In cloud storage, data is remotely maintained, managed, and backed up and made available to users over the internet.

This emerging environment is a big step forward from our traditional method of accessing data from computer hard drives.

In fact, cloud storage is very much anywhere, anytime computing.

Cloud storage can be delivered as a service over the internet. In other words, it is delivery of on-demand computing resources on a pay-as –you-use basis.

Storing files in the cloud has many advantages. You can view them from any device, phone, tablet or computer connected to the internet.

Cloud storage has emerged as one of the compelling offshoots of cloud computing.

But this new trend is not without its drawbacks.

While cloud computing is a very effective way to add capacities and capabilities dynamically without investing in new infrastructure, some businesses are still reluctant to deploy their business in the cloud.

Security in the cloud environment is the main issue putting off enterprises, because they are apprehensive about data privacy and data protection.

Fortunately many of the issues related to cloud are being effectively addressed.

For Cloud Storage, India providers are adopting in-depth strategies for data security. They are using layers of security technologies and good business practices to ensure data is protected in all possible ways.

If security concerns are neutralized, cloud storage is immensely beneficial. By using cloud storage, India companies have realized that they can store files at a fraction of the cost of doing so on-premises.

But before you think of transferring all your storage files into the cloud, here are a few things you must keep in mind.

Do a check on the cloud vendor

The cloud vendor must be up to date on industry certifications. In other words the vendor must be compliant with the industry’s security and compliance needs.

The vendor must know your industry

Cloud storage needs differ from one industry to another. A business can be in finance, manufacture, healthcare or the sports segment. 
A cloud storage provider may be specialized in certain segments, so it makes sense if the vendor has a proper understanding of your needs. 

Ensure that data is encrypted 

Safeguard your data with a strong encryption before migrating it into the cloud. For cloud storage, India vendors may offer server side encryption, but get it done on your own side to make things safer.

Typically, a cloud storage vendor offers stringent levels of service, for example 99.99% uptime with recourse to compensation if the services agreed are not provided.

But due care must be exercised to ensure the vendor offers guarantees on data availability and data protection. While negotiating with vendors of cloud storage, India companies negotiate additional provisions into the Service Level Agreements for backup and archive.

In India, internet connectivity can be frequent and unpredictable. It is but natural for customers to negotiate added protection into the SLAs.

Ask basic questions before signing on

Check up on the company before closing the deal. Ask queries such as:

• How long the company has been in business?
• Quality of security offered. Were there any security audit recently?
• Assurances they are willing to make in case of a breach.
• Whether they insure you for loss or theft of data.

With a reliable cloud storage provider, you can be sure of excellent service for long term.