In this post we discuss the pros and cons of cloud storage. ‘Cloud' storage refers to data residing on a removablestorage device and accessed via a server. Cloud data storage is classed as 'infrastructure as a service'. Cloud storage has well and truly hit the mainstream and it is now used by many consumers. Cloud storage has many advantages over traditionaldocument box storageand we see no reason why your business should not be using it too!
Below we list pros and cons of this not-so-new technology.
Pros Of Cloud Storage
Advantage #1: Disaster Recovery (DR)
When you use cloud storage, data is at a reduced risk of system failure since all data is stored and backed up on an external device often thousands of miles away from your own location. This means you avoid expensive data retrieval that follows an all-too-common hard-drive malfunctioning. Cloud storage providers automate the backup process for you. Therefore there is no need to back up your data on an external device yourself. You save time and stress as a result.
Advantage #2: Access your data anywhere
Since your data is stored remotely you can access it whether you are in Manchester or Madrid, all you need is an internet connection. This is especially helpful if your work requires frequent travel or if your team is located in different time-zones.
Cloud storage also helps the collaborative process when your team is spread out across the globe. Cloud storage makes it easy for employees to log in and access other team members' work regardless of location and distance that separates team members. When you use cloud storage you're not restricted by place or medium and your employees are able to work from home or abroad as a result.
Think of Google Sheets, this is a cloud-based document that any employee can access and work on and share information in real-time with other colleagues.
Advantage #3: Low cost
Cloud storage eliminates the need to pay for storage facilities or hardware at a physical location. Cloud storage also avoids the need to invest in expensive server infrastructure since the cloud company provides this off-site for you.
You eliminate the need to pay a dedicated in-house storage professional since you outsource this to the cloud storage company. Unlike in-house employees, you do not need to pay the cloud storage company sick pay or holiday pay.
Advantage #4: Scalability
You only pay for the amount of storage you need. If your business experiences growth, the cloud operator can accommodate your corresponding growth in data storage needs. You simply extend the amount of available storage by varying how much you pay. Likewise, if your business shrinks, you can then opt for less storage space at a reduced rate.
Scalable payment plans such as 'pay as you go' are commonly available. Thus cloud storage caters for all business sizes and needs.
Advantage #5: Security
Professional cloud storage firms typically offer far better data security than is otherwise available to small businesses through efforts of their own. Cloud storage companies offer password-protected data storage and multi-factor authentication. Data is then sent over the internet using encryption technology. This ensures the highest standards of security are upheld.
Cons Of Cloud Storage
Now we look at some of the cons of cloud storage.
Disadvantage #1: Lack of total control
Since data is held offsite by a company you do not control, you lack the ability to control and customise your data storage set-up. This is likely to be an issue for larger businesses that have complex storage needs. This typically requires a level of customisation that cloud data storage companies are unfortunately unable to accommodate.
Cloud storage systems are not as flexible in terms of addressing complex issues that may be particular to specific industries without investing in bespoke development work.
Disadvantage #2: Difficult to migrate
Once you've signed up and started using one particular cloud storage provider, it can be difficult to migrate data to other cloud storage providers later on.
This is a phenomenon known as 'vendor lock-in'. Vendor lock-in is particularly a problem for medium-to-large size businesses that store massive amounts of data with one cloud provider. If you run into problems with that provider it may be problematic to switch to another provider due to the sheer size of data and related complexities of making a move.
Disadvantage #3: Requires Internet
If your Internet connection fails, so does your access to remotely stored data. Internet failure thus leads to costly downtime when your business heavily relies on cloud storage. Furthermore if your Internet connection is slow you will need to wait a long time in order to access your remotely stored data.
No cloud provider offers an outage-free service. A recent significant example of a cloud storage outage occurred in July 2024 when Microsoft's Azure cloud services went down, primarily affecting users in the Central US region. The outage, which lasted about a day, disrupted multiple Azure services and Microsoft 365 applications. The incident was severe enough to cause widespread issues across various industries, including the grounding of hundreds of flights by major airlines due to disruptions in their booking and check-in systems.
Disadvantage 4: Security and privacy have been an issue
Cloud storage means handing over the control of confidential information to a third-party company. Before you transfer data to a cloud storage provider you must have utter faith this company is capable of keeping your data secure.
Your cloud computing provider will back up your data but this can still at times can still go wrong. In 2021 the cloud storage company OVHCloud experienced a catastrophic fire at one of its data centers in Strasbourg, France. The fire destroyed one of its four data centres and partially damaged another. This incident led to the permanent loss of some customer data, as backups were also affected.
You have no control over the data storage environment so are at the mercy of the service provider's infrastructure.
Disadvantage 5: Fixed contracts can be a problem
Some cloud storage suppliers may try to fix you into a long term contract. This may be disadvantageous if your data storage needs reduce meaning you must now pay for storage you're not even using.
Conclusion
Whilst cloud storage does pose potential security threats and may not be suited to all business needs, we feel the benefits of cloud storage far out-way the potential costs. Cloud storage is certainly here to stay and something most businesses should consider using.
