Rethinking cloud storage

Growing acceptance of cloud computing and storage are seeing decision-makers refining their backup strategies to be even more efficient and cost effective.
Danie Marais, founder of the software division at Redstor, feels that innovations in the market will herald significant shifts in how cloud storage is used.
“Earlier this year, Dropbox unveiled its Project Infinite that lets users view all their files from a PC but only download them as required. This could be heralding the next shift in accessible and affordable storage,” he says.
Marais feels that approaches like these could see providers offering more attractive benefits to cloud storage. These can include even better scalability, more computing power, and additional support options.
“The market is looking for a fresh way of looking at data. Even in South Africa, businesses are examining new ways of leveraging the technology at their disposal to further improve business processes.”
Businesses are making the transition to the cloud. So instead of upgrading local computers, employees are given access to their software, files, and corporate databases in a securely hosted cloud environment.
“Any discussion around the cloud and storage inevitably centres around control, security, and ease of use. Advances such as Project Infinite are signalling a change in this viewpoint. The consumerisation of technology has led to a much more enabling environment while still giving enterprises the ease of mind they require when it comes to the aforementioned issues.”
However, this cloud-centred approach has a significant impact on traditional licensed software vendors.
For example, licenses can no longer be locked to individual machines. Instead, vendors need to consider bandwidth and speed of access to the cloud environment. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than being unable to load a document because your internet connectivity is insufficient.
Already, large organisations like Microsoft are making the shift to the cloud, migrating small and medium organisations and startups to Office 365. Although some industries requir3 a hybrid on-disk and cloud solution for quick file access or legal accreditation, full migration to the cloud will not happen soon. However, it is certainly the direction the world is moving and something to take note of.
“This is an exciting time to be rethinking the corporate storage and cloud strategy. With Project Infinity and other developments on the horizon, businesses are in a good position to find the most beneficial and customised solution for their requirements,” concludes Marais.