Cloud for business vs NAS: Which data storage solution suits our company?

The rapid digital transformation has made finding optimal storage solutions for data storage and management increasingly crucial. Many businesses and individuals are considering adopting NAS (Network-Attached Storage) and cloud storage for their data storage and sharing needs. In today's business environment where data volumes are skyrocketing, choosing an efficient and secure storage solution has become one of the key decisions for companies. Today, we'll explore these two data storage options in detail, including their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.

1. What is Cloud Storage?

Source: Freepik

The Cloud refers to servers and software that operate over the internet, allowing storage and management of data accessible from anywhere via network access.

1) Advantages of Cloud Storage

👍 Scalability
Cloud storage allows easy adjustment of storage capacity and computing resources according to user demand. It enables efficient data management by adding or reducing resources as needed, making it particularly beneficial for companies with fluctuating data storage or processing requirements.

👍 Cost Savings
Cloud storage reduces initial hardware purchase costs and allows payment for capacity and resources based on actual usage. This helps minimize resource wastage and enables additional cost savings since maintenance and upgrades are managed by the storage provider.

👍 Accessibility
With internet connectivity, storage data can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Remote workers and employees in different branches can access the same data easily, enhancing work efficiency. Collaboration with partners is also facilitated, further improving business productivity.

📍 4 reasons why you should share files with cloud storage

2) Disadvantages of Cloud Storage

👎 Difficult Root Cause Analysis during Outages
The infrastructure and management systems of data storage operate in a manner that may be inaccessible for direct user interaction or root cause analysis. Therefore, when system failures occur, it can be challenging to access or analyze the areas for which the service provider is responsible. Insufficient information for troubleshooting can hinder prompt resolution.

👎 Dependency on Internet Connectivity
Due to the necessity of internet access, accessing necessary information or data can be hindered in situations where internet networks are unstable. Internet issues can significantly impact business operations, necessitating the maintenance of a stable internet environment.

👎 Cost Variability
While initial costs may be lower, costs can fluctuate depending on storage usage, posing challenges for budget management. Rapid increases in data usage can lead to unforeseen expenses, potentially affecting corporate budget planning.

2. What is NAS?

Source: Freepik

NAS, short for Network Attached Storage, refers to a type of data storage that serves as a network-connected device for storing and sharing files, functioning similar to a hard drive accessible over a network.

1) Advantages of NAS

👍 Flexibility
NAS allows easy expansion of storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or replacing with larger drives as needed. It provides the flexibility to increase storage space according to the growing pace of data, and supports the installation of additional software such as backup utilities or media servers.

👍 Data Security
Since data is stored and managed within the local network, NAS systems are relatively secure from external hacking attempts. Access controls can be set up for user accounts, restricting access to specific files or folders to protect sensitive information. Backup and recovery features also ensure resilience against data loss.

👍Centralized Data Management
NAS facilitates centralized data management, reducing data duplication and maintaining data integrity. Administrators can monitor the status of data across the entire network from a single location, and efficiently perform backup and recovery operations when necessary.

2) Disadvantages of NAS

👎 Initial Cost
There are initial hardware acquisition costs associated with setting up NAS storage. Additional hard drives need to be purchased along with the device itself, and there might be a need to upgrade network infrastructure if necessary.

👎 Regular Maintenance
Setting up, configuring, and maintaining NAS systems require technical expertise. Tasks such as operating system updates, user account management, and configuring data backups can be challenging for users without IT experience. Regular maintenance and software updates are also necessary.

👎  Physical Vulnerabilities
Being physical devices, NAS systems are susceptible to risks such as hardware failure, fire, or theft. Mitigating these risks requires additional physical security measures, and regular backups are essential to protect critical data.

3. Cloud Storage vs NAS Comparison

1) Cloud Storage, Recommended for these Companies!

• Companies Embracing Remote Work: With internet access, employees can collaborate smoothly from various locations, making it particularly useful in today's business environment where remote work is commonplace.
• Rapidly Growing Startups: Startups need to scale resources quickly in response to rapidly changing business environments. Pay-as-you-go models enable cost savings on initial investments and flexible resource management.
• Small Businesses with Limited IT Infrastructure Management Resources: Suitable for businesses lacking dedicated IT infrastructure management, as storage services handle maintenance and disaster recovery, reducing the need for additional IT personnel.

👉 Exploring Rakuten Drive's Cloud Storage for Business

2) NAS, Recommended for these Companies!

• Companies Handling Large Data Volumes : Beneficial for companies requiring high data transfer speeds and capable of processing large volumes of data quickly. It provides fast and stable data transmission within the local network.
• Companies Emphasizing Internal Information Security: Suitable for companies needing strict control and protection of sensitive internal information, as access is restricted to the local network. It allows for rigorous management of data access via dedicated servers.
• Businesses Seeking Long-term Cost Savings: Despite high initial setup costs, NAS offers a solution with fixed costs over the long term, efficient for enterprises needing to continuously store and manage large-scale data.

Consider the respective advantages and disadvantages to select the optimal storage solution that aligns with your company's needs and environment!

4. Considering Use Cloud Storage? Try Rakuten Drive!

If you're searching for an efficient and secure data management solution tailored for the digital age, consider Rakuten Drive! Rakuten Drive's cloud storage securely stores all your data and allows easy access to files from anywhere. Employees can effortlessly share and collaborate on documents, significantly enhancing teamwork. By integrating with commonly used tools like email, Slack, and other company messengers, Rakuten Drive enables unlimited file transfers without size restrictions and high-speed transmission of large files without compression, boosting workplace efficiency.

📍 Explore how to use Rakuten Drive!

Rakuten Drive offers customized plans for businesses, allowing cost adjustments based on usage and team size to meet diverse corporate needs. Experience efficient and secure data management with Rakuten Drive!

Curious about our optimized business cloud storage and tailred plans? 👉 Disvcover Rakuten Drive Plans