It’s a
decision that every company, CIO, and entrepreneur faces: where to host
all that data. In a world where we rely on computing for everything we
do, we want… no… we need our data to be hosted in an
environment that is safe, secure, easily accessible, and at a relatively
low cost. With the endless amount of data we’re pumping out on a daily
basis, we also need somewhere that can handle it all.
Today, there are two major options for hosting: on the cloud or with
a dedicated server. What’s the difference? Which one is better?
That’s why we’re here – to explain both options and help you determine
what’s right for you.
Cloud Hosting
The cloud – that mysterious place where Apple and Google send all
your information – is actually a virtual real-time environment that is
hosted by multiple connected servers all at once. It’s a relatively new
concept, but it’s spreading like wild fire and changing the way we
think about data storage.
Cloud hosting
has many advantages, which is why it has become so popular. It’s
extremely reliable, because even if one of the connected servers goes
down, the other servers will maintain hosting. Because the cloud is run
on multiple servers, you can easily add more servers enabling seemingly
endless scalability. Cloud hosting is essentially synonymous with the
Internet (to most people, it’s the same thing), so like the Internet you
can access your data from anywhere in the world. All this at a
relatively low cost too, which is typically pay per usage. While some
companies may have concerns over security, cloud hosting firms help
companies overcome this by offering dedicated IT support and
establishing strict controls.
Dedicated Servers
Rather than store your data in some unknown virtual environment, many companies choose to use their own
dedicated servers.
A dedicated server is exactly how it sounds – a server that someone
buys or leases to manage all the data. It’s kind of like using your
personal computer, but on a much grander scale. This is the most
traditional route for hosting.
Dedicated servers have plenty of advantages. They are much safer and
offer better performance because the connections are direct. They also
offer full control of your data management. When you run of out of
storage space, you simply need to get an additional server to handle the
new load. Of course, servers aren’t perfect and do occasionally go
down, but a quick fix can bring all your data back to normal.
What’s Right For You?
When it comes to hosting, the biggest difference between cloud and
dedicated server lies in the security and accessibility. Some people
might say the cost matters, but when it comes to hosting your
all-important data, cost should not be an inhibitor. It’s more
important to get the right service.
If your company manages highly sensitive data – for instance,
financial data or personal identity information – then dedicated servers
are the way to go. They may cost more in the long run compared to the
cloud, but as the saying goes, “you can’t put a price on security”,
especially when that security is for vital personal information.
For all other companies, cloud hosting is the way to go. Your data
will be accessible around the clock and from anywhere in the world, so
you can keep your business running like clockwork. The cloud can
quickly keep up with your company’s growth and you only pay for the
hosting you need.
