Data Center or Cloud Provider: Which Way to Go?

Cloud computing is gaining momentum by the minute. Whilst many enterprises have already taken the plunge and moved to the cloud, there are many others still on the edge, waiting to make the right decision. Yes, the cloud does have many benefits, but do you really need to go that way, or will a colocated data center serve you better? These are some of the many questions that CIO’s and CTO’s are facing in the modern technology world.

Recent research revealed that as many as 40% of all businesses were using the cloud in 2012. Mail services were the most popular with 27% of the world’s mailboxes being hosted on a cloud. There is also an interesting forecast that more than 30% of the world’s computing will be done on the cloud by the year 2018.

How does this impact traditional data centers? Cloud service providers typically use data centers as their back office mechanism, so while you may be using a cloud-based service, chances are that you are still being served by a data center. Following are some of the significant aspects to consider when choosing one over the other.

• Scalability: A data center does have some limitations over scale. Contracts have to be worded carefully if scalability is a key requirement since one typically pays for power consumption. Hence, if there is not an immediate or big need for sudden scalability then a data center is a better option. Cloud services can cater to scalability in a more efficient way and should be the natural choice when the need to scale is an integral part of the business.
• Security: Security can be more tightly managed in a data center. Data centers also take great care of physical security, plan for disaster recovery, and also go through rigorous security compliance audits. With the cloud, the access points are more open which makes it more vulnerable to security breaches.
• Time and Cost Factor: For Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s), Cloud services can prove to be more cost and time effective, especially since they are subscription-based and can start service almost immediately. Data centers can be comparatively higher on the cost and start-up time.

Most business owners will agree that making a timely decision is as important as taking the right decision. If you are at the critical deciding point, do get in touch with Lifeline Data Centers before taking the plunge.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.