In today’s digital world, cloud storage has become an essential storage service for individuals and businesses alike, owing to its flexibility, ease of accessibility, expandable capacity, organization, and strong security. Cloud services are also mobile, reliable, cost-efficient, time-saving, and come with advantageous back-up and data restoration features.
That said, it is no surprise that you would want to use cloud storage to manage your business files or keep important familial or private information, folders, or even memories stored safely.
However, the fact that there are many cloud storage providers out there can make things quite confusing. It can be difficult to determine which provider is right for you; this is why we are here to tell you what to consider when selecting a cloud storage provider.
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Computing Services
There are three types of cloud services: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. A public cloud is a cloud computing service that is delivered through the internet and is shared across various organizations. A private cloud computing service is one that is designated specifically for your organization.
A hybrid cloud computing service uses both public and private clouds. You need to determine the type of cloud computing service that is suitable for your needs.
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Once you have decided, search for a cloud storage provider that offers this service. If you are unable to decide, good cloud computing services should help you find out which service is the most appropriate for your needs.
Security
Security is a priority when it comes to an information storage method. It is an individual’s or business’ concern as far as data and networking are involved and should be at the top of your checklist when selecting a cloud storage provider. Cloud security functions like any network security and is mainly concerned with keeping your data safe. You should always ask potential cloud service providers about their safety, server-level security, and network security measures. Look for providers with measures that include firewall, encryption, multi-factor user authentication, and antivirus detection.
Pricing
Different cloud services come with different pricing structures. The average cost of cloud storage does not only depend on the platform or provider that you will be using, but it also varies depending on the size of your business, the numbers of users, the amount of data stored, the storage space, and other factors.
You need to assess your needs and understand how and what you will be charged for. You also need to ask about any possible increase in price should any changes occur.
Make sure that you will be able to add or let go of certain services if needed. Ask about the upfront costs, and whether you will be charged hourly, monthly, semiannually, or annually.
Where Data Will Be Stored
Cloud storage services store data at off-site locations as well. The physical location and security of the data storage centers are just as important as the online cloud data security and location. To know if your off-site data is safe, ask about your provider’s safety certifications. SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type II are certifications that indicate that your cloud storage provider’s products, systems, and data comply with the security standards of the industry.
Cloud Accessibility
If you are using cloud storage for your business organization, you need to make sure that your service is flexible and easily accessible. This will allow information, data, and files to be easily shared among the members of your organization.
Ask your potential provider how you can access your data and how to integrate the system into your workplace. The business world is dynamic and your own business is susceptible to many changes over time, like growth, for instance.
To make sure that your cloud storage is adaptable to possible changes, you need to ask about scalability and your provider’s ability to meet your dynamic and evolving needs.
Regulatory Compliance
There are many laws and regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCCI that have to do with the collection and storage of data. Understanding these regulations can be extremely confusing and scary when it comes to filing your business information.
Luckily, cloud storage services have security experts that are in charge of security compliance, freeing you of these worries. However, you will still need to make sure that your provider constantly updates their data storage rules and regulations so that your data isn’t affected.
Cloud storage services are highly beneficial. They are very easy to use, thanks to their accessibility and ease of access.
This is why many individuals and organizations choose them for their data storage needs. With the above considerations in mind, choosing the right cloud storage service should be much easier now that you know what to look for in a reliable provider.