How is My Company’s Data Stored in the Cloud?

In general, cloud storage systems rely on hundreds of data servers.

Occasionally, computers experience downtime due to repairs or maintenance so because of that, it is important to store vital information on multiple machines—this is the definition of ‘redundancy’. Without redundancy, a cloud storage provider could not ensure clients that they could access their information on demand. Most cloud solution systems store the same data on servers that use different power supplies or are housed in different locations. So even if the power fails in one area, backup information is still protected and accessible to the client.

Of course, not all data is created equal.

A cloud backup service provider will work with clients to take a comprehensive approach to reviewing, assessing and classifying data to gain a better understanding of the needs of the business and recovery time objectives for young versus old data. The most cost-effective solution for storing data in the cloud is a tiered recovery approach known as Backup Lifecycle Management or BLM. Cloud backup service providers should understand that organizations don’t value older data the same as younger, more critical data. Operationally critical data requires more frequent backups with a better service level agreement (SLA). Less critical backups are relegated to less expensive, lower SLA standards to save costs. In most companies, more than 50% of data is older, of less value, and should cost less to protect. The cloud backup service provider should help clients align the value of their data with the cost of protecting it.