Enterprises need data storage to respond to any strategic or operational challenges that demand high-quality corporate data that is easily accessible. The digital asset storage market can be really competitive, so in an effort to get market share, many of the shiny marketing messages you hear make it sound like “this solution is perfect for everyone.” Most mid-size and large businesses have unique data storage needs, which means one size might not fit all.
The Birth of a Cloud Conglomerate
Many enterprises host data in a combination of environments (e.g., on-premises, the cloud, and data centers), which can be categorized as a hybrid approach to storage. The shift from exclusively on-site storage to hybrid hosting is the result of very specific and unique business needs as well as skillset requirements. Combine this with a need for security, as well as geographical considerations, and it makes sense that enterprises choose to mix and match their solutions for maximum efficiency.
Flexibility plays a huge role as enterprises try to leverage their existing infrastructure investments while trying to optimize their future needs. In recent years, cloud platforms have started to offer more than just storage space, including artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) solutions, internet of things (IoT) capabilities, analytics, and blockchain features that can truly differentiate the experience and become more valuable over time.
When it comes to data storage, the cloud may seem to be one-size-fits-all. Nothing is taking up space in your workplace since data is stored via the internet. You upload documents, and they’re saved. What else is there to think about? Several things.
But when you dig deeper into the cloud, it presents several challenges for enterprises.
Cloud Vs. Colocation Side-by-Side
Most companies opt for a hybrid hosting solution, but which assets do you host in the cloud and which should you host in a data center? Learn the pros and cons of each.
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Adapting to Challenges
When we compare colocation with the public cloud, the difference is in the way assets are stored and managed as a whole.
Cloud hosting allows a virtual provider to manage your server, storage, and network elements. Cloud-based services also tout flexibility—you can rapidly scale data capacity depending on your specific workload and requirements. However, keep in mind that the more data you need, the higher the costs go. And the more variability in usage, the more costs fluctuate and become unpredictable.
Colocation, on the other hand, allows enterprises to host privately owned servers and networking equipment in a third-party data center. It’s an option that offers a balance of control and security, making it the ultimate solution for data storage for many organizations.
With colocation, enterprises have physical assets rather than just virtual ones―but without having to manage the physical environment like temperature, building security, and more. In a data center, you still own, manage, and control your hardware.
There are many benefits to switching your company’s data to colocation. It’s secure and the price is fixed. Best of all, you always have access to your data.
In a data center, you rent out space for where your assets can be placed and connected. With the cloud, you’re essentially renting virtual storage units and are charged based on the subscription plan you have with the cloud provider. The best option for you depends on your situation.
Why One Size Does Not Fit All
Colocation and cloud services offer two types of storage solutions for businesses. Each option has its own unique pros and cons that you have to consider when developing your data storage strategy.
What happens when there’s a storm and you lose power? Without internet access, there is no way to access your data. And what about security? You don’t even know where big tech’s servers are. How can you guarantee that they will keep your data safe?
These are all factors you have to think about when it comes to data storage for your company. Using the cloud may be popular, but it isn’t your only option.
A one-size-fits-all approach like you get from a cloud hosting provider isn’t going to cut it. You need a data center that forms a plan around your company. This is where HTDC comes into play.
Instead of leaving you to figure out everything on your own, HTDC provides expert advice. We can determine the best data storage setup for your business based on your specific needs.
The cloud claims to be a one-size-fits-all solution for many businesses, however, each business has its own specific needs and requirements, so it can be difficult to figure out exactly what you need.
At Heartland Technology Data Center, we’ll provide you with expert analysis and consulting to help you determine what the best setup for your business is, and how you can efficiently turn that requirement into reality. And we’ll be there as a partner to support your ongoing hosting needs.
With most cloud-based hosting providers, if you ever have questions—and if you’re new to the world of cloud storage, you’ll inevitably have questions—contacting the support team can be difficult. Cloud hosting providers are not known for their stellar communication. Once you do manage to find a support contact, you are likely to be in for a long process. There will be a ticketing line and lots of prompts, only to lead you to a bot in the end.
Waiting on the phone to tell a robot to submit a help ticket for you isn’t the most efficient way to solve a problem. It could be weeks before an actual human gets back to you, causing you to worry about the state of your data. You’re paying for this service, so you should know how it’s going, right?
At HTDC, we provide you with the support from an actual human being. You can call us or send us an email to get a high level of support. Because we’re smaller and regionally located, we can provide one-on-one customer support. Each client has different needs, and HTDC makes sure to take the time to listen to each of them.
The Bottom Line
As more and more businesses are driven by data, it is extremely critical to understand where this data is stored, and how secure it actually is.
Cloud hosting uses a network of servers that you can store your data on, where the hosting provider handles the hardware and infrastructure.
Colocation allows you to host your own systems and data within a third-party data facility. This facility handles the power, cooling, security, and connectivity, while everything else is under your control.
At HTDC, you get a consultative approach to colocation. We don’t stick a single plan on every business and call it a day. We take the time to talk about your company and data storage to make sure you have the best setup possible. Our data centers are secure, conveniently located, and fully capable of housing all your most sensitive information. What more could you ask for?
If you are not sure what’s better for your specific business, we’re here to help.If you think migrating to a colocation solution might be right for your business, get in touch with us for a consultation with an expert or a tour of our data center facility.