Analyzing Enterprise Data Storage Solutions from Ground to Cloud

The most daunting aspect of computer age is storage of huge volumes of data generated every moment. Massive data is generated by all industry verticals that should be securely stored by accessing different means of storage.

Reviewing options for enterprise data storage

There are two basic methods of data storage including on-site data storage facilities and hosted services for storing data at of premise and remote locations.

In addition to these options, a third and technologically advanced option of cloud based storage model is also being explored by many forward thinking organizations. It is estimated that by the end of the year 2016, cloud based storage will account for almost 40 percent of data.

No two organizations can have similar storage requirements. Every organization needs to assess its own storage needs to determine the right data storage solution to cater to its unique storage objectives.

Approach to data storage largely depends upon the type of data that needs to be stored and also on the type of key business drivers. Cloud oriented storage solutions is radically different in multiple aspects than off-site backup solutions in terms of cost efficiency and accessibility. There are three major aspects of data storage that need to be analyzed before choosing the most appropriate data storage model for any business.

Data management and control

This is one of the most vital deciding factors while choosing a relevant data storage solution for the organization. If you need to exercise greater control on business data of the organization, then an on-site data storage solution would be the most ideal alternative.

On premise data storage offers enhanced support for data replication with greater capabilities for backup. Physical data storage infrastructure supports optimized performance of data and various applications inside a single system.

In order to make sure that applications are able to perform optimally, one must be able to have fine tuned storage of the entire application stack. This is achieved with help of on-premise data storage infrastructure in addition to seamless adherence to compliance guidelines and data security parameters.

Cloud based storage solutions are adopted by companies that are not supposed to achieve same standards of data control that is possible with the on-site data storage methods that are elucidated earlier. These services are essentially governed by Service Level Agreements that are binding on cloud storage service providers and clients.

Organizations can empower their data storage with scalable and robust storage solutions without having to invest heavily in building on premise storage infrastructure. In addition to this there can be multiple advantages of cloud based storage systems including Disaster Recovery facilities, unrestricted storage capacity, and economy of multi-tenancy, to name a few.

Companies can also leverage custom meta-data of cloud storage to gain multi-layered security. Technology refresh can be expected to take place once every three years. Migration of data is easier while the old nodes are retiring to be replaced with new nodes. Users can ensure seamless business continuity with no incidence of down time during data center migration.

Dealing with availability and latency

Whether you are choosing on-premise data storage method or are adopting cloud storage it is desired that the storage solution will be lead to instant data availability without any latency issues.

Built-in redundancy of cloud storage at all infrastructure levels including redundant WAN links and cloud storage gateways obviate protection gaps that have potential to cause data loss and outages.

Ease of access without latency or delay can be achieved by adopting hybrid cloud storage that leverage WAN optimization techniques for mitigation of data traffic and by local caching of data.

One must not overlook advantages of on-premise data storage. These storage methods are able to be seamlessly configured for uninterrupted availability. It calls for greater level of expertise and investment to achieve multi-site and multi-array availability with onsite-storage facilities.

Organization can access high degree of flexibility for creating superior data protection, point in time recovery, and disaster recovery.

One can also achieve granular level backups with help of on-premise data storage. If your organization has to deal with high performance workloads with low latency including database applications and desktop or server virtualization, then on premise storage solutions could prove to be highly relevant.

Cost considerations

Cloud storage is governed by pay-as-you-use model of utility payment. It is obviously a better choice with availability of full-function on premise solution for storage of data.

The cloud approach is more economical because there are no capital investments to be made and the organizations only need to pay monthly subscriptions to email service providers.

Cloud storage also helps you save on maintenance of infrastructure, workforce costs, and investment in space and manpower. One should critically assess every possible element before finalizing righty solution by determining cost comparison between cloud based and on premise storage solutions.

In conclusion

Unless you have an in-depth idea about your organizations individual storage needs and policies, it would be difficult to finalize the right solution. You should explore on-premise storage solution for adhering to regulatory compliance as well as data governance. Cloud storage option is usually preferred by companies that are in search of a cost effective, accessible, and flexible storage alternative.