If your small business is gearing up to expand, you can benefit from cloud services. Cloud storage allows you to save, access, share, and manage data remotely without relying on a hard drive or local server. Use the guide below to help you determine if this option is right for your company.

What to Know About Cloud Storage

What are the benefits of using it?

Transitioning to cloud service and storage has many advantages. Your team can work anywhere with an internet connection, and you can cut costs on the maintenance, repair, and replacement of in-office hardware.

Storage capacity is also more flexible. Purchase as much storage as you need, then add more as the company's needs grow.

Is it secure?

Businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on digital data, so they need stronger cybersecurity. Cloud storage is almost always more secure than local servers.

Depending on your cloud service provider, your data may be protected by encryption, increased security, and physical security around servers to prevent leaks. You can also implement access and password protocols to limit what users can see and make your system more difficult to hack.

How is data migrated into the cloud?

Migrating your data to cloud storage would be challenging and time-consuming on your own. Fortunately, your cloud service provider is well-equipped to handle the transition.

The process involves transferring data from your on-premise equipment to an off-site server. They may do this online through a secure server, such as an FTP or SSH server, or attach an external hard drive to the current server to copy the data to the cloud.

Where is the data stored?

When files are no longer stored on the premises, they must be housed somewhere. Data is usually kept in a secure remote system managed by your provider.

Cloud service providers have facilities containing servers, hard drives, and backup power. These data centers may be located in your town, across the state, or in another country. Check with your cloud service provider to find out exactly where your data will be stored.