On-Site Vs. Cloud-Based Backup: Which One Is Best For You?

One of the most important aspects of data management is backup. Generally speaking, data backup is divided into two types: on-site and cloud-based backups. Needless to say, there are benefits to be had in either of these two approaches. However, one approach could be more suitable for your operations. There are a lot of factors that go into the decision to choose the best data backup solution for your needs. 

In this article, we are going to break down this decision into three areas of consideration. Although backup strategies should typically follow the 3-2-1 rule, it would be wise to focus on one backup strategy as your primary. Through this, you can easily monitor, manage, and control all the functions related to data management. Without further ado, here are some things to consider when choosing the best backup solution for your operations.

How often do you process data?

The first thing to bear in mind when it comes to choosing a backup strategy is to determine how often you process data. This factor alone could lead you to a definite decision. Generally speaking, if you find yourself processing data frequently, it would be best to store and backup data on-site. This approach to data storage and backup allows you to have direct and fast access to all the pertinent information. This would also mean that you won’t have to rely on or depend on the services of a third party. 

Effectively, this eliminates certain issues and delays. In this type of approach, you exclusively hold control of the data. Consequently, you also bear the responsibility of maintaining the entire system. Nevertheless, the main point of keeping data on-site is for you to be able to access information at any given point in time.

How much data do you process?

The second point to consider would be the amount of data that you handle and process. This entails having to set a threshold of what you would consider being “huge” or “small” amounts. If you are regularly dealing with huge amounts of data, then it would be best to use a cloud-based system. Although to some extent, data can be compressed, you will eventually hit a minimum file size. If data is constantly being inputted into your system, files could add up and compound over time. This could be a huge problem if you are using on-site storage and backup. 

Precisely because you would always have to upgrade your storage units to accommodate more data, this typically involves having to buy new equipment and frequently replacing old ones. On top of that, you still have to either transfer existing data from the old drives to the new ones or keep the old drives running. 

Either way, this will rack up costs for your operations. This issue is addressed rather effectively in a cloud-based system. Cloud-based storage and backup are very convenient to scale up, which means that you can expand storage without any hassle or complication. Thus, if you have to work with a lot of data, consider using a cloud-based system instead.

What is your current budget?

Data management, specifically data storage and backup, will always have to be allocated a certain budget. In most cases, this budget will dictate the type of approach to be used. Normally, on-site storage and backup systems will cost more both at the start and throughout the operations. This is because an on-site system will require you to have some sort of equipment to store and manage data. This typically includes hard drives, solid-state drives, physical servers, computers, and cooling systems. Additionally, it will also require some sort of maintenance. This typically includes cleaning, diagnostics, repairs, and replacement of worn-out parts. 

In a cloud-based system, you typically only have to pay for the services of a cloud storage service provider. This is usually in the form of subscription payments at fixed intervals. The cost you will incur for this subscription will vary greatly from one provider to the other. A cloud-based system will also involve less maintenance because most of these functions are held by the providers. Ultimately, in determining which approach best suits your needs, you have to consider your budget as well as the financial plans of your firm moving forward.