Deciding whether to opt for a cloud-based server or an in-house server is one that is central to digital asset management and pivotal to any establishment seeking to improve the overall quality of its database. Hence, you must make informed decisions. Decisions such as this must not be predicated on hearsay, surmises, or wild guesses. You must consider the peculiar circumstances, needs, and capabilities of your company before arriving at a decision. As easy as the decision may seem since it all boils down to two alternatives, the selection phase is not black and white. Here’s more information to guide your every move.
Why do you need to secure your data
The importance of having a rigid data storage structure can’t be sidelined as data loss can be such a catastrophic event. It’s often detrimental to your entire business.
With a major data loss, you lose customers, your productivity is significantly reduced and confidential information may be leaked which could lead to a data breach case instituted against your company. This action may wreck one financially because a typical data breach case runs into millions of dollars and in the long run, your company’s esteemed image is dented. To prevent such occurrences, you need to consider all factors.
Running an In-house Server
An in-house server readily presents the option of physical control over the infrastructure and limiting third-party access which has its inherent dangers. However, a lot of investments have to be made into building resilient hardware and IT infrastructure. The cost of its maintenance tends to be high as it also needs the supervision of an IT expert which is an additional cost. With an on-site server, you don’t have to rely on any third party. After all, every business establishment aims to maximize profit and minimize cost. Also, your company size should be considered. An in-house server would be more suitable for small and medium-scale enterprises than a cloud-based server.
Opting for a Cloud-based Server
However, a cloud-based server does not require any investment in IT infrastructure and you don’t require a dedicated space as in the case of an in-house server rather what you will need is a subscription to a third-party service provider.
How to choose between Cloud and In house storage
Firstly, you have to figure out what uptime means to you. Does your business heavily rely on uptime? Are most of your transactions web-based? If the answers to the following questions are in the affirmative then you should consider getting a cloud-based server although it is expensive. A company that does not solely rely on the running time of a device can opt for an in-house server. Also, you need to consider the following perks:
Accessibility
A focal factor should also be data accessibility. What’s the point of having something you can readily access? Both servers have their perks when it comes to data accessibility. With a cloud-based server, you can access your data remotely hence location is not a barrier to your workflow and day-to-day business operations. Also, it enhances the centralization of data I.e the company’s digital assets are contained in one place I.e a single source of truth that promotes data integrity. However, an in-house server affords you the luxury of working with your files without the constraint of slow internet connection and speed which can be most times annoying.
Security
In terms of security which is an essential part of digital asset management, cloud hosting provides more benefits. A cloud server has inbuilt firewalls, intrusion alerts, and physical security which would prevent security threats that would lead to data loss. An in-house server does not have these features though it is readily employed by companies who have sensitive data to restrict third-party access. Also, in terms of backup and data recovery the, cloud server offers more benefits than an in-house server. A cloud server has regular backup features to prevent data loss and failure. In cases of such, recovery is made easy due to the regular systemic backups at a particular interval.
Safety
One bane of using an in-house server is its susceptibility to being destroyed by natural disasters or occurrences like a fire outbreak. An in-house server is not immune to accidental damage and data loss. In cases where your business is extending its branches to different locations, a cloud-based server would be a good fit since location is immaterial to the accessibility of files.
Scalability
The cloud-based server also offers more in terms of scalability. It is easy to add more room storage by making a special request to your third-party service provider to meet your changing demands and needs without the hassle of hardware replacement. However, with an in-house server, you may be left with no choice but to purchase another one to meet your asset needs and this comes with an extra burden of cost.
External Factors
Also, you will have to consider some peculiar circumstances to make this important decision. You will have to consider peculiar external factors like availability of power, internet strength, office space, and even your financial strength. If your office doesn’t have enough space then an in-house server wouldn’t be feasible since it needs a considerable amount of space. Also, you need a suitable temperature for the space. On the other hand, if you have a robust internet bandwidth a cloud-based server would be the most appropriate since it thrives on the potency and strength of your internet connection.
Sustainability
We are in the 21st century and awareness for our environment has skyrocketed. A cloud-based server offers an eco-friendly option (an opportunity for you to go green) thereby preventing carbon imprints. Statistics are showing that carbon emissions which are often associated with in-house servers would quadruple to 680 million tons in a year.
Wrapping Up
Like everything based on choices, ” Nothing is cast in stone”. There is no one cap fits all sizes approach. Your eventual choice of a server would be based on various factors that differ from one individual to another. You must consider your company’s digital asset management goals and objectives, the availability of power, space, strong internet, and the financial resources to adopt a solution that can be tweaked to fulfill your digital assets needs and preferences. And when you think of all these perks, Daminion is the digital assets management company that comes to mind.
Some establishments, in a bid to enjoy the benefits that come with both servers, make use of a hybrid solution which blends the functionality of both server solutions. If you would prefer this solution, Daminion is still the name to call. They offer the best!