Scalable Storage Solutions for Small Businesses

One of the biggest issues facing many small businesses these days is Data Storage (that’s capital “D,” capital “S”). An emphasis on data storage really involves several factors, such as managing a large data capacity and intense data flows, setting up proper data security systems and reliable data backup solutions, and making sure all the data is organized and usable. So when we say scalable storage we don’t just mean a solution that can be easily expanded and upgraded to handle newer technologies and increased data flow, but also one that provides data reliability, security, and usability.

What are your Options?

• Upgrade your existing equipment. If you have used up much of your available hard disk space, you can purchase a new internal drive to increase your processing power and storage capacity.

• Add external enclosure or external USB hard drive. An external enclosure for an internal hard drive offers a good combination of performance, reliability, and scalability and can be used with one or more servers. External USB hard drives usually come with back-up software, and most have a one-touch back-up button.

• Get an NAS server. A network-attached storage device (NAS) is by far the most practical (but expensive) storage solution for many small businesses in terms of versatility, scalability, and management. A NAS is a dedicated server that can store software to be used by multiple computers on a network and also back-up files. Look for units that have two or more SATA, SATA II, or SCSI RAID-configured hard drives.There are several leading NAS manufacturers that offer comprehensive customer support. Check out HP StorageWorks 9100 Extreme Data Storage System, Dell’s PowerVault MD3000i, and Sun’s open source storage server that supports the Zettabyte File System and the OpenSolaris operating system on its Thumper hardware.

• Look into Online Storage. There are many companies offering online backup and security solutions. Small businesses may opt for this method to avoid purchasing costly equipment and having to manage the data. But do your research before choosing this solution. Data security and speed (you really need a fast Internet connection for this) are two factors to consider. Also, only do business with an established company. Click here for a list and review of the major online storage companies.

Can Your Business Handle Intense Data Flow?

Many businesses that process massive amounts of data are not prepared for a sudden surge in data flow even though these companies predict a future spike in the demand for data, a recent study finds.

Business Performance Management Forum (BPM) an organization dedicated to promoting performance accountability and process improvement in global organizations, conducted a survey of 125 IT professionals to assess data performance and the effect of downtime on a business’ operations.

Over half of those surveyed have already experienced losses in productivity due to data overload at critical moments, and more than a third of those surveyed expect a significant increase in data volumes and user demand in the coming year, yet 56% are not fully prepared to handle it.

Moreover, even though 80% responded that storage performance and data access by employees, partners and customers are important to their business, 78% of these companies are not adequately prepared to handle a surge of data flow 10 times greater than their average daily processing volumes

It is quite obvious that the success of a business that handles a massive data flow depends on its being prepared for those unpredictable yet inevitable spikes in data generation and user demand. Chalk it up as yet another concern on a long list of IT objectives.

Top 5 Tech Trends Small Businesses Should Watch for in 2008

The world of technology is a dizzying sea of ever-evolving applications, platforms and devices- each promising to change the way we integrate technology into our personal and professional lives.

While big corporations may have the resources to test the waters of emerging technologies and thus place themselves at the cutting edge, small businesses with their limited resources are often left to wade through the currents with little sense of direction.

Many claim that small businesses cannot afford to pass up on these industry-shaping trends, while others suggest that they be ignored- at least for now.

But the truth is, that while small businesses should certainly take note of the following trends in business technology, the answer to how much to invest in them will really depend on the particular nature of each small business and the resources available to it.

1. Mobile technology is spreading its wings. The emergence of sophisticated mobile devices, such as the iPhone and Blackberry Curve, and an eminent explosion of mobile software applications promises small businesses greater flexibility, effciency, and coordination that will help maximize resources and create growth opportunities. Small businesses will increasingly rely on their smartphones for unified communications, network synchronization, and location-based services.

2. Software as a service (SaaS) creates opportunities. On-demand software (also called software-as-a-service or SaaS) refers to software applications that are leased over the Web or to mobile devices from an outside vendor, such as NetSuite. These hosted software applications provide the infrastructure needed to effectively and efficiently operate various aspects of a business- from sales and marketing reports, to payroll processing, and a slew of location-based services, such as Vettro’s application for mobile devices that helps utility crews and excavators navigate around buried cables and pipelines.

3. Social Networking and virtual societies. There has been a lot of speculation regarding the earning potential of social networking sites such as, Facebook and MySpace as well as virtual societies, such as Secondlife. What is certain, however, is that these sites offer a new way for small and mid-size businesses to connect with their customers and employees. Retail companies, for example, can create a virtual store, to monitor how many people it attracts and how these people interact with the space.

4. Going Green Tech-style. Much of the hottest techonology today not only helps the environment by reducing the use of utilities and the need to travel, but it also increases employee productivity, efficiencey, and job satisfaction. The use of audio, video and Web conferencing services often reduces the need for business travel, in addition to cutting down carbon emissions. Location-based services for mobile devices also improves the efficiency of operations on the road by effectively directing travelers to their destinations and thereby reducing fuel consumption. Businesses are moving away from paper invoices, statements, letters, and memos in favor of paperless options, such as e-faxes and e-mail.

5. Data Storage. Many small businesses these days need a significant amount of storage to hold their digital assets and information. In response, companies such as Amazon.com (S3 Simple Storage Service) and AOL (XDrive.com) are offering businesses online storage solutions for their web applications. Google is also expected to enter the fray with a “Google Drive.” There are many smaller companies offering storage services, such as Box.net and ElephantDrive.com. Many of these storage services offer up to 25 GBs for free with additional storage and features costing from $2 to $10 per month Some of these companies also offer advanced features such as versioning, personal encryption keys and multiple user log-ins.