ENManagers quickly find out that cloud computing has its disadvantages without the right strategy. Risks around the cloud continue to exist, it can be affected by technical issues, and current cyber security threats.
Migrating data to the cloud is an important step for companies all over the world. It is essential that security or technical experts are consulted when planning a data migration to the cloud. The offer in the market is plenty, and the amount of choices overwhelming. As an organization looking for a cloud provider, what should you be looking for?
During the search for the right cloud provider, companies need to stay critical, demand transparency, and have a strategy in place, to ensure data continuity. The market is currently embracing the cloud as a reliable storage platform, however there are still some thorns that need to be taken care of.
Where big cloud providers appear to be safer and offer clear continuity, they lack functionality and technical support. Small cloud providers explore this gap, and offer a more customized experience, but the measures for data continuity are more uncertain.
We share 5 points you should consider before migrating your data to the cloud:
1. Does the location for your cloud provider matter?
In the United States, under the Patriot Act, American companies can be forced to share client data, including American companies that conduct business outside of the US. This means that if you are using the services of an American company in Europe, your data could be accessed under the Patriot Act.
To prevent this, you have to choose a cloud provider that doesn’t fall under American authority. We recommend choosing a Dutch cloud provider.
2. Data ownership rights
There are Cloud services that in exchange for free cloud storage or lower prices, use your personal data. Your data could be used for advertising or to use the photos and videos you shared again. Always read the terms of use, and make sure you make the right choice in regards to your data.
3. Continuity
Losing your data can have disastrous effect. While time consuming, if there are no judicial or financial consequences, the importance of data continuity is considered “low”. If there is data that is of the highest importance, then the data continuity is ranked as “high”.
If the importance of data continuity is high (the data cannot be lost), data integrity conditions is often a pre-requisite. Data integrity means that your documents or data will remain unchanged. Know the options offered by your provider when you are migrating data to the cloud.
4. Cost structure
Many cloud providers offer a price per user and storage. At first glance, it looks clear and straightforward, but always check what is included in the price, for example, do you have to pay extra to synchronize files with mobile devices? What is the standard cloud storage offered and what are the costs of adding extra storage?
5. Cloud provider services
The Cloud offers many possibilities, in all shapes and sizes. A good cloud provider, listens to what you have to say, and offers a solution tailored to your situation. This way you have a reliable cloud solution, tailored to your company needs.
On top of this some cloud providers allow you to customize the logo and your company’s terms and conditions. There are cloud providers that are very responsive to what you are searching. Make sure you are happy with the services of the cloud provider.
We hope that these points have help you find the best way to migrate your data. We think your data is as important as you. Would you like more information on this topic? Contact us and let us help you migrate your data to the cloud or start a trial.