When personal computers first hit the market, their storage capacity was limited. The evolution of computers brought about the evolution of data storage, too, though, with innovations such as the flash drive and the Solid State Drive (SSD) emerging throughout the 2000s. These resources are still insufficient for many companies that need ample storage for their data. Consider the following seven reasons why physical storage may not be the best solution for your company’s needs.
1. Insufficient Infrastructure
In many cases, a physical storage solution lacks the infrastructure that a company needs to maintain its data. If a company relies on a series of servers in order to store its files, for example, those servers may eventually be unable to support the scope of a company’s data. When this happens, network connectivity may slow down and you may find it difficult to scale the storage to meet your needs. In these instances, your company will need to look for an alternative storage solution, and continuously expanding the server space eventually becomes cost-prohibitive for many companies.
2. Subpar Security
Subpar security is yet another major issue that faces companies relying on physical storage solutions. Unfortunately, many companies are targeted by cybercriminals who aim to intercept sensitive information or install viruses such as spyware or malware. This can happen if a company’s physical storage system is not properly secured — for example, if files are not encrypted or if they are sent via an unsecured network, your company may be vulnerable to a data breach. An incident like this can be incredibly costly upwards of $7 million in expenses in some cases.
3. Potential Corruption
Companies that use physical storage solutions must also be aware of the potential risk of corruption. Files can become corrupted when they are transferred using a nonsecure platform or when a hard drive is damaged by stray particles. Companies can prevent this by investing in cloud file sharing solutions. A cloud storage solution allows all data and files to be stored online so that physical phenomena cannot cause damage or corruption. Cloud storage also offers better security features than physical storage, thus reducing the risk of corruption from a virus.
4. Data Loss
There are many other problems that can compromise the contents of a physical storage system, too, including the potential for data loss. In some cases, even if there is no damage or virus present, data may naturally degrade over time, leaving it susceptible to lose. This is a particularly troublesome possibility for companies that need reliable storage for important files. Data loss can destabilize a company and make it difficult to plan for the future, so this outcome is important to avoid.
5. Inaccessibility
Inaccessibility is yet another major issue that often plagues physical storage systems. When information is stored on a hard drive or a server, it can be difficult to extract it in situations such as a power outage, a network issue, or other obstacles that may arise. If your company’s access to its data is uncertain, you may be unable to use it in crucial moments. You need a system that offers more reliably accessible data, even in instances when unique challenges emerge.
6. Lack of Portability
You should also consider whether your current storage system allows for the seamless portability that cloud-based storage solutions can offer. A cloud-based storage solution is preferable in most cases because it allows for portability between devices. Conversely, if you cannot access the contents of a physical storage system, you will likely be unable to transfer the data to another device. Cloud-based storage overcomes this issue by allowing users to easily transfer files from one device to another. This allows data to remain highly portable and thus makes it easier to use.
7. Scalability
Finally, companies must consider the overall scalability that their storage system can offer. In most cases, physical storage systems offer limited scalability because any growth in the volume of data demands that more physical storage be added to the system. Companies that grow continuously will thus face a continuously increasing expense when it comes to housing their data. A cloud-based storage solution can mitigate this issue and offer a platform that’s more easily scaled to the fluctuations of your company. This can save companies substantial sums in data management expenses.
When you’re contemplating which storage solution is best for your company’s needs, there are many factors that you should take into consideration. Consider these seven reasons why cloud-based storage might be better than physical storage.