The usage of data has been embedded in our routines in such a delicate manner that we never truly appreciate its use, not only does it point us in the right direction, it helps us avoid the wrong one. If used with the correct tools, of course. Imagine a journal which keeps a daily log of all your actions in excruciating detail. The pretty conundrum here would be that neither would you want to lose it nor would you want to waste space keeping it.
Thus you store it.
Over the years, data has changed forms which have added to the ease of its transmission and storage, one can argue that it has also had that same effect on it theft. Two sides of a coin, however in a preventive manner, one should adhere to certain guidelines.
Take care of your internal storage
We have all become rather casual in our approach towards the devices that we use, may it be computers or laptops which comes with serious repercussions. Being careful can not only increase the life of your internal storage but also your device. Small changes here and there can make a huge difference, like using hard surfaces and cleaning can help you keep it cool and hence give it a lasting lifespan.
You could lose that too
Copying your data to a pen drive or a hard drive or other such portable devices might not be sufficient. Have a contingency plan in case you end up breaking it or corrupting it. However, if kept properly, it can be a good way to store personal as well as company data. Therefore, when important data is considered, one should consider servers as a place where you can back up your backup.
That leads us to Cloud Storage
Thanks to cloud computing technology, data can now be stored in logical pools across various physical servers, space which can be rented as per requirement. No restriction on availability, low energy consumption, scalability and additional security measures. For the benefit of the businesses, there are different types of services offered to suit their needs and requirements, such as:-
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
We are technology driven and thus every company, to some extent, relies on software to get things done. But not every company can afford to develop software, they can get licensed software on a subscription basis.
- Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Eliminating the capital expense of creating an infrastructure can be taxing on the company’s resources but IaaS provides a better alternative by hosting hardware, software, storage, servers etc. and renting them out.
- Database as a Service (Daas)
Cultivated information is gold and to get access to such without having to set up physical hardware or software is a bliss. This also makes database management easier which provides structure to information and allows a company to make sound decisions based on data rather than conjecture.
- Platform-as-a-Service (Paas)
Developing, running and managing an application is difficult but PaaS gives the user an opportunity to do the same without having to make huge capital investments.
There is something for everyone as the choice extends to a private, public and hybrid cloud as per user requirement.
Your Business and Cloud computing
Several small and medium-sized (SME) business owners believe cloud is for the big guns, whereas that is far from true. For the uninitiated, the above might not make much sense so let us put it this way:-
- You can access your data sitting at a restaurant on the other side of the world
- You don’t have to worry about hiring a tech guy and paying him huge salaries, you can just outsource the work and pay according to the quantum.
- Your capital costs decrease substantial, which leaves more for working capital. Hurray!
