With ever-growing file sizes for documents, photos and video – along with the massive storage requirements for data archives – the need for storage space has never been higher. Managing all of your data in-house can be prohibitively expensive if you consider all of the software and equipment needed to host and secure it. The high demand for managed hosting solutions has opened the door to more robust and feature-rich storage packages than have ever been available.
If you’re trying to decide which hosting and storage solution is right for your needs, then here are a few hosting services and solutions to help you manage and protect your data effectively.
Local Hosting
Though the cost of maintaining your own servers can seem high in some industries, it is absolutely necessary for others. If you’re in a field that works with very private information, putting that data out onto a server owned by someone else may be a recipe for disaster. If you need to keep your data locked away and under your supervision at all times, you need a local server.
A small operation can get away with a relatively inexpensive setup for simple file sharing around the office or through secured remote connections. With the assistance of modern software packages, even an aging and nearly obsolete computer can be repurposed into a fully featured file server. If you do decide to go this route, then make sure you have reliable cooling hardware in place to protect against unforeseen outages; Hardware Secrets offers reviews and knowledge to make choosing the right heat management solution easy.
Cloud Services
“The Cloud” is a common buzz word floating around these days, but few completely understand what that means. Cloud storage services aim to eliminate downtime and improve scalability by using a network of machines to host content, rather than using a single server. Your cloud server can expand in resource allocation depending on the load that it is experiencing and drop back down to the minimum when traffic is low; your server will only use the space and bandwidth it needs to meet demand, meaning you only have to pay for what you actually use.
Apart from the benefits that cloud computing brings, providers include potent tools to keep your data backed up and secure. Cloud hosting can be a very cost-effective method to storing your business’s vital data.
Dedicated Server
If you’re looking for a high level of performance instantly available at all times, then you may need to consider dedicated hosting. Though one of the most expensive ways to store and host your information, dedicated servers are the ultimate in high speed hosting. Your server resources and bandwidth will not be shared with others, ensuring you the highest level of reliability. Only those that require the utmost degree of security or excessive demand should invest in a dedicated server due to the high costs involved and skills needed to properly manage.
There are many ways to host critical data and files, but your business needs will ultimately determine the correct type of hosting scheme for your company. If you carefully consider your goals and requirements before making a commitment, you’re sure to make the right decision both logically and financially.
