Heather Clancy
It's Safe
Not So Fast!
David Gewirtz
Best Argument: Not So Fast!
The moderator has delivered a final verdict.
Opening Statements
Safer than the status quo
Heather Clancy: Many SMBs have been playing Russian roulette with their data, opting for the most rudimentary storage and archiving procedures. Or none at all.
Cloud storage services are rewriting the status quo, with some research firms predicting a 26 percent growth in adoption over the next several years among the SMB set.
Cloud storage services are safer than the naysayers suggest, if managed properly. In fact, cloud storage services are helping many SMBs craft meaningful business continuity plans for the very first time. In many cases, these services are far more cost-effective than on-site solutions.
Cloud storage services also allow teams to get to important files from virtually anywhere, using a Web browser, smartphone, media tablet or desktop application. That is a big plus when it comes to mobility, business process innovation and the need to collaborate.
Is it safe for SMBs to use cloud services? Here’s the real question: Is it safe for them not to use them?
More from Heather Clancy:
Practice local backup
David Gewirtz: Cloud storage and cloud-based backups can be wonderful resources for individuals and small businesses. I use them myself.
The issue, though, is whether you should rely on them. Put another way, should you bet your business or your livelihood (or even your family's most cherished memories) solely -- solely -- on cloud-based storage and backup?
The answer to that is a resounding "NO!"
If you rely solely on a cloud service provider, you're putting all your eggs in one basket. Many cloud providers are still in early-stage funding. Many have changeable policies. Many charge so little, they're completely unresponsive to customers in trouble. Some simply just go out of business.
So my message to you is to consider cloud backup providers, but make them just one part of your strategy. Make sure you practice local backup as well.
Otherwise, you may be stuck in a cloud with no silver lining.
More from David Gewirtz:
Talkback
It's safe. Well...sort of.
RE: Cloud storage and backup: Is it safe?
Not exactlly, I have a large degree of control on what happens on my local storage. I have no control over the service provider hiring a kid fresh out of school that makes a huge mistake or the hundreds of things that can go wrong.
*BINGO*
And the moment one lease's it, as I recently read, there is no "total cost of ownership" any longer. No equity, no control - or any real control, you're delegating it to somebody who may or may not have individual interest in mind or in heart, because they are too busy thinking about their own survival (undercutting competition, which means corners get cut along the way...)
Never mind Terms of Service agreements... once lawyers become cheap then everybody can afford one and everybody will need one... see "undercutting competition" above for more...
IT Support
RE: Cloud storage and backup: Is it safe?
"Most IT Support companies recommend the use of cloud hosting." I certainly wouldn't as a professional working in this field. It is anything but safe.
Most IT support companies?
* and I doubt they asked every IT support company as well... that gets expensive, trying to remain ethical when agendas sound cooler...
RE: Cloud storage and backup: Is it safe?
RE: Cloud storage and backup: Is it safe?
It's the CIA Triad and I do wish people would stop touting it as a model for security. It simply isn't. It's just a bigger target than most.
I'll show you mine if you show me yours
What's a "CIA Triad", apart from the old song sung by Jefferson Airplane some 45 years ago?
Cloud storage is only safe until the government shuts down your provider