The cloud is a phrase you hear quite often. Everyone talks about going to the cloud or backing up to the cloud, but they often do not explain what the cloud is and more importantly where it is located. The idea of going to the cloud brings the mental image of your data being uploaded to a giant database or network floating safely overhead. But what is the cloud? And where is it located? The answers may not be as mystifying as what the words conjure in the mind’s eye, but they are very important to understanding how your data is secured.
To put it simply: the cloud is a server or server cluster hosted off-site, often in a datacenter. However, what sets this apart from simply a remote server is how it is hosted, the availability, and accessibility. There is also the difference between the public cloud and the private cloud, which comes into play when discussing accessibility and who can reach it. A good cloud scenario would ideally be a server host you can access wherever you want, whenever you need; while being safe and secure through disasters. A good cloud solution should have high-availability, redundant storage and backups, and the ability to access your data the way you need it; all without the worry and headache over knowing if your data is safe and secure. This makes the cloud the perfect solution for hosting critical resources such as service applications, databases, and even fully virtualized desktops known as VDI.
Most businesses look towards cloud service providers rather than building their own solutions because of the massive undertaking in cost and time it takes to ensure the reliability. At South Seas Data, our cloud solution spans from virtual appliances and virtual desktops to hosted file solutions to help businesses mitigate and avoid disaster recovery concerns. Our server cluster runs in a power and communications redundant tier 3 datacenter to ensure outside influences, such as a heavy storm or other natural disaster, will not impact the uptime and availability of our services. Cloud providers will do the heavy lifting when it comes to the cloud itself, but not all provide every solution and most do not provide management of your resources leaving a lot of the setup and IT work to the customer. When looking for a cloud solution and/or cloud provider, it is important to do the research to ensure you get exactly what you need for your business solution without overspending and being left disappointed with your service.
If your company is considering making the move to the cloud, you want to obtain the help of a trusted Cloud and Managed Services Provider to ensure your expansion into the cloud goes securely.