Jun 06, 2014

Corporate data is becoming more important to everyday operations, and IT will need to integrate tools that allow employees to have constant access to the data without introducing additional risks. To do this, many organizations are turning to cloud-based online file storage as a means to back up documents, aid in continuity efforts and provide more collaboration opportunities across the business. However, while the cloud has provided substantial benefits, some companies are still hesitant to adopt the solution due to the potential security vulnerabilities that come with public deployments.

The cloud has quickly made a name for itself throughout numerous industries with many organizations and consumers alike taking their files to online platforms. Sectors like healthcare that have strict regulations are more slow to adopt the technology due to the amount of sensitive information they govern. State Tech Magazine noted that while rogue file sharing can put information in danger of a breach, by monitoring the accounts and data access patterns, IT can better identify if a document is being compromised and deter leaks from occurring. IT managers need to pick from enterprise file sharing solutions that will best meet their needs and will actually be used by staff members. Decision makers will need to ensure that they thoroughly integrate the system and deploy available protection measures to secure sensitive data. IT will become more of an enabler in this regard while also ensuring service flexibility.

“As cloud computing models continue to gain popularity, IT departments will find that their work focuses less on providing tools and more on ensuring data governance and enhancing data security,” the source stated. “Exploring cloud-based storage and file-sharing services is just another step in that transition.”

Get the most out of the investment
Migrating to the cloud should not be done as an afterthought or a reaction to the technology’s hype. The shift requires planning and strategic investment to ensure that the business gains the most value from the solution. Wired contributor Richard Baguley noted that with a consumer solution, the only advantage is its convenience – it cannot provide the space, features or security that most companies would require. Programs like Dropbox only offer a free solution with 2GB of storage, which most companies will go through in a relatively short time. Expanding on this often requires substantial investment, and it does not include the encryption or remote wipe capabilities that enterprise-grade secure file sharing solutions have. While the consumer software may be fit for vacation photos and other inessential items, it does not have a place in the work environment. Organizations need to expand their search and ensure that they are making a smart investment in their product.

“Taking an enterprise approach to end-user cloud file sharing can provide an array of benefits, including speedy file synchronization between desktop and mobile systems as well as heightened productivity and collaboration,” State Tech Magazine stated. “Cloud file sharing may also help organizations stamp out silos and reduce storage and systems maintenance.”