5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Cloud Storage

Grazed from SmartDataCollective.  Author: Robert Delgato.

For many business owners, growing their companies remains a key focus that drives many of their business decisions. One tool that is being adopted more often, especially in recent years, to facilitate this is that of cloud computing. The cloud offers companies more agility, lower operating costs, and more efficient and productive work, but even with those advantages, some businesses may struggle finding a cloud provider that’s right for them. In many cases, the question isn’t if the business should do it, but rather how well the cloud will fit into the existing organization’s processes. When the time comes to make an important decision over who you will choose to handle your cloud storage needs, here are five things you should consider…

1. Security Capabilities

One of the major factors holding business owners back from embracing the cloud is the concern over security. When you use a cloud storage provider, you’re essentially giving your valuable data to a third party with the expectation they’ll keep it safe. Even so, with numerous news stories involving security breaches at big companies, business leaders may not be enthusiastic about giving their data to someone else. Most cloud storage companies have responded to these concerns by improving their own security, adding in new measures aimed at protecting clients’ data. When you pick a cloud storage provider, make sure they have sufficient security measures. These can include anti-virus software, data encryption, firewalls, and routine security audits…

2. Price Considerations

While it may not be a surprise, bringing down operating costs is a major reason so many companies have started using the cloud. And with so many cloud vendors striving for your business, prices have become very competitive. Examine closely how each provider’s pricing structure works. Many providers offer a certain amount of storage for free, but businesses that need a lot more storage will need to pay for their services. Some vendors have a monthly subscription fee, while others have an upfront flat fee that usually lasts the whole year until you renew it. Once you know how a vendor charges their clients, figure out which pricing plan works best for your company…

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