Get all the benefits of ransomware-proof backup storage in a pay-as-you-go subscription model that grows to meet your needs
While 81% of IT leaders see immutable backup storage as an essential defense against ransomware, not all businesses have the funds to pay for large amounts of storage upfront—or the team capacity to manage and run this storage effectively.
Enter scalable storage, a solution that allows businesses to get the immutable storage they need while keeping on top of costs and management.
Scalable storage is any data storage system designed to effectively handle fluctuations in data storage by increasing or decreasing capacity as needed. This means that, as businesses collect more data, they can amend their storage space requirements without disruption. Scalable storage is usually classified into two main types: vertical scaling, often referred to as scale-up, and horizontal scaling, also known as scale-out.
There are a few different approaches to implementing scalable storage; these differ primarily based on where the actual data itself is stored:
There are a number of key benefits to using scalable storage:
There’s no need to constantly invest in additional resource when data volumes spike, nor are businesses left paying for excess amounts of data they don’t need when volumes decrease. This is particularly useful for businesses that often witness large, short-term variations in the amount of data they use.
Businesses only ever use as much data as they need, which is cost efficient. Organizations also avoid the risk paying upfront for large amounts of data storage which may never be used. Scalable storage also shifts storage costs from a capital expenditure to an operational expenditure, which can help businesses balance their budgets.
If a cloud element is incorporated into a network, scalable storage data can be accessed from anywhere, anytime—the only requirement is an internet connection. This is particularly useful for businesses that work remotely or across multiple locations.
Duplicate copies of your data ensure data redundancy which is vital in the event of a ransomware attack or other incident. This is particularly important for industries like healthcare and financial services where adequate data protection is not just a matter of individual business security, but also a legal compliance issue.
Scalable storage allows businesses to avoid the performance degradation which results from exceeding storage capacity. Business can benefit from optimal performance, no matter how much data they have, even if data storage needs peak suddenly.
Businesses can prepare themselves for the future by ensuring their data needs are always met, even as they grow. The possibility of adding new nodes—or improving existing ones—also means your storage can keep up with the pace of technological change.
Scalable storage is useful for business of any size, but it’s particularly helpful for businesses who may see large fluctuations in their data use, those who handle very large volumes of data, or those for whom the cost of purchasing data storage upfront is prohibitive.
Here’s how different types of businesses can benefit:
Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box Immutability) from Object First offers secure, simple, powerful scalable object storage in a pay-as-you-grow consumption model. Our scalable storage solution offers:
Backup capacity from 17 TB to 7 PB with no upfront payment, simple monthly billing and a 1-year subscription. Gain cost efficiency as you scale: the more you use, the less you pay per TB.
All technology refreshes, service, support and software updates are included. You don’t pay for appliances, you pay for what you use.
Get backup improvements faster, with no upfront outlay. Reduce risk of over- or under-sizing using Object First Storage Calculator, free expert support, and experienced partner network.
Scalable storage for backup data allows you to get the data duplication and redundancy you get from other backup systems without the upfront cost and management required with conventional backup data storage. This is useful for businesses who lack the funds or the capacity to constantly upscale and downscale their storage, as well as businesses who frequently see large peaks and troughs in their data usage.
Many storage systems are designed to be scalable, including Object Storage, SAN (Storage Area Networ)s, NAS (Network Attached Storage), and software-defined storage (SDS). Among these, scalable object storage is particularly effective for managing large amounts of unstructured data with flexibility, immutability, and easy horizontal scaling.
Scalable storage can be immutable as long as it meets the criteria of Absolute Immutability. Object First’s Consumption model offers secure, simple powerful backup storage that is Absolutely Immutable—all with no upfront payments, no sizing issues, and no hardware refreshes to manage.
The top options for scalable enterprise storage include on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. Each has their own benefits, but on-premises scalable storage offers the greatest level of security as it allows organizations to maintain complete control over their data and infrastructure.
Choosing the best scalable storage for your business means considering the biggest priority for your backup storage: for example, security, accessibility, flexibility, or a mix of the above. On-premises scalable storage is the most secure, cloud-based scalable storage offers the highest accessibility, while a hybrid approach can allow businesses to match needs specifically.