Is your data backed up? Cloud storage pros ✅ & cons ❌
With more people than ever working from home, keeping your documents and files safe is vital!
While physical data vaults are one way to back up your data, you can also back up your data with cloud file sharing.
Unlike onsite backup solutions, cloud hosting involves a 3rd party using their equipment to store files. You can then pull any data you like from the cloud provided you have a decent internet connection. The cloud not only stores files, but you can back up whole machines/servers onto it.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros & cons of cloud storage:
PROS ✅
🔸Easy to implement and backup pre-existing infrastructure.
🔸Documentation is readily available. Sharing and modification of files and folders can be tracked more easily.
🔸File permissions are easier to set up and manage.
🔸The hosting company takes care of backup and maintenance of hardware and data.
🔸Most companies have a daily backup system that can mass restore files if something goes wrong.
🔸There are many companies to choose from that offer cloud storage.
CONS ❌
🔸Data isn’t truly secure; companies can view and see your information. While your information isn’t public, and employees who work on these systems sign NDA’s for data privacy, the data still isn’t truly secure.
🔸The cloud hosting company you’ve chosen may decide to end their service - leaving you to pick another company and move the data to an alternate location.
🔸Without an internet connection, files are inaccessible unless specifically enabled for offline access.
🔸Combined with the above point, there is no protection of file syncing when an internet connection is reestablished. Without proper communication, it can be hard to know whose file is most up to date.
It’s important to note that some companies do a hybrid setup, keeping HR and accounting files separate on a secure onsite server, while everyday documents are kept in the cloud. Whatever the case, it’s important to weigh your options when deciding to implement this kind of system.
If your data backup system could use an upgrade or if you’re considering implementing one for the first time, our team can help set up the right solution for you.
