How to Avoid Cloud Migration Risks

Cloud, Cloud Storage, migration, Online Storage, Ophtek, , ,
11
Feb 2020

Cloud services are one of the hottest trends when it comes to IT and business. But it’s a new form of technology. And this means it comes loaded with risk.

The headlines regarding the boom in cloud computing have been plentiful and the future remains bright. Therefore, it’s an area of IT that your organization has to get on board with. After all, the benefits associated with the cloud are numerous. And they have the capacity to transform your organization into a stronger, more functional and more competitive business. So, it sounds pretty enticing, right?

But migrating your services to the cloud is a big step. There are many risks and factors to take into consideration. And that’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to avoid cloud migration risks.

What are the Risks?

There are a number of risks to consider when migrating to the cloud and these include:

  • Unauthorized Use of Services: One of the major risks of cloud computing is that cloud service providers allow additional services to be installed by default. And this is down to the self-service nature of the cloud. Therefore, employees with access with the cloud have the option to install unauthorized software. And this could soon led to malware being installed. 
  • Increase in Complexity: The complexity of the cloud can have a major impact on your IT resources. IT staff will be required to learn an entire new model of IT, so this will add extra strain to their workload. Perhaps most concerning is the lack of knowledge regarding cloud security. This weakness in security could pose a massive threat to your network. 
  • Data is Always at Risk: No cloud service provider is perfect. And your data will always be at some form of risk on their platform. The backup servers, for example, of a cloud based platform are just as vulnerable to acts of God and hackers. Data loss, therefore, cannot be eliminated and requires additional solutions.

How Do You Avoid these Risks?

Thankfully, all of these risks can be minimized. The key to success is planning in every aspect of the migration. So, make sure that your organization does the following:

  • Configure Slowly and Carefully: Migrating to the cloud is not something that can be rushed. You need to proceed slowly and ensure that everything is set up correctly. And this is most important when it comes to privileges. These need to be managed correctly to minimize the risk of unauthorized access causing major problems for your security.
  • Establish Prior Training: Cloud technology is relatively new and this has resulted in a lack of available skills being available. But this does not have to be a definitive situation for your business. So, the first step of your cloud migration should be to establish a training program. By proceeding in this manner you will ensure a hassle free migration.
  • Work with Multiple Backup Methods: You should never rely on just one form of data storage. And the cloud is no different. To minimize the risk of any data disasters it’s crucial that you work with multiple backup methods. It could be the difference between your data being available and your organization remaining functional.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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The Best Data Storage Options for Your Organization

Cloud, Data Storage, Direct Attached, Network Attached, Offline Storage, Online Storage, , , , ,
24
Apr 2018

 

Data is getting increasingly bigger and, while this allows us to analyze data more effectively, it’s also putting a major strain on our storage.

And that’s why so many organizations are looking to improve their storage options. After all, data is crucial for your organization to operate and remain competitive e.g. storing customer details and monitoring their purchasing history etc. Naturally, data storage has become a huge industry, so the options available for storing data have multiplied significantly.

Understanding which option is best for you, however, isn’t always straightforward. Therefore, to help you get started, we’re going to take a look at the best data storage options for your organization.

  1. Network Attached Storage

Network attached storage (NAS) allows large amounts of data to be stored in a central point which can be easily shared across an entire network. The most common form of NAS is an external hard drive which comes complete with Ethernet ports or built in WiFi. These devices can easily be integrated into your network and, with capacities now exceeding 4TB, can store huge amounts of data.

  1. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is the new kid on the block when it comes to data storage and is being readily adopted by organizations. With cloud networks managed by third parties and all hardware being kept in central hub offsite, cloud storage allows your organization to save physical space while providing quick access to your data. An added bonus of cloud storage is that it provides amazing accessibility when it comes to accessing your data. Not only can your in-house staff access data immediately, but remote workers can log on to the cloud network from anywhere with an internet connection.

Accessibility is vital when it comes to sharing data, so many online services have sprung up which allow you to store and share data securely. Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft Drive grant you a set amount of space online to upload data and provide sharing links to colleagues and clients. While the initial (and free) storage space is limited, it provides a useful option for storing small sets of data online which take the strain off your internal storage capacities.

  1. Direct Attached Storage

Direct Attached Storage (DAS) devices are, as their name suggests, a form of storage which attaches directly to a computer. The most well-known forms of DAS are external hard drives and thumb drives. Capable of holding large amounts of data, DAS devices provide a useful storage option for new businesses that are looking to minimize storage costs, but not run out of space for their data.

  1. Offline Storage

Data is certainly getting bigger, but one of the oldest forms of data storage still has a place in modern business. Offline storage has been around for decades and involves using optical discs such as CDs and Blu-Rays to archive important data. And, although the data is not immediately available as it is with more modern storage options, offline storage is incredibly secure while also being available in the case of a network failure.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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