When a Data Center Makes More Sense Than the Cloud

At a certain point, a business has to make a choice with respect to data storage: do they want to opt for a cloud storage solution, store their data on-site, or outsource their data storage to a data center. There are financial, logistical, practical and even compliance and regulatory considerations to factor into these decisions. With that in mind, below are some of the situations in which a data center makes more sense than cloud storage. 

You Have a Heightened Need for Security 

While cloud computing and data storage solutions have come a long way in recent years, and it does offer you dedicated infrastructure with protected access and the added agility of pay-as-you-go, if you have the right protocols, compliance, and security software in place, your data can be as secure and potentially more in an off-site data storage or colocation center. Companies like TRG Datacenters offer you expert, reputable secure offsite data storage that makes sure your proprietary information and customer data are kept safe and secure. 

While security for cloud storage is by no means weak, and it is usually the first option for a wide variety of businesses, there are some realities of cloud storage that lead many companies to choose data centers. There is a lack of control when you choose to cloud storage, the issue of shared servers, often a lack of automatic data backup, data leakage, rogue devices, and vulnerable APIs and storage gateways to worry about. 

You Are Looking For a Combination of Infrastructure and Cost-Effectiveness

The cloud has a reputation for convenience, but user fees can actually end up being quite expensive, depending on the kinds of services you require. An on-site data center is usually the most expensive option and can be a substantial drain on your capital. To run on-site storage you need to employ the security and IT team to manage it and look after the regular infrastructure updates required to keep it operational and your data safe. 

An off-site storage location, either in your own private suite within a data center or as part of a colocation package, is a nice middle ground. You get the benefits of the cloud without having to make the sizeable investment required to host data on-site. This is an especially attractive option for companies who have left the startup phase and are now firmly in the growth phase and are looking for something more robust than the cloud but are unable to sustain anything on-premise. 

You Handle Extra Sensitive Client Data

Companies often choose to use data centers over more common cloud storage solutions when they collect and use customer data that, were it to leak, or be lost or stolen, would constitute not only a major threat to the health of their business but to the private lives of the people who trust them. Companies that collect and hold sensitive financial, medical and educational data, for example, often choose to use physical data centers over the cloud, as do telecommunication companies and social media companies. This is not a guarantee of data security, but the cloud has shown itself to be vulnerable over the years and in many cases easier to penetrate. 

You Need a Cold Storage Location 

A cold storage location refers to data storage that is completely offline (i.e., is not in the cloud at all). Data is stored in a physical securable medium and then housed offsite in the event that something like a flood, fire, or attempted physical theft occurs. This data storage option is typically used by businesses for compliance purposes on a long-term basis. Financial institutions have cold data storage requirements but many companies that are increasingly worried about the threat of ransomware attacks see cold storage as the safest backup plan they can have. 

Conclusion

Cloud storage is certainly convenient and has its place, but it is not the only or even the most ideal option out there for many businesses and industries. Data centers help companies address a heightened need for security, provide scalability and peace of mind, and are the only option for companies looking for cold storage locations. Keep these data center advantages in mind and make the best choice for your company and client data.