When cloud service providers first gained traction in mainstream business in the mid-2000s, their services were a luxury that not many understood. Today, working in the cloud is no longer a mere advantage but a necessity to keep up with the fast-evolving competition.
Regardless of whether a company uses a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application occasionally or wholly relies on cloud-based solutions, there’s a high probability that some of its confidential business data resides in cloud storage facilities. This transition to the cloud brings forth critical questions: who truly controls the data and where exactly is it stored?
According to the 2017 McAfee State of The Cloud Survey, a mere 23% of participants fully trusted public cloud service providers to safeguard their data.
Maintaining Control: How Much Autonomy Do You Really Have?
When organisations commit to cloud service providers, their data inevitably gets handled and administered by third-party entities, sometimes even multiple ones. It’s vital for businesses to clarify whether they retain overarching ownership, encompassing rights such as copyright, swift access, and the right to command data removal.
Reputable cloud storage facilities will have meticulously defined terms that illustrate user rights, assuring users that they sustain complete ownership of their data and can access it upon demand. The real apprehension emerges not from the industry giants but rather from smaller, niche providers, especially those that outsource certain technology facets to another entity.
The Geographic Dimension Of Cloud Storage Facilities
A key attraction of cloud services is the financial efficiency they offer, stemming from the mass centralisation of data storage and computational expertise available. Various cloud service providers operate numerous data centres, with some having a principal site complemented by a mirrored storage facility. Something to look out for is providers who outsource their storage and computational services entirely. This implies that the entrusted firm may not directly control your data.
The geographical disparity can sometimes be vast. For instance, a company headquartered in London might have its entire computational apparatus located in the US. Engaging an offshore cloud service provider might inadvertently breach data protection regulations. Fortunately, several providers permit clients to predetermine their data storage location, with some even offering seamless migration between data centres should conditions or regulations necessitate a move.
Preserving Data Control
Prior to committing to any service, it’s essential to study its terms. When dealing with confidential data, enlisting legal specialists can ensure regulatory compliance when selecting a technology partner. Even though many cloud service providers boast robust backup systems, the inherent risks of cloud storage are still present so it’s best practice to maintain a local data backup.
Is It Worthwhile To Use Cloud Storage Facilities?
Sidestepping cloud services entirely is implausible for organisations in most industries. Organisations might opt for a cautious approach by retaining mission-critical data in-house. However, irrespective of such decisions, it’s vital for a company’s technology leadership to stay aware of risks tied to data storage and control. To truly harness the potential of cloud storage facilities, understanding and perfecting data storage and control dynamics is imperative.
Akita is an experienced cloud provider with multiple cloud storage facility presences:
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