Finding the right data storage solution for your business is important. Businesses are collecting more data than ever, and it needs to be stored and protected properly. It’s expected that data storage and security costs will exceed $1 trillion by 2021, and your company or business should invest money in your own security.
If you’re in the IT world, the cloud vs server debate can seem endless. There are pros and cons to each platform, and deciding which one is “best” is truly a matter of personal preference.

Cloud Or Server? What’s Right For You?

There is no right or wrong answer when you ask the question of what kind storage service is the best for your needs. The answer is going to vary depending on the size of your business, data usage needs, and a variety of other factors.
Let’s take some time to dive into the basics of each storage platform, and the pros and cons of using them.
The main differentiator in the cloud vs server argument is the hardware.
Servers are physical devices where data is stored. Cloud-based storage or hosting services don’t use physical devices.
When you store data in a cloud, it exists in a virtual environment. This makes it easily accessible almost anywhere there’s an internet connection.

Cloud: Pros And Cons

One the main benefits of using cloud services are flexibility and accessibility. Because the data lives in a virtual environment, you can access important information from almost anywhere. As long as you have login information and an internet connection you can find what you need.
Cloud servers are easily scalable and storage space can be increased or decreased almost instantly. Backing up data is also simple and can be done in minute or hour intervals.
The main cloud cons that are highlighted in the cloud vs. server debate has to do with cyber security. Third parties that host the data can have access to it.
There’s also the issue of user experience. If you have a slow internet connection, finding data and connecting to the cloud can be difficult.

Servers: Pros And Cons

When it comes to physical servers, the main advantage is security. You won’t have to worry about third parties or unauthorized personnel having access to important data.
Everything you need will be physically stored in servers, and if you keep them on site you’ll have an extra added layer of security.
Server cons mainly focus on space and cost. Physical servers cost money, and you’ll end up paying for the server itself and the IT talent you’ll need to maintain it.
If you don’t have a lot of space on site, you may not want to have physical servers. Servers can take up a considerable amount of space. They also need to be stored in cool environments to keep them from overheating.

Conclusions

There’s never going to be a blanket answer to the cloud vs. server argument. When you choose your storage solution you have to think about what features matter most to you. When it comes to convenience and the best bang for your buck, cloud comes out ahead. If you want to keep your data close to you, server may be the way to go.
If you have questions about either or the best storage solutions for your business, contact us so we can help.