The Potential of Cloud Storage
To store large amounts of data requires enormous resources. This has made it impractical for many businesses to acquire the expensive servers and networks required, which also require maintenance and power. This is not only the case for small businesses. Governments and multinational companies are increasingly turning to the cloud in order to avoid the high costs of storing large amounts of information. Unfortunately, the rapid development of this technology has resulted in misconceptions about cloud technology’s security and reliability to stop many potential customers from adopting a cloud storage system.
Overcoming the paranoia
One of the main reasons many companies and governments hesitate when it comes to cloud technology is a concern for the security and safety of their data. This is because cloud storage requires a third-party provider who will host it on an off-site server network. The main advantage of cloud storage is that it allows customers to have easy access to their data from any location and from a range of different devices. This advantage is usually used to market cloud storage.
Cloud storage reduces customers’ reliance on their own servers, equipment, and devices. Machines can easily crash, break, or be stolen. They also need to be updated and upgraded, resulting in the loss of data. Because of this, a cloud service provider can ease the customer’s mind by making sure that equipment is up to date, in a safe location, and with the latest software updates. (You can read a little more about this over on GMO Cloud’s security measures.)
Despite the fact that cloud technology has advanced considerably since its inception, there is still unfounded paranoia about data security. Another common concern is related to data ownership due to the fact that data stored on the cloud can cross national borders and be subject to different laws.
This is especially true in the United States where the majority of cloud service providers are still located. This is because the Fourth Amendment, which protects United States citizens from unreasonable searches by law enforcement, has not been addressed by the Supreme Court when it comes to cloud or to email. The lack of clear guidelines on data privacy in the United States has become a concern for many.
It is important to note that the Asian market is quite different in this regard, with data privacy laws differing greatly in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, where digital data privacy is well regulated and clear legislation exists.
Alleviating concerns
Since data security and reliability is one of the biggest concerns for customers, detailing the IT security measures taken is essential for a provider when alleviating customers’ fears. Google has published several white papers in recent years detailing its approach to IT security, demonstrating an outstanding strategy towards data security. Some aspects of data security that should be addressed by providers include protection against theft and hacking, preventing malware, monitoring system performance, and managing any incidents that may occur. Most modern cloud service providers have several layers of protection and only use essential components in order to reduce possible exploits.
Asia Pacific potential
The popularity of internet cafes and public wi-fi networks with high connection speeds makes the Asia Pacific market ideal for cloud storage services. As more individuals use cloud storage services and online apps for their personal tasks, it has become more practical for their places of employment and education to also adopt these services. The potential of cloud storage in the region is enormous. People today know that their money is safer in the bank; and likewise, people are increasingly starting to understand that data is often safer in the cloud than on their own home equipment.
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About the Guest Author:
Nida Rasheed is a freelance writer and owner of an outsourcing company, Nida often finds herself wanting to write about the subjects that are closest to her heart. She lives in Islamabad, Pakistan and can be found on Twitter @nidarasheed.
