Running a business requires creating a lot of paperwork and a lot of data. Some of this information needs to be retained because of mandates to do so by government agencies like the IRS. In other cases, the information in question is valuable to retaining your competitive position the market. Whatever the case, you need places to store this valuable data and paperwork. Below are four options you should consider.
1. The Cloud
The cloud may seem like a confusing term. However, you can think of it as software and services provided over the internet. One of these services is cloud backup. If your business produces a lot of data that needs to be retained, cloud backup can do the job automatically for you. Cloud computing also uses redundant server architecture which makes the chances of your data being accidentally erased extremely slim.
2. Storage Cabinets
However, not all your information should be stored via digital files. Even today, there is still a great need for businesses to retain all kinds of physical paperwork. You need the ability to store these papers safely and keep them properly organized. Digital files can be lost, but paper files are harder to lose if you know where they are. Consider investing in some heavy duty storage cabinets that can store your documents for decades on end.
3. M-Disc
The bad thing about data is it’s not physical and can be easily lost. For example, something as simple as a lightning strike could wipe out all the data stored on a local server. However, there is now a permanent data storage solution known as M-Disc. These are writable DVD and Blu-ray discs that can last for 1,000 years. If you purchase a drive that can write the discs, you can store data for a millennium.
4. Local Hardware
You could also choose to store your files locally on your own hardware. If you have a lot of data, consider investing in commercial servers. The upside is you have direct access to the hardware and can easily share it in a local network. The downside of course is that you’re responsible for maintenance and could be at risk of losing the data if something were to happen to that local hardware.
No matter the solution you choose, storage for important information is paramount for a successful business. Don’t ignore your data storage needs. If you do, you might not be able to find important information when you need it most.
About the Author
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.
