Cloud computing is a unique web-based solution for all your computing needs. It uses virtual components and resources to collect, manage, store, compile and communicate vital data related to your business. Both public and private cloud storage facilities offer you major benefits in data management like flexibility, control, backup and security.
When you outsource your computing needs to a seasoned cloud service provider, you buy peace of mind along with a host of services, which are vital to the success of your organization. Cloud computing uses shared virtual resources like servers, networks, computers etc. These are maintained and upgraded by your service provider and you pay your vendor only for those services you use.
You can scale up your requirements or downsize them anytime you want and cloud-based apps can be promptly uploaded and used without any intervention or guidance by your vendor.
No wonder, cloud computing is slowly becoming the number one choice for companies to facilitate daily operations in different departments like accounting, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Human Resource (HR) Management and production.
Cloud computing is available in multiple formats depending on your budget and exact requirements.
Public clouds (also known as external clouds) are an affordable option for your company’s computing needs. Here, you share resources with other clients of the vendor thereby compromising your accessibility and security.
Private cloud storage, on the other hand, refers to dedicated resources that allow you more control, flexibility and security vis-a-vis data management.
Then there are hybrid clouds that store your extra-sensitive data on private clouds and process the general data on public clouds. Community clouds cater to businesses from specific categories which share the same needs and concerns.
As cloud computing gains steadily in popularity, several vendors are just rebranding their existing non-cloud services and selling them as cloud computing to the uninitiated. It is therefore vital for you to know more about this service before spending your hard-earned money on it.
If you have decided to hire private cloud storage to store and manage your business data, always check the storage platform provided. Storage is a major area of your private cloud and plays a vital role in its overall performance. Storage depends on your budget and also affects the refresh cycle of the cloud.
Consider other important factors like protocol, performance and manageability of your cloud platform before taking any decision. The storage must merge seamlessly into the cloud’s environment and should not be located outside the network in a vacuum area.
Select the protocol carefully as it will determine the vendors and platform that will be compatible with your private cloud storage. Scalability and capacity are the other areas to check before hiring the services of a reputable cloud computing service provider.
The storage platform selected should allow you to scale your requirements according to shifting priorities and demands of your industry and you should be free to discontinue any service which you no longer require.