Top Cloud Storage Solutions To Help Your Business
One area of cloud computing that is widely used, but often isn’t as recognised as the software side is cloud storage. Storing files in the cloud to make them easily accessible and shareable from anywhere was one of the very first uses of the cloud that was adopted widely by many users and organisations.
As advances like automation and AI are introduced to other types of cloud services, like team communications and business apps, cloud storage is not being left behind. The industry also continues to evolve to make storing data in the cloud less complex, more reliable and more secure.
It’s estimated that in 2021, 50% of all company data was stored in the cloud. This is an increase of 15% from just five years earlier. With today’s hybrid teams that are working remotely from home and are hundreds or thousands of kilometres away from co-workers, it’s important to have a centralised, accessible and secure location for files to be stored in cloud systems.
So, what can you expect to see in the cloud storage market this year? Here are some of the most interesting trends for online data storage to keep an eye on!
1. Integrated Ransomware Defences in Cloud Storage Systems
Ransomware can impact data, no matter where it is stored. Whether it’s on a server, on a computer, or in a cloud storage platform, this malware can encrypt the information and make it unreadable to the business that owns it.
In 2021, the average ransomware payment increased by 82% and ransomware incidents rose by a staggering 64% during the first half of the year. A survey of CISOs found that over the last 18 months, approximately 98% of organisations suffered a cloud data breach.
To combat ransomware, you’ll begin seeing cloud storage services offering ransomware recovery protection. This involves sophisticated systems that can help prevent files from being encrypted by code as well as those that take a copy of files and store it securely away, so files can be restored at the click of a button. With ransomware showing no sign of stopping, this is a welcome addition to the cloud storage arena.
2. Edge Computing Becomes a Key Factor in Cloud Storage
One of the new buzzwords over the last few years has been “Edge” or “Edge Computing.” This means bringing data applications and storage resources geographically closer to the user that needs to connect to them.
As reliance on cloud storage and other cloud applications has increased, so has the need to improve response times from user to server. When data must travel across large distances, it becomes more difficult to quickly and economically deliver the best user experience. Thus, cloud service providers have been moving to an Edge Computing model to ensure the delivery of faster & improved performance.
What this means for you is better reliability and faster response times when accessing or searching for files because your provider will be working to provide your service from one of the company’s cloud servers that are located closer to your specific location.
For companies with offices spread out around a country or throughout the globe, this means that you’ll want to keep service location in mind when signing up for cloud storage. Make sure that you have a discussion with your provider about distance and how Edge Computing factors into your systems.
3. Expect increased AI & Machine Learning automation
AI and machine learning are making just about every area of technology smarter. Microsoft Word and text messaging apps now predict what you might type to help you fill in the blanks and type faster. Programs like Photoshop can crop around a person in an image in seconds using AI.
AI is also going to become more prevalent in cloud storage this year. You can expect help with the automatic organisation of your files based on your cloud storage patterns. Look for features designed to eliminate manual or repetitive tasks to free up more time. This includes AI helping to automate things like provisioning, obtaining and importing data (known as “ingesting”), managing data retention, and more.
4. Cloud storage options increase from legacy vendors
2022 is going to bring more cloud storage options coming from legacy technology providers. For example, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise recently introduced a new Data Services Cloud Console, and Dell Technologies just announced a new APEX multi-cloud design that it is working on to improve the cloud ecosystem.
More cloud storage options mean you may need more help deciding which model will work best for you, as pricing will vary widely. You don’t want to end up with more storage than you need or be paying a lot for a smaller amount of space. It is beneficial to keep on top of new offerings and understand that not every new cloud storage option is a great fit for your organisation’s specific data storage needs.
Need Help Optimising Your Business’s Cloud Storage & Backup Solutions?
Your business data is what runs your company, and hence, it needs to be stored securely and in a way that’s accessible to those that need it. Find out how IT Leaders can help you and your business optimise your cloud backup and storage to improve cost efficiency and improve your workflow processes.
Whether you’re located on the sunny Gold Coast, in Brisbane, Northern NSW or beyond – get in touch today to find out how we can help your business succeed with the best in cloud storage and backup solutions to suit your cloud computing needs!
