cloud storage for business

To accommodate the growing demands of big data, cloud block storage offers virtually unlimited space, effective ways to stay organized and easy accessibility. But despite its many benefits, it can be a massive change for businesses to undergo. Because of this, it’s important to review exactly which kinds of businesses would benefit from the technology. The following will serve as a quick guide for professionals interested in learning about this latest tech trend.

Cloud block storage 101

If you’re only vaguely aware of what cloud block storage is, we should probably start from the beginning. Cloud block storage offers block-level data management to expand your storage capacity. It’s essentially a more organized and compact form of data storage than traditional forms and one that increases storage capacity without having to increase server capacity. More than just storage efficiency, cloud block storage is also cost efficient because you’re only charged for the space you actually use, and it’s highly flexible. Your drive can be mounted, formatted and attached to your server like any regular hard drive, or you can detach your server and attach it to another one as necessary.

Control over storage and app infrastructure

Organization is a close companion to productivity, so it’s no surprise that one of the most esteemed features of cloud block storage is the efficiency of its app infrastructure. With cloud block storage, you control what information goes where, with the power to rearrange as you please. Organize information by departments or dates, and seamlessly exchange information as your business evolves.

SSD vs. SATA standard storage

Within cloud block storage, two choices of storage volume are available: solid-state drive (SSD) and serial ATA (SATA). The most important distinction between the two is that SATA offers standard performance, while SSD offers high performance. The latter is more expensive, naturally, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth for what you put in. If your company is already utilizing multiple SATA volumes using a RAID configuration, you’ll get a better price using just a single, higher I/O SSD volume. The SSD option also ensures higher speeds, which is more fitting for a fast-paced work environment.

Separating the server

The virtual nature of cloud block storage means that it can exist independently of the cloud server. In other words, your data is still safe, secure, and accessible, even if the server is down or outright deleted. This also means that different operations can be performed beneath the storage layer. With this unique ability, businesses can optimize the efficiency of their physical servers in the realm of data management.

Julian Chesterfield, OnApp Storage and Virtualization Architect, explains: “In a traditional server environment, companies would have physical storage located within each machine, so it is difficult to relocate that server or the applications running on top without service downtime.”

Cloud storage isn’t for everyone, especially if your company works with very little data storage. However, the growth of the cloud is making this option more and more useful for those who heavily rely on the cloud to perform everyday business tasks. This introduction to cloud block storage covers the available options for either current or future needs, so you can determine if it will benefit your business when it comes to efficiencies in spending, flexibility and storage.

Originally posted on July 15, 2013 @ 9:02 pm

Image: tkksummers’ photostream

Cloud storage is the latest way of backing-up files for businesses. It is fairly getting common among big and established businesses because of the extensive amount of data to protect. Is there room for applicability of the Cloud storage option in small businesses?

Importance of Preserving Data

Preservation of data is important regardless of the business size. The mere fact that specific data are recorded and kept would reveal the fact that they are still needed for some future use. It follows that if these data are needed, then there are actions that need to be done to preserve them.

Very few businesses can still survive using purely manual recording. Most have already shifted to computerized recording, sometimes using several devices in the process. This now entails the further need to identify the preferred backup method in case certain business data are lost.

Backup Options for Small Businesses

Small businesses can opt for traditional backup options. These would include copying the data in CD/DVD and storing them in a different location from the usual place of business or storing the data in a hard drive or USB Flash Device. These options however are prone to the risk of loss and destruction if the place where they are stored is compromised in some way.

Server backup is another option. Backing up servers is very important specifically when system failure occurs. There is no telling if or when this will happen. The online backup known as cloud storage is seen as the safest and most convenient way at this time. There are several options available as seen on www.bestbackups.com.

Cloud Storage Option

Cloud is a data storage option that allows clients to use a secure and remote location to backup their files. Accessing them when needed is convenient and does not require clients to physically go to a specific location to retrieve their required data. They can access them from any computer or phone connected to the Internet. Sharing of files between colleagues is made easier and safer. The threat of fire, flooding, or any natural calamity is no longer a concern of businesses who have opted to use the Cloud storage option.

The preservation of data even when the primary place of business has been affected makes it easier for businesses to resume operation. Many businesses find themselves paralyzed without their needed data. Most small businesses who unexpectedly lose their important files end up closing shop because they simply found it too difficult to start from the very beginning. For small businesses, preservation of important data may just be the saving factor that will ensure business continuity.

Originally posted on April 11, 2013 @ 9:41 am