Cloud-based file storage is an opportunity for organizations of all sizes to streamline their processes and become more efficient. Some people have hesitations for beginning their outsourcing for various reasons. Let’s go through the most common issues with storing files on the cloud and how you can proactively solve them to get the most out of your experience with the cloud.
Common Problems with Cloud-Based File Storage (and Their Solutions)
- System Downtime: Many organizations and users list downtime as their biggest fear with cloud-based computing. Downtime is always a possibility due to the system needing the internet. Consider multiple regional sites to create automatic failover coverage if you need to be up 24/7. Determine and roll out a disaster recovery plan that aligns with your business objectives. Make sure to review the details in your contract about uptime guarantees. An agreement for 99.9% uptime equates to 45 minutes of downtime per month.
- Security and Privacy Risks: Cloud-based service providers go for the top industry security standards to protect their customers and their reputation. Preventing malicious violations can be stopped on by ensuring only the right people have access. Make sure to understand the shared responsibility model clause of your service-provider - this outlines your responsibility as a user manager. Use internal security always. Offer tiered access for different levels of management. Multi-factor or two-factor authentication can help protect your system.
- Vulnerable to Hackers or Attacks: Attacks can happen to even the most secure systems that have a connection to the internet. Make sure all users implement security during all steps of IT. Regularly check procedures for the fidelity of practice. Remove outdated access accounts. Read security blogs to learn recent updates. Then continue updating all teams on recent security trends.
- Little Control or Flexibility: Some people worry about losing options when they outsource file storage. Make sure to examine your end-user license agreement (EULA) to better understand your options. You will continue to hold the control of the front-end working sections such as applications and data, whereas the backend may have limitations. Work with the cloud-service vendor to get on the same page about expectations and levels of support.
- Financial Concerns: Avoiding the IT hardware overhead costs and the ongoing cost to update software is a huge reason to switch to a cloud service. Prioritize auto-scaling service options. Make sure you have the option to scale up and down as your needs may shift. Make sure to start and stop service depending on when you will need it most.
Final Considerations with Cloud-Based File Storage
Organizations of all levels benefit from various aspects of cloud-based file storage, whether it be the ability to scale or the pay-per-use model. Doing a cost-benefit analysis will help you determine if cloud-based management is suitable for a project or ongoing use. Proactively look to the future for the best case for you and your group.
The StowPoint Software team helps provide file storage and content management for companies of all sizes. Click here to learn more about our unique cloud-based file storage options. Give us a call today at (810) 653-5000 to speak with a cloud expert.