93% of small businesses store backup data in the cloud.
And with good reason.
In this article, we’ll cover the most popular types of data storage. Keep reading to learn which is best for your business.
Types of Data Storage for Businesses
There’s no way around storing data in the modern world. From customer information to financial records, data storage needs to be secure, accessible, and reliable.
The three main types of storage we discuss here are:
- Cloud-based storage
- Hybrid storage
- Local storage
Cloud-Based Storage
Cloud-based storage has grown in popularity for data management over recent years. It relies on remote servers to store data that is accessed via the internet. The advantages of cloud-based storage include its flexibility and accessibility.
With cloud-based storage, you only pay for the storage you need on a monthly subscription basis. In general, it’s affordable and easy to sign up for, taking only a few seconds to create an account with a service provider.
Most cloud-based storage solutions are secure because data is stored on remote servers that are updated regularly.
Physical Storage
The oldest of the data storage methods, physical – or traditional – storage involves storing data on local storage devices. Hard drives, USB drives, external hard drives, and even DVDs are all examples.
Generally, physical storage is declining in popularity. That’s because it demands direct access to storage devices; if they malfunction, the data can be hard to retrieve.
However, physical storage has one key benefit: security.
Nobody can access the data without accessing the device directly. This makes physical storage ideal for businesses that need a high level of security. In addition, physical storage is useful for storing large quantities of data that cannot easily be shared via the internet.
Hybrid Cloud Storage
A hybrid solution involves the best of both worlds, and it’s a combination of the two methods above. Sensitive business data is stored locally on physical devices. For everything else, businesses leverage cloud-based solutions.
A hybrid storage method can also include locally controlled, offline servers as an alternative to physical storage devices.
Overall, a hybrid approach allows businesses to cut costs, increase security, and streamline data management.
Choosing the Best Data Storage Solution for Your Business
Your business needs, budget, and security requirements all factor into your decision when choosing the best storage solution. To understand what you need, simply follow these steps:
- Assess your storage needs
- Weigh up the pros and cons of each storage method
- Consider accessibility and security
- Factor in your budget
Take a brief inventory of your data and assess its volume. Consider how much data your business will generate now and in the future. Then, consider whether a cloud-based, hybrid, or physical storage solution suits you best.
Remember to think about the sensitivity of your business data and determine who needs to have access – cloud storage is accessible but not as secure as physical storage.
Finally, choose the storage solution that matches your budget.
Secure Your Data
The three types of data storage balance security and accessibility with flexibility. It’s always a good idea to prioritize security – and have backups available to prevent data loss.
At Pegasus Technologies, we build lasting relationships with our customers to help them succeed. Click here to learn more about our managed IT solutions.
