Data Migration Considerations for Azure-based Cloud Storage

Data migration is an important factor to take into account when it comes to choosing storage solutions. It’s important to ask if you prefer moving all your data to the cloud or maintaining your own data on-site to make sure you have full control of it. There are businesses and organizations that worry about the security of their data as they decide to move to the cloud.

These concerns are certainly valid and should be accorded proper attention. Fortunately, there is no dichotomy here. It’s not either you stay with in-house or on-site storage or move to the cloud. There is an in-between option, which is likely going to satisfy the needs of those who have hesitations about fully going cloud-based.

Going hybrid

Many are concerned that they may have to move all of their data to the cloud if they decide to use Azure cloud services. This is not something to be worried about, though. It’s a myth often associated with Azure services including Microsoft Office 365. The good news is that there’s always the option to implement hybrid cloud storage. Companies like LiquidData Systems offer the hybrid option. If you visit their website, you can learn more about their special hybrid service.

Cloud solutions generally don’t entail an all or nothing decision. You will not be compelled to either send all of your data to the cloud or just stay with your local storage setup. Many provide hybrid systems that mean having both on-site and cloud-based storage.

Hybrid systems are intended for those who cannot fully rely on cloud storage. These allow customers to retain some or even all of their data in their own storage hardware to be reassured that if ever something happens with the data in the cloud, they still have their own data as backup. After all, it’s theoretically going to be easy losing all your data when they are located elsewhere, especially if you happened to choose an unreliable cloud service provider.

Going fully cloud-based

The existence of hybrid cloud storage, however, does not mean that going fully cloud-based is unviable or not a good choice. There are many cloud service providers that can provide truly reliable cloud storage solutions, especially those that offer Azure-based services.

Many cloud providers implement automatic data backups to make sure untoward incidents don’t lead to the instant wiping out of clients’ data. These automatic backups can be stored in servers separate from the storage used for the main cloud service. Together with proper maintenance, these automatic backups ensure smooth disaster recovery.

There’s no reason to be paranoid about going fully cloud-based. While it’s true that a hybrid system is more reassuring, its costs are higher especially if you are not that well-versed in employing efficient hardware for your local storage.

What’s important is that you choose the right cloud service provider to avoid problems. Make sure that you prudently scrutinize the track record and capabilities of the cloud solutions provider you choose. Carefully read their terms and conditions and ask for feedback from those who have already tried their services. There’s nothing wrong with going hybrid but there’s also nothing wrong in choosing to completely migrate your data to the cloud.