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<p><strong>Guest Blogger: Devon Moon, Magnitech Account Executive</strong></p>
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<p>By now, most of us have at least a vague understanding of what “the cloud” is. It’s where the pictures on your phone go, where your emails are – you have cloud-based business applications, and cloud-hosted client portals…but do you really understand how the cloud supports your business?</p>
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<p>Essentially, you have two general options when it comes to storing data for your business: the aforementioned cloud, and local servers. Let’s dive into some of the major differences between those options and how to determine what’s right for you and your business.</p>
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<h4>Cloud Vs. Server</h4>
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<p><strong>The physical difference:</strong> A local server is a piece of hardware stored within the four walls of your business. This is referred to as an “on-prem” or “on-premises” server. The cloud is simply a server located somewhere else that you are able to access through the internet.</p>
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<p><strong>Accessibility:</strong> For the local server, you can access the data through your local network within the four walls that the server resides, without the need for an internet connection. Accessing cloud-hosted data requires internet service. *Important note: If you are accessing a local server remotely (from outside of the office through a VPN) your ability to do so will be reliant on the internet connection of the server, AND of the device that you are accessing from.</p>
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<p><strong>Cost:</strong> A local server requires a higher initial capital outlay. You are purchasing the physical server, the backup server, paying for the installation, paying for <a href="http://magnitech.com/magnitech/it-managed-services/">someone to monitor the server</a> and perform back-ups (either internal or outsourced). Servers typically need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Utilizing a cloud service eliminates a big chunk of that initial cost. Instead, you are essentially <a href="http://magnitech.com/magnicloud/">“renting”</a> server space from a provider.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://magnitech.com/magnicloud/disaster-recovery/">Backup/Disaster Recovery:</a></strong> As innocent as an employee accidentally deletes a file, or as devious as being <a href="http://magnitech.com/magnitech/it-security/">hacked</a>, issues can arise where data is lost or corrupted. To prevent against permanent losses with a local server, there needs to be a backup server in place, with best practice being to back up every hour on the hour – this service is typically provided by a dedicated support team. With cloud hosted data, these backups are automatic and regular.</p>
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<p><strong>Space/Storage:</strong> With a local server, it is simple; you are limited in storage space based on the capabilities of the server that you purchase. With a <a href="http://magnitech.com/magnicloud/cloud-services/">cloud service</a>, you are able to scale up and scale back based on your storage needs. Generally speaking, the more storage you “rent” the higher the cost.</p>
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<h4>Here are a few questions you should be asking to figure out what is right for you: </h4>
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<p>1. Do you have an internal IT staff, or will you be outsourcing these needs to a <a href="http://magnitech.com/">MSP</a>?</p>
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<p>2. What applications support your business, and what requirements do they have?</p>
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<p>3. Can you afford the capital outlay for a local server?</p>
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<p>4. How quickly do you see your data storage needs expanding?</p>
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<p>5. How important is ownership of both the hardware and the data to you?</p>
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<h4><a href="http://magnitech.com/contact/">Contact us</a> today to learn more about Cloud Services and IT Managed Services!</h4>
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