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+--- Thread: What are the key considerations for using NAS as part of a multi-cloud strategy? (/showthread.php?tid=1270)
What are the key considerations for using NAS as part of a multi-cloud strategy? - savas - 11-07-2018
When you're thinking about incorporating NAS (Network-Attached Storage) into a multi-cloud strategy, there are several angles to consider. First off, let’s talk about data accessibility and integration. One of the main benefits of NAS is that it allows for centralized data storage. When you’re juggling multiple cloud services – be it AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud – you want to make sure your files are easily accessible across these platforms. A well-set-up NAS can bridge that gap, letting you access and manage your data without worrying about where it’s stored.
Security is another key concern that can’t be overlooked. Multi-cloud environments can often be more vulnerable simply because you have more entry points for potential breaches. By storing sensitive data on a NAS, you can maintain tighter control over that information, implementing your own security protocols while still enjoying the benefits of the cloud. Just make sure you educate your team on best practices for securing both the NAS and the cloud services you’re using.
Performance is also crucial. With NAS, you get decent transfer speeds, especially for large files, which is useful if your workloads involve significant data processing. But you need to think about how much data you’re moving and whether the bandwidth provided by your internet connection can handle those operations smoothly. If your NAS is busy serving clients or transferring data to and from the cloud, it could impact performance. Balancing these workloads effectively is something to keep in mind.
Cost management is another aspect that deserves your attention. Multi-cloud strategies can sometimes spiral out of control in terms of expenses, especially when considering data egress fees for transferring large data sets between clouds. With NAS, you might have an upfront investment in hardware, but over time, it can help reduce those ongoing costs, especially if you use it to offload some of your storage needs instead of relying solely on cloud storage providers.
Also, don’t forget about scalability. As your business grows, so does your data. Many modern NAS solutions offer scalable options, allowing you to add more drives or storage capacity as needed. This flexibility can complement your multi-cloud approach, letting you adapt without feeling boxed in by your initial choices.
Lastly, consider the backup and recovery plans. You want to ensure that no matter where your data lives – on-prem or in the cloud – you have a solid strategy for backups. A NAS can serve as a reliable staging point for backing up crucial data, and it can make recovery processes faster since you can restore from a local source rather than pulling everything from the cloud.
Integrating NAS into a multi-cloud strategy can be a game-changer, but like any tool, it should be approached thoughtfully. You want to ensure your entire system works harmoniously, enhancing your workflow rather than complicating it. Keep these considerations in mind as you chart your course into a multi-cloud landscape.
I hope this helps! Also check out my other post regarding NAS backups.