Companies across the globe are beginning to realize the immense value that Big Data can add to their business. More and more of them are implementing Big Data each day. If your company too, is on the verge of putting Big Data to work, then there are a few things you need to know. There are two ways to go about using Big Data establishing it on your companys premises or using a provider that offers a Big Data platform in the cloud. In the past it used to be that companies only had the option to establish it on site, but that is no longer the case. Each business is different, which means that while one company may prefer to install Big Data on site, another may wish to use Big Data in the cloud. Here are four factors to consider as you decide which way to go.
Cost
Cost is an extremely important factor, and many times its the determining factor. So, what are the cost differences between Big Data on site and Big Data in the cloud?
Big Data in house requires companies to install costly infrastructure in order for the data to be gathered, stored and analyzed. Its generally a multi-million dollar process thats paid up front. Because of that, in the past many small businesses were unable to implement Big Data due to the huge startup costs. Now, with Big Data in the cloud, those beginning costs are mostly eliminated. Its much cheaper to get going with Big Data in the cloud. Additionally, Big Data on site generally requires a team of experts to monitor the equipment and to handle the data gathering, storing and analyzing. Again, thats something that many companies dont have and cant afford to hire all at once. Big Data in the cloud takes care of that for the companies. There are also no maintenance fees with Big Data in the cloud. There are, however, monthly fees for the use of Big Data in the cloud that companies need to be aware of, but they generally only charge for what you use.
Security
One of the greatest advantages that Big Data on site gives to companies is an added measure of data security. All the data is stored locally on premise and is much easier to monitor. The information is very secure. The company knows at all times who is accessing the data and how its being used. With Big Data in the cloud theres always an inherent risk. That being said, Big Data in the cloud is still extremely safe. Reputable cloud storage companies have taken the necessary steps to ensure your data is safe and secure. Industry standard encryption methods, along with other security measures ensure you wont lose your valuable data. Its not as safe as on site, but its close.
Current capabilities
An important point to consider when making this decision is your current Big Data capability. Do you have personnel to support on site implementation? Do you have a team that can oversee all aspects of Big Data? Do you have a team that can ensure proper maintenance and workflow? If you dont have these things, can you afford to hire them? There are significant staffing needs for in house Big Data. Big Data in the cloud also has staffing needs, but theyre far less extensive. With Big Data in the cloud, companies can really focus on whats most important making sense of the information gathered and implementing it to improve business.
Scalability
The more that data becomes available, the more important scalability becomes. Simply put, scalability is the flexibility a company has to increase or decrease its data-gathering capabilities. Its much harder to scale with Big Data on site. If you have more data than usual, you need to install more infrastructure which can be extremely costly. If you have less data, then youre stuck with costly, unused infrastructure. Big Data in the cloud allows to to scale up or down with incredible ease and without negative financial implications.
Remember each business is different. Some may prefer the security and control that comes with Big Data on site and they have the resources to afford that. Others may prefer the flexibility and ease provided with Big Data in the cloud. Either way, its important to implement Big Data. Your company will reap the rewards.
