There are significant benefits to using cloud storage, along with some drawbacks that you need to be aware of. By implementing cloud storage correctly, you can access the advantages without being exposed to the downsides.
What are the benefits of cloud storage?
Cloud storage solutions such as CTERA offer enormous benefits, and leading organizations have tapped into these to position themselves for long-term leadership in their industries.
Usability & Accessibility
Cloud storage offers enterprises a user-friendly and accessible solution for data management, simplifying the process of storing and retrieving data. With a secure internet connection, employees can access their files and collaborate with their teams from anywhere in the world.
Security
One of the vital advantages of cloud storage for enterprises is enhanced security. Leading cloud service providers invest heavily in cybersecurity measures, such as robust data encryption, access controls, and multi-factor authentication. This ensures that sensitive business data remains protected from unauthorized access, data breaches, or physical damage to on-premises servers.
Cost-Efficiency
Cloud storage enhances cost efficiency, helping organizations reduce their IT infrastructure costs significantly. By eliminating the need to maintain and upgrade on-site servers and storage devices, businesses can reallocate their IT budget to other strategic initiatives. Cloud services often operate on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing enterprises to scale up or down as needed, avoiding unnecessary capital expenditures. When considering what is cloud storage best used for from a cost efficiency perspective, it’s important to know that different data storage tiers enable the storage of different types of data based on need, enabling major cost savings.
File Sharing
Cloud storage platforms facilitate seamless file sharing both within the organization, as well as with parties outside the enterprise. Employees can easily collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and other files, with real-time updates and version control. Sharing links, granting specific permissions, and setting access restrictions ensure that data sharing is both efficient and secure.
Automation
Cloud storage solutions often come with automation features that simplify data management tasks. These include automated backups, synchronization across devices, and data archiving.
Encryption
Cloud storage providers typically employ strong encryption protocols to protect data during transmission and at rest. This ensures that even if data is intercepted during transfer or compromised on the cloud servers, it remains unusable for unauthorized parties.
Remote Work
The rise of remote work has made cloud storage an indispensable tool for enterprises. It allows employees to access and collaborate on files from any location, providing the flexibility required for effective remote work.
Lifetime Storage
Cloud storage providers offer scalable and virtually limitless storage options, ensuring that enterprises can store their data for an extended period. This lifetime storage capability means that businesses don’t need to worry about running out of storage space, enabling them to archive historical data and access it whenever needed. This is particularly valuable for compliance and legal requirements that mandate the retention of data for specific lengths of time.
[icon_button url=”https://www2.ctera.com/re/demo” text=”Schedule a Demo” select_icon=”auto” /]Disadvantages of Cloud Storage
Perceived disadvantages of cloud storage include security, control, and cost. The reality however is that these are exactly the areas in which cloud storage excels.
For example, when it comes to security, cloud providers typically offer advanced security measures like encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, all driven by full-time teams of cyber experts with a level of security that often surpasses what individual companies can achieve on their own.
Or take control: cloud storage providers offer extensive tools and policies to manage data, and the physical separation of data can add an extra layer of security.
The pattern continues with cost: cloud storage often proves much more cost-effective due to only paying for what you use, seamless scalability, tiering, and the elimination of physical hardware costs and maintenance. However, many cloud storage services operate in such a way that enterprises incur higher expenses for data egress fees. So, managing the amount of data that goes to and from the cloud from edge locations must be something to closely consider.
The list goes on; most of the supposed disadvantages of cloud storage long ago turned into incomparable benefits.
Accessing the Benefits of Cloud Storage Effectively
Modern cloud storage offers numerous advantages. While drawbacks exist, these can be managed, allowing enterprises to obtain all the benefits without the disadvantages.
A key way to access the benefits of cloud storage and circumvent the downsides is by implementing CTERA’s global file system. The solution offers:
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- Unlimited capacity
- Access infinite storage with no additional hardware required, thanks to smart edge caching and elastic cloud scale.
- Enhanced collaboration
- Empower employees to safely and powerfully access and collaborate on files from any location or device.
- Robust security
- Get military-grade security, GDPR compliance, control over data sovereignty, and exclusive Ransom Protect functionality.
- Significant cost reduction
- Reduce costs by 80% by replacing legacy storage and backup systems.
[icon_button url=”https://www.ctera.com/company/contact/” text=”Contact Us to Learn More” select_icon=”auto” /]FAQs:
- When should you not use the cloud? Avoid using the cloud for sensitive or highly regulated data if your organization cannot ensure the level of security and compliance required; another important consideration is if your business (or certain work teams) operates in an area with unreliable internet connectivity.Do you really need cloud storage? The need for cloud storage depends on your specific requirements. If your organization values scalability, accessibility, and cost efficiency, and can address security and compliance concerns, then cloud storage may be a valuable asset. What are the 4 types of cloud storage? The four main cloud storage types are:
- Object storage: Ideal for storing large amounts of unstructured data like images and documents
- File storage: Suitable for file-based data and file sharing
- Block storage: Used for structured data and applications that require consistent and high-performance storage
- Archive storage: Designed for long-term data retention, often at a lower cost, and with slower access times
To learn more, schedule a live demo with one of CTERA’s experts.
Related Resources:
- Cloud storage
- What is Object Storage
- Understanding the Differences between Block Storage and Object Storage
