Areas to consider when deploying file hosting tools

Category:: Online Storage
Monday, April 23, 2012

Cloud computing's popularity has skyrocketed in the past several years, as more companies have increased their use of the technology after recognizing its many benefits.

However, modernizing an IT infrastructure and migrating to a managed environment is not something that can be approached lightly. A recent Business Insurance report compiled a list of areas to consider when deploying a file hosting tool or other cloud service.

Compiled from recommendations made by the Cloud Security Alliance, the areas noted by the Business Insurance report include protecting hosted information, the availability of items stored in the cloud and how data will be shared. All are important to enjoying effective use of the cloud, according to the report.

Data movement

There may come a time when a third-party provider physically moves the storage site of data hosted in the cloud. As the one whose data is being migrated, the company will want to know if there is any type of support documentation associated with such a move or if the appropriate measures will be in place during transit. Also, decision-makers should find out if employees can still share files when they are being transferred from one data center to another.

Legal proceedings

In the event a company is subpoenaed and asked to produce certain data, it's important to work with a vendor if the information is stored online. Speed is of the essence in these situations, so knowing that data can be accessed and used as quickly as possible is a key consideration.

Security

For many companies, the protection of their information comes to mind first when deploying the cloud. In most cases, however, this may not be necessary, as online storage providers generally offer security that is better than anything the company itself could provide.