Editor's note
Despite all the interest in cloud storage today, many organizations still wonder whether the technology is the right route for their environment. Questions about value, cost and security weigh heavily on the minds of users and administrators; and cloud outages and failures by companies such as Nirvanix further exacerbate these concerns when it comes time for users to evaluate their cloud considerations checklists.
While there may not be a definitive answer as to whether or not cloud is the best bet for every organization, the question you should be asking is whether the cloud is right for your enterprise. How you intend to use the cloud and the steps you take to ensure the security of your data all play a role in the success of any cloud deployment.
In this essential guide, we've collected the best of our experts' tips to help you utilize the cloud, analyze costs and ensure the security of your information in the cloud. Learn the differences between public and private cloud storage and traditional storage. Find out how other companies use cloud technology. Get the information you need to prevent unexpected "sticker shock" with a move to the cloud -- while vendors promise initial lower costs, the pricing structure can be difficult to decipher. Finally, we provide a number of resources you can use to determine how to best handle cloud security issues.
1Do cloud costs outweigh benefits?
Prominent among cloud considerations is cost. Are you really saving money? The cloud's relatively low base price can be appealing, but organizations need to look out for hidden and unanticipated costs, and know how to get the best bang for their buck. The tips below provide information on performing a cloud cost analysis and on benefits that go beyond just a reasonable price.