Cloud storage has never been more critical for companies with the world now built on data. It wasn’t that long ago that people used to look at data technicians and IT staff with a quizzical look when the cloud was mentioned. Removing the jokes about ‘keeping data in the sky’, there was still a sense of confusion about what cloud storage was and how it would help your business. However, nowadays, not many companies can rely on a functioning and efficient business plan without having somewhere to store their data securely.
To help answer some of the questions about cloud software, we’ve put together this article. Neuways will go through the differences between public and private cloud hosting and how you can ensure you are complying with GDPR. Let’s start with understanding what the public cloud is all about.
What is the public cloud?
The public cloud is the most common type of cloud computing deployment. Cloud storage and servers are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service provider. These are pretty common for businesses using web-based email and online office applications. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud.
If you want to know the advantages of public clouds:
Lower costs – no need to purchase hardware or software, and you only pay for the service you use.
No maintenance – your service provider provides the care. So, if there are any issues, it is down to the host and not yourself to get it fixed.
High reliability – companies don’t offer these services unless they can guarantee against failure. So, your data will be safe and should comply with GDPR.
Scope for more – the bigger your business grows, the more data you will need to store. Public cloud service providers allow you to increase and extend your data at any point.
What is the private cloud?
Some companies will opt to keep their data with a private cloud storage provider. If you have the budget and know-how, this is a desirable option. However, it essentially means that your business is responsible for your data, and it is solely your company’s responsibility. A third-party service could host the cloud; however, the benefits and infrastructure are maintained by your business.
What a private cloud does is give you more flexibility. Your IT team will have its requirements, and you may need to meet these. Rather than going to an external cloud storage provider and asking them to tweak it to suit your business, you have the flexibility to do it yourself.
Who would use a private cloud?
Microsoft notes that government agencies and financial institutions usually use a private cloud. Anyone who needs absolute control over their data environment. If you hold vitally secure data and information, a private cloud could be the suggested method.
What about a hybrid cloud?
If there were ever a recommended choice, it would be a hybrid cloud. It combines the benefits of a private cloud and a public cloud. Your organisation can still have control over sensitive assets; however, there is the bonus of the public cloud being able to help your business meet data regulations.
Public cloud data storage hosts and servers ensure that they provide GDPR and other data notices. Although the business that owns the data is still responsible for ensuring their cloud provider complies with the regulations, the providers ensure that they have everything covered so that your business is safe and secure.
Why would you choose to use a hybrid cloud?
The hybrid cloud is used by organisations that would like flexibility in their IT team but also don’t want to spend half their time dealing with red tape. Unless you have a data specialist on your team, ensuring everything is above board can be a nightmare. So, with a hybrid cloud, you get the specialist data whilst taking full advantage of on-premises technology investment, plus the regulation enforcement.
How can Neuways help with cloud infrastructure?
Neuways can help you with your cloud infrastructure and help you to choose the right cloud system for you. Whether it be the private cloud, public cloud or hybrid cloud, we can always point you in the right direction. Your strategies may require different levels of attention, and we don’t want you to be wasting money or time on something that could be done more efficiently.
Here are some stats for you that you may find to help your business make the right choice with your cloud data!
Hybrid cloud adoption is at 58%, whilst the global cloud computing marketing is expected to reach £473B by 2023. It is the place to be and shows just how valuable data storage is for businesses right now. The cloud data centres process 94% of workloads. Without a cloud storage provider, your company would either struggle to run efficiently, or it would not realise its potential!
Find the proper cloud infrastructure for your business with Neuways
For more information about cloud computing and the benefits, it could bring to your business, contact us today on 01283 753 333. Alternatively, request a call back from our team to learn how we can help your business ensure its data is safe and secure.
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