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The following article was published in our article directory on October 15, 2014.
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I Need a Network, Should I Just Move to The Cloud?

Article Category: Computers and Technology

Author Name: Richard Kinney

You have the need to share information with multiple people in the same company. However, when is the right time to network those PCs? Why can't I just use the 'cloud'? Small businesses ask these questions every day.

In the old days (not really that long ago) we shared our data by simply copying the information to a removable type of media, then handed or carried it over to the person we wanted to share that information with. There was nothing wrong with sharing data in that manner. It felt safe, secure and got the job done. We called that type of sharing Sneakernet.

Sneakernet
Refers to the channel by which electronic information is transmitted from one computer to another by physically carrying it stored on a floppy disk, CD or other removable medium. This play on words stems from the idea that a person is using their feet, i.e., sneakers, to transfer data instead of through the Internet or an organization's intranet. (Webopedia.com) http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/sneakernet.html

There are a few flaws in Sneakernet. The biggest one is how to keep everything the same version. Now you've shared this information with a colleague. A few hours, days or weeks have past and you've made some edits, updated the graph or spreadsheet, added new information etc. How do you make sure everyone get the same updated version? How can you be sure everyone will use the correct version?

Another flaw with Sneakernet is a false sense of security. You have given out at least one copy of information, maybe even dozens of copies. Once you have given someone else a copy of the data you have completely lost all control over how that data is used. Wait, I think someone muttered something about company policy. Take that thought right out of your mind. Company policy is only as good as the paper it is written on. Don't get me wrong, everyone needs policies in place. Without written policies, companies would be in total chaos. You simply cannot depend on policy to protect your valuable data.

Network
A network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together. Computers on a network are sometimes called nodes. Computers and devices that allocate resources for a network are called servers. (Beal, Network) http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/network.html

What choices do we have?

For starters, we need to look at some form of a network. A network will allow you to share those same data files electronically. But, if you are not careful you could end up with some of the same problems and maybe some new ones.

The network will allow you to have a single location where all versions of a particular data file are stored and only the latest version is made available for use. This location on a physical network is referred to as a server. If accessed through the internet it is referred to as the cloud.

Server
A computer or device on a network that manages network resources. Servers are often dedicated, meaning that they perform no other tasks besides their server tasks. (Beal, Server) http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/server.html

Today there is very little you can do with a local server that cannot be done in the cloud. Including fine grained security settings. When you step back and look at the two objectively, few differences are worth arguing about. I believe it comes down to two things. 1: How reliable is the connection between user and data? 2: Is speed an issue for the user?

Cloud
Also referred to as a network cloud. Cloud refers to a public or semi-public space that exists between the end points of a transmission. (Beal, Cloud) http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/cloud.html

When it comes to connecting through the internet, reliability and speed are always an issue. As an end user, you have no control over the connections between you and your data. If you have done your homework, you will have selected the best option available to you. However, there is no guarantee that something will not happen that is outside your control. An internet connection can have dozens of connections between you and the data and any one of them can go out of service. Can your company afford to be separated from their data for a period of time? What is acceptable down time?

People in general want to control their surroundings. I believe that extends into the business world as well. You will have the most control over what you can physically touch. A local server that stores your data will provide you the most control over your data and the least amount of down time.

Obviously, the best environment is a hybrid of the two technologies. If that is not a financially viable solution then I would recommend a local server.

Always consult a professional before make any final decisions concerning your data network. A professional will be able to help you compare and select from multiple solutions

Keywords: network, server, cloud, sneakernet, internet, policy, security, share, the cloud, local server, the internet, company policy, network storage, server hosting, computer server,

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