Even before the start of the pandemic, corporate IT leaders were hard at work on data center transformation. There was an ongoing trend of companies moving away from on-premises data management and embracing cloud technologies more and more. And now, post-pandemic, that trend has only accelerated. But questions have also arisen along the way. For example: Is there such a thing as moving too aggressively to the cloud?
A recent BizTech Magazine report explained that many companies have encountered difficulties when trying to move too much of their data infrastructure to the cloud, too fast. While the cloud can be tremendously powerful, there are definitely pitfalls – according to data from the Cloud Security Alliance, 81% of companies have “significant security concerns” about large cloud projects, while 57% worry about regulatory compliance and 42% have to deal with network outages due to human error or device issues. For all of these reasons, it makes sense in many cases to balance cloud technology with a healthy dose of on-prem data management where necessary.
“Many companies still have both branch offices and data centers,” said Ajay Uggirala, director of product marketing at SonicWall. “They have both on-premises solutions and use the public cloud, and they want a solution that can secure both.”
The challenge for many companies today is to find a balance between the convenience of cloud technology and the security that on-prem has to offer – especially while in the midst of the cloud transition. In general, on-prem data architectures have a number of built-in security features available, including virtual private networks, sandboxing platforms, and intrusion detection systems. At the same time, technologies such as cloud firewalls can help protect cloud data as it’s migrated over.
The future of data management, ideally, would be a hybrid model in which companies adopt next-generation security strategies such as zero-trust network access (ZNTA) and secure access service edge (SASE) solutions. This would help reduce the risk of outside intruders gaining unauthorized access to corporate data, both in the cloud and on-prem. But right now, as remote and hybrid work become more common and companies get used to a model that includes both on-site and off-site data management, there are more logistical complications than ever, and it’s important for IT leaders to be vigilant.
At Zones, we are happy to lend a helping hand in this effort. We have always supported our clients when it comes to all things Data Center Transformation, and that’s especially true now as the cloud revolution is in full force. If you’re looking to make the transition to cloud technology – be it with some of your infrastructure, most, or all of it – we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work for you. Connect with a Zones Account Manager if you’re ready to get started.