Cloud technology—simply known as “the cloud” in casual conversation—is rapidly rising as a storage solution for all kinds of media. However, many business owners are reluctant to trust the cloud with the entirety of their company’s data (and for good reason). That being said, hard disk drive (HDD) storage is quickly falling out of fashion for businesses of every size.
Though not exactly new, flash storage is a modern, popular form of storage in business and has several benefits over both the cloud and HDD. In this article, we’ll take a look at all three but mainly focus on flash and the cloud.
Summarized Definitions
Before we start breaking down these forms of storage, let’s review what they are:
- The cloud — Comprised of a complex virtual infrastructure that functions as a collective, cohesive network to store files and information remotely; physical servers and storage space owned by the hosting service.
One of the benefits of cloud storage is that you can access your files from any Internet-connected device. Image courtesy of How It Works.
- HDD — Uses rotating magnetic disks to store and retrieve digital data; connected to systems via standard interface cables.
HDDs were first introduced in 1956 by IBM and quickly rose into popularity. Image courtesy of TechRadar.
- Flash — A type of nonvolatile, floating-gate memory that is programmable and erasable; uses memory cells to write and store data.
Because it is nonvolatile, flash storage does not have any moving parts, unlike HDDs. A USB flash drive is one of the most common examples of flash storage that can be found in the everyday world. Image courtesy of Lifewire.
Pros and Cons
Each type of storage is accompanied by its own list of pros and cons. Not sure if you have the right kind of storage for your business? Looking at what a storage system has to offer—as well as what it doesn’t—is a good place to start. In this section, we’re not going to cover HDD storage because it’s pretty much the default option when it comes to storage, and if you’re reading this article, you’re most likely trying to upgrade from it anyway.
The Cloud
The cloud might be the most flexible of these three forms of storage, but it certainly isn’t without its drawbacks. Regardless, there are many benefits that come with cloud storage.
Pros
- Accessibility. Because the cloud isn’t confined in the same physical sense as HDDs and flash, it has more wide-ranging accessibility, meaning that you won’t be limited to viewing your files from a single device or from a single location.
- Easy sharing. The cloud is highly conducive to sharing, an attribute that can be largely attributed to its accessibility. This means that you can easily collaborate with colleagues and clients through your cloud service provider.
- Scalability. Most cloud service providers have hierarchical payment plans so that you aren’t paying for more storage than you’re actually using and can scale up or down if your needs change as time progresses.
- Automatic sync and backup. With the cloud, any changes you make to your files will be synced automatically, ensuring that you always have the most updated version of a file stored. Additionally, all of your files will be backed up in a remote location, so if something happens to your device—or even your company server—you won’t lose everything.
Cons
- Security. Data security is the primary concern that most companies have with cloud storage. Using the cloud involves bringing a third party—a cloud services provider—into your business. This means that your data is susceptible to internal as well as external threats.
- Bandwidth. Uploading and downloading files through the cloud can take more time than it would with local storage. Wide area network availability and costs can also play a role in the speed of data transfer through the cloud.
- Risk of outsourcing. Apart from security, there are other risks associated with outsourcing your data storage through the cloud. For instance, the financial stability of your cloud service provider and intellectual property theft.
Flash
Though the cloud is definitely the storage method that’s enjoying the limelight at this point in time, it’s important to remember that marketing hype isn’t always the most accurate predictor of the future. If you aren’t sold on the cloud, flash storage is an alternative that you might find is better suited for your business.
Pros
- Speed. Because it offers onsite storage, flash doesn’t have the same latency issues as the cloud, and it’s estimated to be 100 times faster than HDD.
- Security. Using flash storage means that there isn’t a third-party company that has access to all of your data. This means you aren’t as large of a target for hackers and don’t have to worry as much about external breaches.
- Control. Similarly, flash grants higher levels of control and management over data. And compared to HDD, flash offers users better performance, as well as better integration.
Cons
- Less versatility. Flash is definitely less versatile than the cloud because it isn’t as widely accessible and doesn’t have the same capacity for sharing and collaboration.
- Space. Though flash systems are decreasing in size, they still take up space, which might be a concern if you’re trying to condense your equipment.
- Cost. Flash isn’t cheap—and of course, it doesn’t have the same type of scalable payment plans that you can get with the cloud.
Consider Your Business Needs to Determine What’s Right for You
Ultimately, your business needs will have the most weight in deciding which type of storage you decide to invest in. If you’ve done the research and still can’t decide, consider bringing in an IT consultant who can offer you a professional opinion on the matter. And remember, storage doesn’t have to be all or nothing—hybrid systems are a great way to compromise and stay up to date with the latest tech while still having a system that you’re comfortable with.
