The Cloud vs. Server – It’s time to make a decision
By Lori McConvilleBlogIn a recent episode of HBO’s hit series ‘Silicon Valley’, one of the main characters is standing in a garage, saying goodbye and unplugging his server. It’s a sad moment for him, but one that had to be done as he did what’s best for an outdated system. While the words were not spoken, it was clear – he was ditching his beloved server that he built, worked with, fixed and grew with to move to the cloud.
For several years there’s been a growing debate over what is a more cost-effective, productive way to store data. Is it to buy more equipment and stick with the server? Or, is it going to be more cost-effective to move to the cloud? For any IT manager, the decision could prove to be an emotional one that cannot be ignored.
Some have ignored it and paid the price. Looking to save money, some have decided to ride it out and wait until the server officially dies. This means all the data died with it and has to be recovered, more equipment has to be purchased immediately, and there are sure to be a lot of complaining as company employees look to get work done.
Other IT managers have evolved with technology and joined the cloud. Cloud storage is a service model in which data is maintained, managed, backed up remotely and made available to users over the Internet. This means the large box known as the server in the back closet is eliminated completely.
Like any debate, there are pros and cons for sticking with an onsite server, and there are definitely some pros and cons to consider when thinking about the cloud.
| Pros of an on-site server | Cons of an on-site server |
|---|---|
| IT manager maintains physical control of equipment. | More susceptible to data loss during a tragedy or weather disaster. |
| Don’t have to rely on Internet connection to access data. | Requires space in the office for equipment – a room, closets and upkeep. |
| Requires full time IT support in the building. | |
| Equipment replacement and upkeep can be costly to a company. | |
| Continual maintenance of the power, cooling system and battery backup systems. | |
| Pros of the cloud | Cons of the cloud |
| Data on the cloud can be accessed from anywhere – meaning employees can easily work from tablet, computer or phone. | Have to rely on the Internet being available to access data. |
| Offsite hardware is no longer needed, saving company money on equipment upkeep, upgrades and breakdowns. | Learning how to get started with the cloud can be difficult. |
| Due to back-up capabilities, data is safe. | |
| Perfect option for growing companies that could easily outgrow on-site infrastructure. |
Looking specifically at moving to the cloud, companies don’t have to do it alone. In fact, going through a third-party company, like Enseva, to guide you through the process can save money, time and headaches. By working with Enseva, you can take advantage of the Enseva Azure Cloud, which is an open and flexible cloud platform that enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage applications and resources through Enseva’s next-generation data center facilities.
Why is the Enseva Azure Cloud option good for companies? A major reason is that it delivers an open and flexible cloud platform that enables companies to quickly build, deploy and manage applications and resources across the Enseva Next-Generation datacenter facilities. Azure Cloud enables you to easily scale and provision resources in minutes using a fully automated self-service platform.
To learn more about the Enseva Azure Cloud, contact us at 319-450-0550, x 2.