Type of Data Storage for Your Business
So, what type of data storage is right? Business owners have a lot of decisions that they have to make – especially when it comes to technology. And in a world where there’s a program, software, and gadget for everything, it can be difficult to know which type of tech is best for you.
Data storage is a necessity that no business can live without. But how do you know what form of storage is the right fit? In this article, we’re going to break down the most popular business storage options to give you a little more context to answer that very question.
Why Is Storage So Important?
Before we get into the different kinds of storage, let’s take a closer look at storage itself. Data storage refers to the saving and, of course, storing of your company’s information in all of its forms – including documents, photos, emails, databases, videos, and any other type of file.
Storage is important because not only does it allow you to maintain an archive of your business’s data, but it also enables you to protect your private information from security threats. Furthermore, keeping various types of company data on-file isn’t just a smart business practice any longer – it’s an integral part of adhering to government regulations and can be especially useful in certain legal situations.
Types of Data Storage
So, what are the different types of storage, and what differentiates them from one another? The major categories of storage are external hard drives, flash storage, and the cloud.
Type of Data Storage
External Hard Drives
Hard disk drive storage (also known as HDD) relies on external hardware to store your data. Most HDDs use rotating magnetic disks to store and retrieve files and are connected to a system with a standard interface cable.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
- Onsite storage
Cons:
- Required additional backup
- Somewhat outdated
- No remote access
Flash Storage
Flash storage is nonvolatile – meaning that it doesn’t require continuous power to function – and utilizes floating-gate memory. Even if you haven’t heard of flash storage per se, you’ve almost definitely heard of and have probably used a flash drive at some point, which is a portable means of flash storage.
Pros:
- Speed
- Onsite storage
- High level of control
Cons:
- Not very flexible
- Cost
- Takes up space
The Cloud
Cloud storage, colloquially known as “the cloud,” is a form of remote, online storage that saves, stores, and retrieves your data via a cloud service provider. While HDDs and flash are both onsite forms of storage, the cloud is not – your cloud service provider uses an external network of servers to keep your data safe and accessible.
Pros:
- Easy sharing
- Remote access
- Scalable payment plans
Cons:
- Security and dependence on a third party
- Latency
Identifying Your Type of Data Storage Needs
In most cases, the type of storage you choose depends on your company and its storage needs. The amount of data that you need to store, how quickly you’ll need to access the data, and where you’ll need to access the data are all factors that will act as determinants in your decision.
Capacity
Storage capacity is one of the first things that you need to consider: You don’t want to over-purchase storage, but you also don’t want to under-purchase it.
Ask Yourself . . .
- How much data are you currently storing?
- Do you anticipate your needs changing? If so, what’s a rough estimate of how much data you’ll need to store in the future?
Speed
Speed is another initial factor that you need to take into account – because it might end up being the decision-maker.
Ask Yourself . . .
- How big of a role does speed have in your day-to-day storage needs?
- Is speed a priority? Would you be willing to sacrifice other qualities for the sake of speed?
Accessibility
Accessing stored files from remote locations is one of the major benefits of the cloud, but if accessibility (and with that, flexibility) isn’t a necessity for your business, then the cloud might have more cons than pros for your company.
Ask Yourself . . .
- Who needs to have access to the data, and where will they be accessing it from?
- How many people will you be trying to accommodate in terms of accessibility?
Still Not Sure? An IT Consultant Can Help.
Like we said earlier, determining the right tech for your business is no easy task—even if you engage in some hardcore research. If you’re not confident that you know the best route to go in terms of storage (or any type of business tech, really), an IT consultant can steer you in the right direction to ensure that you get the most out of your company’s investment.