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Cloud storage is obscenely valuable. In the wake of the Covid-19 quarantine, remote access to your files is vital for your business. Cloud storage allows your entire team to be able to collaborate, coordinate, and work from anywhere. It provides you with more than just the benefits of storage. You can set up real-time back-ups for your hard drives and files. You also get peace of mind that your files are safe in your digital vault. But the question arises, is a private cloud your best bet?
A private cloud dispenses with some of the limitations of larger cloud services. You can control where and how your data is stored. A private cloud also establishes an added layer of privacy and protection. This is perfect for organizations that handle HIPAA or financial information and want more advanced security. Private clouds also offer some flexibility in the form of “cloud bursting.” This process is a hybrid of private and public clouds. Some non-confidential data is switched to a public cloud for ease of use.
1.Confirm You Want a Private Cloud
This may seem like a given. But creating and managing a private cloud can potentially be a huge money saver or an added expense. It’s worth reviewing the numbers. Creating your own private cloud will involve their own costs and will pull the focus of your IT team. A proper cost benefit analysis should be pursued before you decide to take the plunge. Will a private cloud requiring management, man hours, and it’s own money make it a win? You have the option of hard copy back-ups, a public cloud, hybrid, or private cloud. As with any major business decision it’s best to fully run the numbers. Only then can you know your best course of action.
2. Decide the Infrastructure
The most important first step in building a private cloud is creating the infrastructure. You need to establish how your cloud will work. There are multiple variables that require your sign-off. What technology will you use? Then how will all of the components piece together? You must manage the scale of the project and have an understanding of the demands on the cloud. Also, the infrastructure will dictate the larger privacy and accessibility of your cloud. The proper infrastructure is required to ensure it works as you need it to. If it limits your team’s ability to function or consistently shorts out then it will not provide all the benefits of the cloud. The proper infrastructure is paramount.
Photo by 3. Create a Tracking System
Besides just building the infrastructure for your cloud it’s important to create a system to track the cost allocation of your cloud. You want to create the proper tagging system to ensure you’re tracking how much of your cloud is being used by the user or department. This can help you both manage resources and avoid overspend. You need to have a full understanding of the scope of your cloud and how it’s being utilized. This will help you maintain the proper scale and ensure the right teams are using the right resources. Some teams don’t even require a private cloud so be sure that the teams requiring privacy are utilizing this the most. You also will want to keep an eye to maintain a desirable budget especially if you’ve chosen a private cloud for the financial benefits.
4. Keep an Eye On Your Spend
This goes without saying. But it can be easy to think of your private cloud as something you set and forget. But your resources are limited. You want to ensure that your cloud needs are matching with your potential and vice versa. You don’t want to paint yourself into a corner where your brand new private cloud cannot keep up with your business. Or worse it’s too large, over budget and slowing down your team. Remember, the goal of your private cloud is to make your business safer and everything to function more seamlessly.
5. Establish Security Protocols
When privatizing your cloud storage you must act like a boy scout and always be prepared. Proper preparation for security, accident, or data loss is an important step. You’ll want to ensure you have a full picture of where your back-ups exist. You’ll also want to ensure you’ve established the proper security measures to ensure your private cloud is truly protected. The proper security protocols ensure that your private cloud remains private. Just because you may be taking this in house doesn’t mean that you eliminate some of the coordination. In fact, maintaining a private cloud could expand the needs of your team, budget, and organization.
Establishing a private cloud is an important choice to make. Is the privacy and the personal access the most beneficial to your business? If so, you want to make sure you dodge simple mistakes and amateur slip-ups. Use the guidelines above to get the proper background to ensure your private cloud gives you clear skies.
