When planning your data storage solutions, you need to be aware of the pitfalls to consider before going with any one single option. Most people turn to Data Storage Solutions for help with an existing problem.
Data Storage Solutions could replace out-of-date onsite hardware, ease new budget concerns, or fulfill a need for more fault-tolerant data storage solutions. It could also be simply the need for more storage space that leads a company to seek out better data storage solutions. These are all great reasons to consider finding a Data Storage Solution, but you should be aware of some of the pitfalls you will need to consider when making your decision.
What is a Data Storage Solution?
Data storage solutions use recording media to retain data. Data Storage Solutions for businesses can be managed on physical devices or cloud-based services for SMBs that offer data storage solutions. Spending a good chunk of your IT budget means that you should research every element of the data storage solution you are looking into purchasing.
As we move away from tapes and magnetic drives and towards offsite in-the-cloud super solutions, the old problems seem almost easy compared to what could go wrong with the newer technology.
In the past, if someone lost a tape, you would buy another one, slap it in the machine, and be on your way. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to cloud-based data storage solutions as if they were a group of large bodyguards that no one wants to mess with. But in reality, we all know that isn’t true, and security breaches and hardware failures always happen.
It’s just a matter of what action plan you use to get business back to normal. Disaster plans are a vital element in your overall network infrastructure design.
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Types of Data Storage Solutions
Cloud Data Storage Solutions
Cloud Data Storage Solutions have become very popular due to their accessibility features. Cloud Data Storage Solutions require no physical storage devices; hence, they can be very versatile for growing companies. When employing cloud technology, multiple servers, data centers, and IT infrastructures worldwide act as data storage solutions.
Cloud Backup Data Storage Solutions
Cloud back works similarly to cloud data storage solutions, where the data is stored across various data centers and servers. Cloud backup data storage solutions providers can backup all of the data in your hard drives with the touch of a button, and this data can be used to restore lost data on your physical devices.
With larger data storage file sizes compared to cloud data storage solutions, cloud backup solutions have a better capability to store and retrieve files from the cloud.
USB Flash Drives
Due to their portable nature, USB flash drives have become popular data storage solutions for ordinary people. Due to their removable and rewritable capabilities, flash drives tend to be slightly less secure as data storage solutions.
Pitfalls of Data Storage Solutions
With all the changes comes a considerable need for prioritization in terms of data storage solutions. Which data can your company part with, and how often do they need it?
What data is considered top security and needs to have the most guard dogs? Virtualization has begun creeping into almost every aspect of IT.
Do you trust the technology with your most prized data?
Security isn’t the only concern. Capacity and future expansions are also factors in any decisions you make.
Here are a few other tips to help you consider the possible pitfalls in choosing a Data Storage Solution that will meet your company’s needs.
Regulations Matter
One of the biggest reasons to do your research before choosing a particular Data Storage Solution is their compliance with government regulations. Does your business fall under Sarbanes-Oxley or HIPAA? Backups are subject to these rules as well. When using a 3rd party vendor, the regulations may require even tighter security than if the business's data were housed internally.
Security is King
There have been some concerns about the security of moving your data offsite and then putting it into the hands of a 3rd party vendor. Mismanaged data storage solutions now mean that your area of vulnerability is more prominent, and there will be more possibilities for things to go wrong. It’s your data, so it’s your decision where to house it, but some things are out of your control, such as attacks on known Data Storage Solution vendors. It may not be easy to compromise business security for a business whose primary goal is security, but it may be a larger target.
Is it Legal?
Make sure you are fully aware of your legal department’s requirements in regard to old data. They are a top concern in ensuring the Data Storage Solution you choose meets everyone’s needs.
- How long are you required to keep accounting or collections data?
- How about email correspondence? These are more things to consider when deciding on Data Storage Solutions for your company.
- Can they handle it?
- Is the Data Storage Solution vendor you are looking at working with able to handle your future needs? Future planning in IT systems is critical in being cost-effective and being able to meet the needs of the end-user community.
This is one of the reasons you should not purchase your company’s data storage solution too far into the future, as you may end up wasting budget dollars on an expense you did not need. This doesn’t mean you should pass up any good deals, just make sure you are not locked into anything that will waste your company’s money.
Unforeseeable Things
Let’s say you decide to use a Data Storage Solution that is offsite through a 3rd party vendor. What happens if this company gets bought out or goes bankrupt? It happens, and it is entirely out of your control. Be sure to ask the vendor what type of planning they’ve done for a change in direction within their company.
If a Data Storage Solution vendor is genuinely looking out for its customers, it will be able to provide a clear plan of action should you need to get your data and run. Based on the complexity of your business data storage needs, you can also compare the best CRM system features and pricing to see if this software can fit your needs, particularly for effectively organizing customer data in a small business.
