subject: Cost Comparison Between Online Storage And Office Storage [print this page] For years online storage has been the domain of large firms due to the high costs of hard disk space and slow Internet connection speeds. Small businesses either installed Office Based Servers or shared all their data between their desktop computers.
The main issue with office based systems is the day-to-day running costs, with servers needing to be updated on a daily basis, and unless you employ an I.T. manager then running a server can be a costly business. Not only do you have to pay out for contract support, its the downtime resulting from server crashes and the response time for somebody to fix it. Also the initial outlay for the server is quite a big cost for any small business, especially in todays market.
Reduce costs of online storage and the increased speeds of broadband; have now made online backup and online data storage a realistic alternative for small businesses, and home users.
Typical Example:
ONLINE STORAGE:
Mowbe
Online file storage, folder sharing and backup.
Mowbe Business 5 User License.
1TB Data Storage.
Automatic online backup, with last 30 versions of ever file.
Automatic updates on client desktops
Same day support
Year cost 1 574 Year cost 2 574 Year cost 3 574
Total Cost 1722
OFFICE BASED SERVER:
Dell
Dell Power Edge T110 II Services (basic-setup)
Microsoft Server 2008 OS with 5 client license.
1TB Data Storage
1TB Removable backup + backup software
Proactive support (updates installed by third party)
Next day support
Year cost 1 3000 + 500 installation Year cost 2 0 Year cost 3 0
Total Cost 3500
As we can see from the above table, using online storage facilities is a lot more cost effect than using traditional office based servers, with traditional backup software.
Traditional office based servers would also need a professional to physically install the software, and configure it to your needs. Typically a server installation can cost from 500 to 1000, where installing software for cloud storage is a simply click and install procedure, which is easily done by novices.
Cloud storage is now cheaper than traditional office based servers, from the initial outlay to the day-to-day running costs. They are also easier to use for the average person, and dont require any I.T. expertise, from the initial set-up to running your office I.T. system.
Does this mean the end of office-based servers?
Some people will have software requirements that need office-based servers, but for most small business it will be cheaper and less hassle to move to online storage.
Listed below are some of the advantages of cloud storage.
Automatic backup:
Secure storage solutions
You dont have to worry about losing your external media. Your files / offsite backup are stored in state of the art secure UK data centres at different locations. This could reduce insurance premiums.
Added protection:
Your files / offsite backup are replicated several times, so you never run the risk of losing your files / backups.
Remote access to your files:
Access your files on the road from the web, iPhone, iPAd and Android device, or any computer with an internet connection.
