The data that companies handle are either stored in physical servers on-premise or uploaded to the cloud. How do companies choose between the two or opt to employ a hybrid approach?
A Look into Cloud Computing and Physical Servers
Cloud computing is the use of hardware and software off-site that is accessed over networks for computing needs. These networks of connected servers are stored at Data Centres. The Arcadis Data Centre Location Index 2021 ranked Singapore the second most attractive city to build data centres, out of a total of 50 cities. There are more than 60 data centres in Singapore.
Physical servers are dedicated computers for private use for a business. Their benefits include privileged user access and a fully customizable system to suit the business entity.
Cloud servers move past the physical limitations of traditional on-site server setups. As organizations require their resources to be accessed and used across different locations, cloud servers are ideal.
Selecting the Right Data Storage Solution
Mention cloud servers and concerns over how secure data is arises. On the flip side, on-site storage devices are also vulnerable to data theft. Should any accident or disaster occur to the premises, data retrieval may prove difficult. Data Centres channel large amounts of resources to updating their cloud platform and cloud solution software in order to respond immediately to business need changes.
Each cloud solution company looks into protection layers to safeguard against the constant threat of hacking. Regular maintenance involves penetration tests and firewall checks that are carried out on all system infrastructure regularly.
An example of cloud use in a local context is Singpass - the digital identity of Singaporeans that allows easy access to government data sources, public services and private platforms.
Further Considerations
Be it cloud-based, physical or hybrid data storage, for data analysis to make sense, certain information needs to be shared on one platform to be put into meaningful analytics. 'Splitting' the data storage to the cloud and in a physical server on-site may hinder the data review. To come to a best-fit solution, the management should work with a professional solution provider to get a holistic picture of what needs to be implemented.
Companies who wish to start their Digital Transformation journey to convert their manual processes to cloud-based digital solutions can contact us at sales@zooloo.asia. We would be happy to hear from you.
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