Storing data offsite, or in the "cloud," makes it easier than ever before for small businesses to store customer data, client details, and proprietary information securely. Yet according to a recent study, 51 percent of small business owners are still afraid to commit to the cloud.
What is it that is holding them back? Where is this fear of the cloud coming from? One of the strongest fears in the human psyche is the fear of the unknown, and there's no doubt that this plays a role in people's reaction to the cloud. Some small business owners might not be very tech savvy, and perhaps in their minds the very word "cloud" calls up something fragile, tenuous, distant, and uncontrollable. However, with a bit of investigation they will quickly discover that cloud computing is actually a wise strategy that can offer many benefits to their business, because:
Cloud Storage is Cheaper.
Before the cloud, small businesses that collected personal data or used networked computers in the office had to create their own server systems. This required a significant investment in hardware and software, as well as the hiring of a qualified systems admin to create a security system and keep everything up and running. In some cases, an offsite backup system was also necessary.
Now, small businesses can store data in the cloud at a significantly lower cost. In essence, they are pooling their money with other businesses that also subscribe to the cloud service. They are able to piggyback off of existing servers with secure storage, paying for only the service level they need rather than for the entire setup.
In the rare cases where data does get hacked, it's much better for a small business to have the strength and expertise of a cloud storage company behind them. That way, instead of having to cover the costs of recovering the data themselves, they can receive help from the cloud storage company.
Cloud Storage is Stronger.
When considering data security, people tend to think of viruses and electronic threats and overlook the physical aspects of data security.
Because the cloud utilizes a global network of data storage centers, including ones built by major companies like Google, Rackspace, and Amazon, physical security is taken extremely seriously. We're not talking about a bunch of servers in someone's garage here. The cloud storage centers are located in secure buildings, complete with sophisticated alarm systems, security guards, and controlled access points. This protects the hardware from theft or vandalism. The servers are also protected from fires, electrical surges or water damage that could occur in a normal building.
By contrast, the average small business owner who does not use the cloud will probably not have this level of security. They might have private data on a laptop that could easily be stolen, or they might have their servers in the back room of their office suite in a building that can be accessed by just about anyone. They might even have the main server and the back-up server sitting right next to each other, leaving all their data vulnerable to physical disasters. When it comes down to it, data is only as secure as the room or facility that the server or storage device is housed in.
Cloud Storage is Smarter.
Most small business owners think they can just pop in a Norton Antivirus CD and their computers will be completely protected from hackers and digital threats like viruses and phishing scams. If they're particularly savvy, they might know to set up a firewall as well. Of course, using antivirus software and firewalls is very helpful and does provide protection, but it is nowhere near as effective as the cutting-edge tools used by cloud storage companies.
In addition to multiple layers of protection like firewalls, data encryption, and other security tools, cloud storage centers have digital security teams on staff to maintain a constant vigil against hackers. Using advanced intrusion detection methods, these talented individuals can actually detect and disarm hackers and viruses before they attack. Taking the offense allows them to protect the data stored in the cloud from the millions of hacking events that target personal computers each month. These preventative measures may be costly, but they are much better in the long run than having to clean up after even a single effective hack.
Cloud Storage is Compliant.
Small businesses that sell products online or use customer credit card information in any way have special security concerns to think about. They must ensure that they are compliant with PCI data security standards. PCI includes 12 requirements and over 200 sub-requirements, making it a nightmare for small business people to deal with on their own.
One way of dealing with compliance issues is to use a third party service such as PayPal to handle customers' sensitive financial information. Though people may not realize it, PayPal is a cloud service. So if they trust PayPal, it shouldn't be such a leap of faith for small businesses to trust other cloud services.
Cloud Storage is Easier.
Bottom line, cloud storage is just easier! Rather than attempting to handle hardware setup and maintenance, physical and electronic security, and privacy compliance issues on their own, small businesses can simply transfer all of these responsibilities to the cloud storage company of their choice. This leaves the business owner and employees free to focus on what matters most: growing their business.
And as the business does grow, cloud storage easily keeps pace. Unlike a traditional in-house storage system, which would have to be expanded manually as the company found new customers, hired new employees, completed more transactions, and used up existing storage, a cloud storage system can instantly adapt to a business' changing needs because the cloud has access to so many servers. All the small business has to do is call up the cloud company and add a few more gigs of memory.
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