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Primary data storage options for the cloud
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Podcast
Cloud storage improvements make it a primary storage option
Analyst Arun Taneja explains how evolving technology can make primary data storage in the cloud possible, despite the fact that IT pros are often hesitant to do so. Listen Now
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Article
Public cloud storage options: Determining what data to move
Learn how service-level agreements and security issues come into play when selecting suitable workloads and use cases for a public cloud environment. Read Now
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Podcast
Hybrid clouds, colocation are best for primary data storage
Cloud storage can be a tricky proposition for primary data, but using a hybrid model or colocation helps overcome some of the issues. Listen Now
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Article
Three ways the cloud can be used as primary storage
While the cloud is most often used as a secondary location to store data, using it as the primary storage location for these types of data can be beneficial. Read Now
Editor's note
Performance and security issues limited the cloud's usefulness for primary storage since the start, and not all of these problems have been resolved. Even though backup and archive are still go-to uses for the cloud, it doesn't mean the cloud can't be a primary data storage option.
Both cloud and storage vendors are evolving so that they are more tightly integrated and offer more features -- meaning they're a better option when it comes to near-line data. For example, the performance of object technology has been steadily improving with caching and workload prioritization features. On the other hand, cloud-integrated appliances can provide a level of performance similar to local storage while also providing the scalability of the cloud. But there are a number of options when it comes to primary data storage in the cloud, and making the right implementation choices is critical.
That's why we compiled this Essential Guide to help you determine whether cloud is a good option for your primary data storage. You'll find tips and advice from experts regarding how cloud storage is improving, what types of cloud storage are best suited for primary data, and best practices for implementation and management if you do decide to put your most important data in the cloud.
1Top implementations for primary data storage in the cloud
Cloud gateways, object technology and hybrid clouds are all options when it comes to primary data storage, but which one works best? It often comes down to how the data that is being stored there will be used. To help determine which cloud implementation is the most effective, the links below give an overview into how the different options work.
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Article
Cloud and object become suitable for primary data
Expert Marc Staimer explains how object storage and cloud technologies have evolved into options that can be a good fit for primary data. Read Now
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Podcast
Cloud-based near-line data storage adds features
Cloud-based options for near-line data storage now have features such as erasure coding, making them Hadoop-ready and appropriate for big data. Listen Now
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Article
Considerations for cloud gateway use for primary data
Cloud gateways are making primary storage use cases feasible, but not without some challenges. Read Now
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Article
Primary data begins to find its place in hybrid clouds
Hybrid cloud storage appliances hold promise for primary data and address concerns about network outages, latency, security, bandwidth and data transfer fees. Read Now
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Article
Cloud-integrated storage bridges on-premises storage and cloud
Cloud-integrated storage appliances allow hybrid storage configurations that link data center storage with cost-effective, scalable cloud storage. Read Now
2Keeping your primary data storage safe in the cloud
Storing primary data in the cloud means it's critical the data is secure and accessible. You should keep tabs on a cloud provider's service-level agreements, uptime and security. In addition, there are technology-specific best practices to keep in mind that help ensure security and reduce latency for your cloud primary data storage.
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Article
Maintaining a secure cloud for primary data storage
According to George Crump, as long as storage professionals understand encryption and authentication, the cloud is just as secure as any data center. Read Now
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Article
Making cloud and object storage work for your primary data
When the RESTful API, the most common method for getting data to and from object storage, isn't an option, CIS systems can work as an alternative. Read Now
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Article
Replacing on-premises storage with the cloud
Cloud storage is cheaper, expands endlessly and needs little attention. But how much data can a company realistically park in the cloud? Read Now
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Article
Hybrid clouds provide the best of public and private
Hybrid clouds are gaining acceptance as an option for primary data. With three ways to build a hybrid cloud, learn which integration method is best. Read Now