How To Choose The Right Cloud Data Storage Solution For Your Startup

It’s safe to say that cloud computing has completely revolutionized the way businesses operate, especially when it comes to start-ups. These days it’s rare to come across a new company that isn’t cloud-native since most have made the wise decision to build their infrastructure on the cloud right from the outset.

Part of the rationale for this is that, in comparison to more established businesses that are still battling to integrate new capabilities with legacy systems, start-ups have the opportunity to approach the cloud from a different perspective. After all, one of the most important advantages start-ups have over larger rivals is their greater agility, flexibility, and adaptability. Thus, implementing a cloud infrastructure is one of the greatest ways to leverage this perk and scale quickly. 

The benefits of cloud data storage

Data storage solutions are one of the most frequent cloud infrastructure services that start-ups employ. It provides businesses with a number of advantages, including the ability to make data-driven decisions throughout the organization without having to make any upfront investments or maintain costly infrastructure. This helps businesses to save money upfront and decrease the infrastructure needed to run a complicated IT system, something that would have been thought impossible in the not-so-distant past.

Aside from the cost savings, cloud storage solutions are substantially more convenient and straightforward to maintain for a small business. So much so that all you will need in your business is a computer and access to the internet, and you’re good to go. Most of the time, your entire cloud storage solution will be maintained, managed, and supported by your cloud storage provider, which frees up your employees, allowing them to focus on more essential activities instead of being obliged to cover the chores required to keep data safe and servers operational.

With all of that said, it’s important to note that there is a vast array of cloud storage solutions available on the market today, each one with its own set of capabilities, storage limits, and level of functionality. Which one you opt for depends on the specific needs of your start-up and where your priorities lie. On that note, here are a few things you need to consider when choosing the proper data storage solution for your start-up.

Location of servers

The physical location of the cloud server can play a significant role in the performance and reliability of your service. If the cloud server is too far away from your primary site, data transmission speeds to and from the cloud server may be sluggish. This can cause several issues, including compromising the integrity of data (especially during downtimes). It can also negatively impact your ability to integrate your data storage solution with other software. In addition to this, you must consider the data protection laws in your area, as this may put limitations on where your cloud server is located.

Integration with other platforms

You must evaluate how easy it is to interface with other apps before deciding which cloud data storage option to choose. Suppose you want to generate, analyze, and extract meaningful insights from business data. In that case, you’ll need to opt for a solution that can integrate with the rest of your cloud service portfolio and current software. After all, the data you collect is useless unless you can turn it into actionable insights that may help you make better business decisions. Of course, the requirements for each start-up are different, so your best bet is to make a head-to-head comparison of some of the top providers, such as BigQuery vs. Snowflake, and figure out how compatible they are with your operational needs.

Security

When it comes to the cloud, security should be a significant consideration. As time goes on and hackers grow more adept, you have an obligation to your customers/clients to keep their data as safe as possible. As a result, you should evaluate each service provider’s security features to ensure that your data is secured and as safe as possible from security risks and intruders. Before picking a cloud service, you must understand how data is transferred and stored on the cloud server, who has access to it, what degree of protection the service provider offers, and other security concerns. Ensure to inquire about their security features, the level of encryption, and what extra steps you can take to further bolster your security.

Pricing

Last but not least, the issue of cost cannot be overstated. Yes, you’ll save a great deal of money by not having to install expensive on-premises servers, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop around for the best deal. That said, even if you identify a cloud storage solution that offers services at a very affordable cost, keep in mind that it may not provide the optimum level of service for your business requirements. On the other hand, that isn’t to say that the most expensive cloud provider is the best either.

Fortunately, most cloud services include a free tier (free storage), allowing you to test them out before committing to a premium plan. That way, you can try out various cloud services before settling on the one that you believe is the best fit for your needs. While testing out providers, you should compare the price per GB of storage space, upload and download charges, and any other hidden costs. Lastly, ensure that you choose a service that allows you to pay only for the storage you use and lets you add/remove services as needed – after all, no one wants to pay for things they won’t use.