible not to have to consider the public option, since it is feasible to take care of the implications of a private and efficient cloud.
- Hybrid cloud storage: This is a model that enables you to switch from public to private cloud or from private to public cloud at any time, as appropriate to the user. A hybrid cloud includes a range of alternatives with quite a few providers, making it easy to keep all aspects of the business in the most efficient environment feasible. The downside is that it is essential to monitor security and integration conditions across multiple platforms and that the information governance function must play an impeccable role. This alternative is the most recommended for institutions that:
– They offer services that adapt to different vertical markets. You can use a public cloud to interact with customers, but keep your data protected within a private cloud.
– They want to use a SaaS application, but without worrying about safety. The hybrid model enables the SaaS provider to create a private cloud within the corporate firewall (it is a virtual private network and is known as VPN).
If security offers guarantees and the government is well planned, the public cloud option can be considered to benefit from cost savings and efficiency, but, you have to opt for a private cloud. Decidedly, you have to pay attention that the lines between public and private clouds are blurring (There are private versions of public clouds and vice versa). You could say that the hybrid alternative is a conscious and highly adaptable choice, that enables you to take advantage of the best of the public and private environment, even though it is very likely that opting for this model requires adding federation capabilities to be able to manage the data of both environments.
