The value of data in business is ever increasing. Ranging from performance reports and growth statistics to how daily operations are executed, data can easily become overwhelming without proper management and infrastructure.

Changes in Data Foundations

A critical element that adds to the complexity of data management is remote work. Now that employees all use separate devices from various locations and through different networks, gathering, storing, and driving value from data is harder than ever before.

‌Managers now have to learn how to manage their teams remotely. Their gut instinct and ability to physically scan the workplace to evaluate how their team members are performing is now replaced with a continuous stream of data. 

‌Not only is the data overwhelming at times, but communication is now limited to the digital medium. Without a reliable cloud infrastructure, information and instructions could be lost due to the lack of face-to-face interactions and an unsecured line of communication.

The Answer Is in Cloud Services

When your current data management system starts falling short, you know it’s time for an upgrade to the infrastructure. 

‌Since most work is now remote, the obvious answer would be to switch to a data management infrastructure that operates under the same condition: by utilizing cloud data management services that decentralize the data management process from your physical office and into the cloud.

‌A critical aspect of data management is secure data storage that remains accessible to authorized personnel. While external hard drives and on-site data storage and encryption might work for a small business with all employees working in a shared office space, all bets are off when it comes to remote employees.

‌Enterprise cloud storage solutions offer the added benefit of allowing you to outsource your data storage needs along with the accompanying cybersecurity requirements. 

‌These solutions also set up a live channel that connects your data vault with your employees and data management system. Together, these two are the foundation for developing an automated data management infrastructure.

Infrastructure Options and Combinations

While the answer to making the most out of your current situation can be straightforward, applying the infrastructure solutions to your business is not. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. 

‌Every cloud infrastructure solution comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages that vary depending on your business.

Hybrid Cloud and On-Premise

As the name suggests, hybrid cloud infrastructure operates both online and offline. It allows employees and managers to access it in-person from a secure device and remote workers have access through a secure connection. 

‌The goal is to combine the on-premise tech with a fully-developed cloud server infrastructure and create a transparent and seamless integration between IT administrators, tech, and employees.

Data Backup and Recovery

Data is always at risk, whether it's a ransomware attack that renders it unusable or an incident that damages the physical components that store and process your data. Either way, having a data recovery system in your infrastructure is essential.

‌But that’s easier said than done as the financial and technical costs of on-premise data recovery and backup can easily skyrocket due to the massive volumes of data businesses produce on a daily basis. 

‌Fortunately, there are multiple enterprise cloud services like Backup as a Service (BaaS) and Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) that automate the work for you.

Going Open-Source

Open-source tech has always had skeptics in the IT community, especially when it comes to handling massive volumes of critical company data. However, there are currently multiple household-name vendors that offer open-source data storage services that could be trusted, like AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle.

‌Such critical infrastructure products are easy to use thanks to the abundance of documentation by the parent company. Not to mention, they’re much lighter on your budget. 

‌With database management taken care of, you can implement automation tools and tech that manage the database and monitor the incoming and outgoing data flow for you.

Sticking to Enterprise Cloud Solutions

As a small business, it can be tempting to utilize the much cheaper cloud services aimed at individuals and small teams.

‌However, these options may come with drawbacks, as the infrastructure is rarely equipped to handle the data flow and management needs for a slightly larger business with remote employees.

‌One company that can take care of your business’s IT, cloud storage, data, and security concerns and needs is Global IP Networks. With over 20 years of experience in the field, we have the expertise to help your business take the final leap towards an infrastructure automation strategy that produces results.