Data Storage: Meeting Your Business Needs
As a company becomes more productive and more effective in meeting customer needs, they often experience a related problem: What to do with the increasing amount of data they create. Fortunately, as businesses have evolved and their important data has evolved, so has data storage. Managers now have access to various types of cost-effective storage options to meet a wide range of needs.
Storing necessary files used to be bulky, inefficient, and expensive. The data being stored was not nearly as complex as it is today, and switching storage types was time-consuming and risky. Even accessing those stored files when you needed them could also prove challenging.
Today, any business should be able to find a storage solution that meets their specific needs. But to do that efficiently, it’s important to know what those needs are. Are they mostly storing documents, or images, or large amounts of high-definition video? Are they storing basic business data, or tracking hundreds of thousands of items and barcodes? Will a small group of employees handle the information, or will vendors and contractors need access as well? Will users be in one general part of the country, or does it need multiple access points in different cities around the world?
No one solution exists that works in every situation. The needs of the business will determine which data storage option fits best. Fortunately, there are several options to consider.
Exploring the Different Types of Data Storage
When it comes to data storage, there are several options to consider. Let’s take a closer look at three common types: Direct Access Storage (DAS), Network Attached Storage (NAS), and Cloud Storage.
DAS encompasses storage options directly connected to a computer, such as internal/external hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and flash drives. While cost-effective, sharing data across multiple devices or locations can be challenging with DAS.
NAS, on the other hand, utilizes a network connection to enable multiple users and teams to access data from various locations. By connecting multiple DAS storage options, NAS allows for broader accessibility while maintaining physical storage locations. However, NAS solutions tend to be more expensive.
Cloud Storage eliminates the need for physical storage by providing unlimited access from anywhere with an internet connection. While convenient and reliable, it requires a robust security strategy to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Each storage type offers various configurations, with evolving technology providing larger capacities, improved speed, and enhanced security. However, premium options may come with increased costs. Businesses must carefully manage their storage budgets and select features aligned with their specific needs.
Navigating the world of data storage requires understanding the strengths and limitations of each option.
Backup the Backups: Safeguarding Your Data
Implementing a backup strategy is crucial, regardless of the chosen data storage solution. Experts recommend following the rule of three: maintain two additional backups of essential files, with at least one copy stored offsite. This redundancy acts as insurance in case of a disaster, ensuring critical data remains accessible, albeit with potential delays in restoration.
Asking The Right Questions
To determine the ideal data storage solution for your business, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Consider factors such as the type of data to be stored, the intended users and their locations. However, this list is not exhaustive, as other variables must be considered. A successful solution must exhibit flexibility, reliability, and adaptability to changing needs and circumstances. Making the wrong choice can lead to inefficiency, unnecessary costs, and time wastage. The data storage solution should seamlessly align with your business, not the other way around.
Partnering with Imperium Data Networks grants you access to both technical expertise and extensive experience. Our team excels in asking the pertinent questions, predicting obstacles, and identifying productivity-enhancing features. We assist in finding the perfect storage solution tailored to your current operational needs and future growth. Take the first step toward the right data storage answers by visiting our Contact Us page and consulting with our experts.