Where to store large files: locally or on hosting?

Despite the development of cloud technologies and physical media, and the improvement of their quality and reliability, for many users the issue of data storage is still acute. This is especially true for large files, which can often become corrupted during transfer and require high data transfer rates to do so. There are two main options: using local servers or remote hosting. In this text, let’s look at the pros and cons of each option, as well as discuss the issue of data security.

Where can I store large size files?

So, large files can be stored both locally, on the organization’s own servers or at a private user’s place, and on remote servers provided by various hosting providers. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the specific needs and capabilities of the user or organization. Talking about the different options.

Local server: pros and cons

A local server is server hardware that resides physically within your network or on your own computer. Its benefits:

• Total control. One of the main advantages of local servers is complete control over hardware and software resources. You can customize the server as required for your specific needs and have complete control over data access.

• High speed access. Because local servers are located within your network, accessing data can be faster and more efficient, especially if you work on a local network with high bandwidth.

• Data Confidentiality. Local data storage, when properly configured, will provide a higher level of privacy and security because the data stays within your organization and is not transmitted over external networks.

However, there are some downsides:

• High costs. Installing and maintaining local servers requires a significant financial outlay. You need to buy server hardware, maintain it, and pay for power and cooling costs.

• Security Risks. Maintaining lockboxes is subject to risks such as physical theft, fire or other force majeure. Security measures should be taken, data should be backed up regularly, and equipment should be physically secured.

• Limited scalability. Scaling local servers can be a difficult and expensive process. If your storage needs grow, you will either have to upgrade your existing hardware or purchase new hardware, which can require a significant investment.

In general, local servers provide a high level of control and speed of data access, but they also require a significant financial outlay and their maintenance can be subject to security risks. If you need resources to launch a small or medium-sized project, this solution is unlikely to be convenient and profitable for you.

Hosting: pros and cons

Hosting provides the ability to store data on remote servers provided by specialized companies. Now let’s talk about their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with the pros:

• Low Costs. One of the main pros of hosting is that you don’t need to make large investments in hardware and infrastructure. Hosting providers usually offer a flexible pricing system, allowing you to find the best plan for your needs. This can be especially beneficial for smaller organizations or private users.

• Scalability. Hosting makes it easy to scale your data storage as your business or needs grow, often with the ability to quickly increase storage without hassle. A wide range of plans and different solutions gives you flexibility.

• Service Management. Most public hosting providers provide a wide range of server maintenance services, including data backups, monitoring and software updates, to help reduce the strain on your IT infrastructure.

However, this solution is not without certain disadvantages:

• Resource constraints. Some hosting providers may limit the amount of data stored in storage, the amount of traffic, or the resources available (such as CPU time or RAM), which may not be enough for your business if it grows dramatically.

• Dependence on the service provider. Using a hosted service means that your access to data depends on the reliability and performance of your hosting provider. In the event of outages or service issues, your service provider may have problems accessing your data. Sometimes for the stability of the system you have to change several providers until you find a reliable one.

• Security issues. While many hosting providers provide a high level of data security, there is a potential risk of leakage or unauthorized access to information from the cloud. Therefore, it is important to carefully select a reliable provider and take measures to ensure security at the application and data level.

Overall, there are many advantages to using cloud hosting, the key ones being low costs and scalability flexibility. As for the security risks, they are very conditional and depend more on the provider you choose.

Where is it safe to store data?

It should be understood that data storage security is a rather conditional concept. Loss of information can happen whether it is stored in the cloud on a remote server or on your own hardware.

If you need immediate access to your data and have the resources and expertise to secure local servers, they can be a reliable place to store your information. This will require you to secure server rooms, encrypt data, conduct regular security audits, and use advanced authentication and authorization tools. However, it is very likely that a reliable large provider has all the same things, but will cost you much less, especially if your company’s needs are to store conventionally small amounts of data.

For critical data that you don’t need constant access to, you can use encrypted external media such as USB sticks or external hard drives. This technically separates the data from the main network and provides an additional layer of security.

It is important to remember that data preservation and protection is an ongoing process and must be constantly maintained and updated to protect information from ever-changing threats.

What else you need to consider when choosing a public hosting service for data storage

When choosing a storage hosting service, there are a number of important aspects to consider beyond the terms and conditions directly provided by the provider. Check what security measures your hosting provider has in place to protect your data. This includes encryption of data at rest and during transmission, multi-level authentication, access controls, regular security audits, and compliance with standards such as GDPR or HIPAA depending on your industry.

Make sure your hosting provider provides high levels of access and minimal downtime (SLA). Keep in mind that even short-term downtime can cause serious problems for your business, so choose a provider with a robust technical infrastructure and redundant systems. Check how easy it is to scale your resources.

If necessary, make sure your hosting provider provides means for regular data backups and fast recovery capabilities, and verify the location of the servers – They should be as close to your location as possible to be effective. Well, and, of course, familiarize yourself with the reviews of the provider.

Considering all these aspects, you will be able to choose the most suitable hosting provider to store your data, ensuring its security and fast access.