We often take it for granted how easy it is for us to access information. Just a few taps of the keys and you can instantly access important client files, presentations, spreadsheets and more from virtually anywhere. But with that power comes a great responsibility: to organize and properly backup your files. Because just as quickly as you can access them, you can also lose them.
Whether your company is 5 people or 5,000 people, chances are you have a surplus of important documents that you need to quickly and easily find at a moment’s notice. And nothing can summon a heart attack faster than finding out that critical company data has been misplaced or discarded. Now, we all know that storing and managing your data storage is critical to your company’s success but the question is WHERE and HOW do you store all your information?
Your storage options
1. The Cloud: The renowned, and occasional perplexing, cloud system is unique in that it relies on virtual servers. The cloud has several advantages over physical servers including:
- Convenience: you can access your information from any device, anywhere, anytime.
- Collaborative: you can easily share files across devices and users allowing for collaborative projects.
- Off-site protection: Your external drives are vulnerable to theft or damage while cloud software offers protection without the risk of physical damage.
2. On-site hard drive: On-site hard drives have long been used for businesses data storage and for good reason. The on-site hard drives provide:
- Reliability: While files stored virtually or on cloud software is dependent on access to the Internet, an on-site drive provides access to your information no matter what.
- Size: Hard drives provide ample storage at a low cost, crucial if you work with large files, graphics, videos, audio or feel that the cloud won’t be able to handle the amount of data you have.
- Protection: We’ve all heard about hackers who lock your computer or cloud and are able to steal or hold ransom valuable information; while your information can still be hacked it is much more difficult.
3. Network attached storage: This small scale server is ideal for small businesses or home offices that need to manage excess amounts of data storage. They are beneficial for:
- Protection: NAS servers usually feature encryption software and are excellent at protecting small networks of data and difficult to breach. Plus, they are resistant corruption, hardware malfunctions and outside attacks.
- Size: NAS servers are an easy way to give your network a big storage bump; perfect for storing large files, anticipating future storage needs, or creating a central server to give several users more space.
Knowing what storage option (or combination) is best for your datas needs and protection can be a daunting task. That’s why we offer Technique managed IT services. Our IT Support experts can help your Austin or San Antonio business determine what data storage you need to optimize your information management and protection and we’ll help you maintain it – all for a fraction of the cost of hiring a full time IT person. To learn more, check out our Technique tab on Facebook.
