As technology usage grows and businesses become more reliant on digital systems to operate and store critical information, the need for cloud storage and backup solutions has never been greater. Understanding the differences between these services and how to choose the right one for your organization is an important factor for business success.
In this article, we'll address the key differences between cloud storage and cloud backup, how to determine what your business needs from these, what to look for in a provider, and how to choose the best solution for your organization's needs.
The first matter of business is addressing what exactly is cloud storage and managed cloud backups. The two are similar but have key differences in the purpose they serve.
Cloud backup is a service that stores copies of data on remote servers, which are managed by a third party. It's also known as online backup or remote backup.
Cloud storage allows you to easily share resources among staff. It makes it possible to access your files from anywhere as long as you have a good internet connection.
Learn More About Why Computer Backups Are Critical
Although most modern organizations would benefit from both cloud storage and cloud backup, there are instances where a company may use just one. Cloud storage is ideal for easy access, collaboration, and file sharing, while cloud backup ensures data protection and recovery in case of loss or cyber threats. Here are some scenarios where a business might use one over the other:
A business that primarily collaborates on documents, like a non-profit organization using Google Drive, may only need cloud storage for easy file access and sharing.
A business that stores sensitive data on local servers, such as a medical practice, may rely on cloud backup for disaster recovery without needing everyday cloud file access.
An organization such as a law firm may use a system like OneDrive for document management and a cloud backup solution to protect critical case files from accidental loss or cyber threats.
How Managed Backup Solutions Can Save Your Business
Not all cloud storage systems are created equal, and what works for one company may not be the best fit for another. To choose the right solution, it’s important to consult key team members and ask questions like:
Then there is the question of where the data is actually being stored (HINT: It's not in the sky.) There are performance considerations. Any cloud storage or cloud backup platform that will store your files far from your base of operations or customers will likely result in slow transfer times when uploading, accessing, or downloading data.
When it comes to assessing options for cloud backup, as these questions:
You can make the entire process easier by working with a reputable managed service provider to support your organization's cloud storage and managed backup solutions.
When choosing a cloud storage and backup provider, look for a company with good communication and credentials. Customer support should be responsive and easy to reach; after all, you want to know they’ll be available when you need them, especially during critical moments.
Choose a provider that can help you assess your business's needs and recommend the best tech solutions for your unique situation. You also want to make sure their security measures are top-notch, with strong encryption and protocols to protect your data. And don’t forget to check that they have experience supporting businesses in your industry and understand the specific compliance regulations you need to comply with. This way, you can feel confident that your data is secure, and your provider truly understands your business needs.
Choosing the right cloud storage and backup provider can be an overwhelming task, especially when considering security, scalability, and compliance needs. Working with an experienced managed IT partner, such as Premier IT, can help your organization implement the best solutions for data protection and recovery. Whether you need assistance assessing your organization's needs, setting up secure backups, or ongoing tech support, our expert guidance will help your business stay protected.
This is an updated article that was originally published in 2021.
Premier IT is a Minnesota based managed IT services provider with a dedicated IT support team that manages all your technology needs. We pay attention to the details so you can focus on what you do best. We provide technical consulting, hosted infrastructure, computer & network support, security, Microsoft support, repairs, network monitoring and more. If your small business needs reliable technical support, contact our team of experienced technicians and engineers.