Four Things To Consider Before Moving Your Data To The Cloud

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Many businesses are struggling with the difficult decision of staying with their current onsite data backup system or transitioning to a cloud-based online backup strategy.

Raghu Kulkarni, CEO of IDrive, an offsite, online backup provider, advises companies entertaining the idea of moving to the cloud to first consider their current situations in the areas of security, connectivity, complexity, and cost. "Some companies may need higher security, while others have poor internet connectivity which would make it extremely difficult to maintain a cloud based service," said Kulkarni. Highly complex and customized onsite IT systems could potentially be difficult to implement into the cloud as well.

These caveats are legitimate considerations, but often misplaced. Businesses that show apprehension toward cloud migration are frequently misdirecting their concerns.

Security
Many businesses feel the cloud is less secure, but, in reality, cloud service providers are careful to protect their reputations and invest in the latest technology to keep security up-to-date. When a company puts their data in a cloud, they are getting more security and data backup that many didn't previously have. Some online backup providers also offer the option for a private key encryption.

Infrastructure Complexity
Cloud services are much less risky than the standard procedures that many in-house IT systems utilize. Businesses with highly sophisticated infrastructures worry that cloud integration is too complicated, but there are many ways to solve the problems that go along with a complex system. Many service providers offer hybrid solutions that allow for an integrated plan with both onsite and offsite protection.

Location
Some companies argue that if all the employees are in one location, an onsite system makes more sense. "This argument does not hold up in the instance that a natural disaster strikes and wipes out the entire building," insists Kulkarni. If data is backed up to the cloud, it is easily recoverable in the face of any disaster. A cloud-based online backup plan also allows all users to have access from anywhere, anytime which is a key feature for businesses with employees in several locations.

Cost
Price always depends on the varying circumstances in each individual situation. Business size, infrastructure complexity, and the data storage space needed are just some of the factors that affect how much a cloud-based service plan will cost. Each provider will have different payment plans and account options. It's important to remember to pay for the service level you need. More expensive does not equal better quality, while cheaper doesn't necessarily mean low quality. Finding the right fit is what matters most.

Trends show that it's easier for SMBs to make the transition to the cloud due to smaller amounts of data, less red tape than with the bureaucracies of larger corporations, and reasonable pricing options with service plans that cater to SMBs through pay by storage space rates.  

If a business keeps its specific needs in mind and researches the vast options available, there's no reason to be apprehensive about cloud-based online backup and disaster recovery strategies. It's often the safest, most reliable and cost efficient solution.

About IDrive
IDrive is a privately held company specializing in cloud storage, online backup, file sharing, remote access, compliance, sync and related technologies. Core services include IDrive®, IDriveSync, IBackup®, RemotePC™ and EVS for developers. The company's services help over 2 million customers back up over 35 Petabytes of data.

Contact: IDrive, Matthew Harvey, 1-818-251-4200 ext, 127

SOURCE IDrive