Archives and backups all require an allocation of space and resources – but where should you put this space, and how should you configure your systems? Let’s delve into some of the advantages and disadvantages of your different options: offline, online and on-cloud.
Pros and cons of the Cloud
One of the more interesting pieces of news that bears on this topic is Open Source Storage’s legal tussle with TV station Nine PBS. Having undergone bankruptcy, the Cloud provider has pulled the Cloud – leaving the station’s archive inaccessible. The data center Iron Mountain still retains the data, but as their contract was with OSS and not Nine PBS themselves, they cannot make the data available.
This is one of the more commonly referenced issues with Cloud storage: your data is not necessarily fully under your control. Moreover, if internet infrastructure is compromised on either end you may temporarily lose access. As the article notes, having a backup or a local offline copy would have saved Nine PBS significant amounts of stress.
At the same time, using an online, On-Cloud option gives you a degree of flexibility including the ability to access archived files from different points, where a traditional storage option is location-fixed. Beyond this, there are occasions where a Cloud-based backup survives hostile actions during a cyberattack – while the local offline one does not.
Offline – safe but limited
Offline storage is safer, with fewer potential failure points at the cost of being more limited in what it can do for your organization. Being locally hosted, the system there has fewer points of access and thus also fewer points of failure. This applies to both cyberattacks or intrusion, where you can limit accessibility, but also to other factors like power, hardware failure or connectivity – complete control rests with you. It also comes with some side benefits like potentially faster processing speeds.
At the same time, compared to the Cloud, offline “cold” backups or archives limit your access and can slow down workflows. On top of that, the control over the physical hardware side cuts both ways – you are now wholly responsible for maintaining your hardware and preventing damage, as well as upscaling it to meet new demand. Finally, some offline backup methods may require or impose downtime on the system being cloned.
Which is right for you?
The decision of how to configure your system eventually comes down to pricing, features, security measures, and user experience. Online data systems offer convenience and accessibility, but they can be costly and dependent on internet connectivity. By contrast, offline options provide data security and direct control but are susceptible to physical damage and lack universal accessibility.
If you have questions about which option is right for you, reach out and contact us! TECH-ARROW’s contentACCESS family of archive and backup data solutions can be configured into various ways to better match your organization’s needs. Schedule your free consultation with our team today to determine what that can look like for you.
Your Data in Your hands – With TECH-ARROW
by Matúš Koronthály
Image generated by Canva
