IT solutions for businesses
In today's digital world, data storage is vital for every business. As a business grows, so does the data it creates: customer details, financial records and more. Storing it safely and securely is essential.
With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This page covers the four main routes, from on-site systems to cloud-based options, so you can see which suits your needs best.
The four options at a glance
On-site
Data held on physical devices at your premises. Full control over access and security, but you own the upgrades and the risk of damage.
Cloud
Data held by a provider and reached over the internet. Scalable, accessible from anywhere, and paid for monthly based on usage.
Hybrid
A mix of the two. You decide which data stays on-site and which goes to the cloud, based on sensitivity and how often it is used.
Managed
A third party looks after your storage for you, freeing up your own people and resources.
On-site data storage solutions
On-site storage is a common choice for businesses that want their data close and secure. The data sits on physical devices at your own premises, such as a network attached storage (NAS) system.
What works well
- Full control over data access and security.
- Restricted physical access to the devices can reduce the risk of unauthorised access or cyberattacks.
- No monthly storage subscription once you have bought the hardware.
What to plan for
- If the device is damaged, for example in a flood, you risk losing critical business data.
- Systems need regular upgrades and monitoring.
- Rapid growth or technical change can mean high costs compared with cloud-based options.
On-site storage gives you flexibility and control, but you take on risks such as natural disasters and scalability.
Cloud data storage solutions
Cloud storage has become increasingly popular, offering a scalable and flexible way to store data. Staff can reach files from anywhere with an internet connection, which makes collaboration and remote working easier.
- Pay as you use. Rather than buying hardware and maintaining it, you pay a monthly fee based on usage.
- Resilience. Many providers offer backup and disaster recovery options, so your data can stay safe through a natural disaster or cyber attack.
- Collaboration. Most providers include tools such as file sharing and real-time editing, so teams can work together whatever their location or device.
Usage-based pricing cuts both ways, because you pay every month to store, replicate and download data. Read the challenge of predicting cloud costs before you commit, and see our cloud NAS storage page for another option.
Hybrid data storage solutions
Hybrid solutions suit businesses that want both on-site and cloud storage. They combine the security and control of on-site storage with the flexibility and scalability of the cloud.
- Choose what goes where. Base the decision on sensitivity, how often the data is accessed and how much space you need. Frequently accessed or sensitive information can stay on-site for faster access and tighter control, while less critical data moves to the cloud to free up space.
- Scale up or down as needed. You can change capacity without investing in extra hardware or infrastructure, which helps companies with growth or seasonal swings in demand.
Hybrid storage offers a flexible way to balance cost, reliability and performance. Moving data between locations sensibly is also the idea behind tiered storage.
Managed data storage solutions
Managed storage means outsourcing the day-to-day running of your storage to a third-party provider. You free up resources and people in your own organisation while keeping an efficient storage system.
What to check before you choose a provider
Security
The provider should use encryption to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access or theft.
Scalability
It should accommodate future growth in capacity and performance without compromising reliability or accessibility.
Flexibility
You should be able to scale your storage infrastructure as your business needs change.
Cost and support
Weigh the overall cost against the support on offer, including backup and recovery options.
Handing the monitoring and upkeep to specialists can reduce the overhead of managing IT infrastructure yourself, leaving your organisation free to focus on its own work.
Choosing the right solution
Whichever route you choose, protecting your company information should be a top priority.
Businesses of all sizes generate large amounts of data every day, so the choice matters. In short:
- On-site storage such as NAS keeps business-critical data accessible within your premises.
- Cloud storage offers flexibility and scalability to meet growing demand.
- Hybrid combines on-premises hardware with cloud services.
- Managed services let you outsource data management entirely.
The right answer depends on your budget, security requirements and scalability needs, among other factors, so evaluate each option carefully before you decide. If data volumes are your main concern, our page on managing data growth is a good next read.
Find the storage solution that works for you
Tell us what you hold, how fast it is growing and what matters most, and our specialists will talk you through the options.
Prefer email? Write to solutions@fortunadata.com.