Every business eventually will require more storage space for their data. Most organizations rely on the data in the form of important documents, emails, graphics, audio media, video media, spreadsheets, presentations, and other such databases, and the software that the business runs on may require a lot of storage space. Furthermore, there are certainly other reasons that are increasing the need for higher and better storage space, such as:
- Certain government regulations need companies to keep and back up data that would be otherwise deleted.
- Small businesses now need to archive their emails that can date back more than 5 years, for legal reasons.
- Viruses, malware, and spyware necessitate thorough and frequent backups.
- Every new version of software or application requires more space than the previous version.
- The increasing need to store large files, and make them accessible to network users is the driving demand for refined storage solutions.
Storing and managing information is in a way crucial to an organization’s success. Fortunately, small businesses have many options for both storage and the physical location of that storage. A blend of multiple storage options is often the best solution.
Here is how you can identify what is best for you
What you need to do is first consider your storage requirements in terms of location and size. Then you should consider the options for storage that meet your requirements the most. Finally, you must devise a strategy for installing the selected storage option.
What are your storage requirements?
Small, medium to large size businesses must first identify their storage requirements for their data and applications, as well as how, when, and where they require to obtain access to the same.
These are some questions that help you in getting started:
- Which software generates large files?
- How many and which software runs on which server?
- How old is the information?
- Is the old data redundant?
- Is it unrelated to the business?
- How swiftly do you require access to any data?
- Which data accessed from which locations?
Once you have determined how much information and data you have on your hands. And how, when, and where you will have to access that data. you will have a much better insight into your storage requirements.
Think about your Storage Choices:
Businesses have more storage options than ever before, ranging from flash memory to NAS (network-area storage). Most of these options include everything that can be physically located anywhere on a network. Here are some of the options that you can consider:
Thumb drives with flash memory:
These kinds of drivers are captivating to mobile professionals because they barely use any power; they are tiny enough to fit on a keychain. To store your files on the flash memory thumb drive, all you need to do is connect it to a laptop or PC’s USB port and you can transfer your files in just a minute or so. Some of the flash memory thumbs drives encrypted to safeguard your files in the event your drive is lost or stolen.
While some of them allow you to save Internet Explorer or Google Chrome bookmarks, Outlook data, files, and even some desktop applications. So this way, in case you aren’t able to access your laptop, you can access the data you require by simply plugging in the drive on some other laptop.
External hard disk drives:
Connecting an external hard disc drive to your computer is an easy and comparatively cost-effective way to add more storage. However, external hard drives that connected to desktops have certain drawbacks. Any files that stored on the drive but not elsewhere should be backed up.
And if you need to access the same data on a laptop or another device then you need to remember to make a copy of it on a flash drive, CD, or some other media. And lastly, your data will not be protected in case of any disaster at your place of business.
Online storage of data:
Storage and backups that are provided via the internet provide numerous compelling advantages to businesses. You safeguard your business’s important data by storing it on a remote server. Huge files can be shared with business partners, vendors, clients, and others, by giving them access that is password-protected to your data. Therefore, eliminating the need to email these huge files.
In most cases, you can access your account via a web browser from any computer which is a great way to retrieve files when you can’t access your PC. Remote storage, particularly during an initial backup session, can be slow: it depends on how fast your network accesses that storage.
Network-attached storage (NAS):
In a networking environment, NAS offers quick, easy, and dependable access to data. NAS solutions are appropriate for small to mid-size organizations that require large amounts of inexpensive storage capacity that multiple users can access over a common network. Furthermore, since small businesses do not have IT expertise, NAS solutions are simple to implement, handle, and consolidate.
A built-in WiFi or a hard drive with an Ethernet port used as a NAS solution. NAS also includes additional USBs and FireWire ports, allowing you to connect external hard drives to expand your company’s overall storage space. A NAS option might also include a print-server feature, allowing multiple users to access and share a single printer with ease.
Form a Plan
You can consult with a tech-savvy advisor before choosing to invest in a storage option to identify which option or a combination of the options will align with your company’s needs. Then devise a strategy accordingly for implementing the storage capacity your company will require and when it required.
Additionally, you can also think of managed storage service, which offers on-demand storage space as well as important storage management.
For businesses that are on a tight budget, a managed storage service might be the most ideal and affordable option.
Also, along with data storage, you can opt for a provider that opts a good backup solution. For the best data storage and backup solution, you do not need to look elsewhere. Host.co.in is the perfect choice for you.
Bottom Line
Don’t put off making a decision until you require more storage space. Begin planning your current and future storage space requirements now to avoid wasting impulsive decisions, time, and money.
Understand what are your storage requirements. Which storage choice meets your business’s needs, and develop a strategy to implement it accordingly.
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