There is no best option when selecting how to manage data in your organization. As you can see, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. The method to choose depends on your needs
File sharing is vital for every organization. In the digital age, there are different options open to organizations - on-premise file sharing, online or cloud file sharing, and hybrid file sharing. The question is which of these options is most advantageous for your organization.
On-Premise
As you can probably deduce from its name, on-premise file sharing involves hosting files on an organization's IT infrastructure. This method of file sharing was very popular before the advent of cloud computing, and it is still widely used today.
With on-premise file sharing, apps and files are shared between computers through the local area network (LAN). Your IT team takes full responsibility for the network's security as well as its performance. On-premise file sharing is quite straightforward. Some companies choose this option because of the sensitive nature of the information that they deal with, for example, financial firms. While on-premise file hosting and sharing can be safe, it is not entirely immune to risks. This is why it is essential to use the latest security protocols including encryption as well as antivirus and anti-ransomware protection.
Advantages of On-Premise File Hosting and Sharing
Disadvantages of On-Premise File Hosting and Sharing
Online File Sharing
Online file sharing is the trend today. Chances are that you are depending on cloud storage one way or another. Cloud file sharing involves hosting and sharing your files on a remote server. You can easily access your data through any device connected to the internet.
Online file sharing is a relatively inexpensive option as the duty of securing and managing the IT infrastructure is in the hands of your cloud service provider. There are many cloud platforms available today. Despite recent security incidents, cloud storage can be very safe if the proper security measures are deployed. For example, data must be encrypted while in storage and during transfer. It should be noted that cloud file sharing is not only limited to documents but also applications. You can access an application over the cloud without having to install it on your device.
Advantages of Online File Hosting and Sharing
Disadvantages of Online File Hosting and Sharing
Hybrid File Sharing
Hybrid file sharing combines features of on-premise and online file sharing. This means you'd still maintain your in-house IT infrastructure. However, you also use cloud storage. This may seem redundant, but there are many advantages of hybrid file storage and sharing. For example, with cloud sharing, your workers operating remotely can easily access files.
On the other hand, workers operating within your office premises can send and receive files faster using LAN connection. The cloud platform could also serve as a backup for your data. Alternatively, you can choose to store sensitive data on-premises and other files on the cloud.
Essentially, hybrid file sharing gives you the best of both worlds. This option is usually reserved for large organizations who have the necessary resources.
Advantages of Hybrid File Hosting and Sharing
Disadvantages of Hybrid File Hosting and Sharing
Which Option is Best?
There is no best option when selecting how to manage data in your organization. As you can see, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. The method to choose depends on your needs. Some organizations may be best suited for on-premises file sharing, while others may do best with cloud sharing or hybrid cloud sharing. The first step to determine which option to choose is to consult an IT expert to carry out an assessment of your organization's data management needs.
On the surface, hybrid file sharing may be the best option. Most modern organizations tend to go for hybrid file sharing because it makes it easier to hire offshore experts in addition to all the other benefits it provides. However, the cost involved makes this unsuitable for small startups.
Whether you choose on-premise, hybrid or online file sharing, FileCloud is the best partner to help you make the most of your data management system. We provide support all the way - from implementation to usage. This includes encryption, two-factor authentication, data loss prevention, and much more.
Author : Rahul Sharma