Self-Hosted File Sharing & Sync for Enterprise File Sharing

December 27, 2013

Why does Self-Hosted File Sharing , Sync Solution make sense for Enterprise File Sharing? I see two main options for companies that need file sharing, storage and sync; using  public cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive,  Box.net or private (self-hosted) solutions such as FileCloud and OwnCloud. FileCloud supports both Windows and Linux while OwnCloud […]

control-your-destiny-or-somebody-else-will

Why does Self-Hosted File Sharing , Sync Solution make sense for Enterprise File Sharing?

I see two main options for companies that need file sharing, storage and sync; using  public cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive,  Box.net or private (self-hosted) solutions such as FileCloud and OwnCloud. FileCloud supports both Windows and Linux while OwnCloud doesn’t support Windows. Compare OwnCloud vs. FileCloud, learn why FileCloud is the fastest growing Enterprise File Sharing and Sync Solution.

Public cloud file sharing solutions may be suitable for individuals and small businesses because they are cost effective, offer some control of the data, and some security safeguards. But they simply are not the right fit for enterprises or even medium-sized firms. They also are not suitable for organizations that are held to stringent data compliance standards, such as healthcare providers, banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies, and other similar firms.

A strong argument can be made for organizations to select self-hosted, on-premises file sharing solutions as a better option than public cloud file sharing.

An Attractive Entry Point for Hackers

Despite the risk, I see services such as Dropbox, Google and others controlling a significant amount of information from many global players. I worry about this because the potential gain for hacking one of these services is great, certainly exponentially higher than hacking a single organization that is running private storage.

If a company uses one of the public storage options then their data might become exposed inadvertently after a hacking attempt. This is because their information is stored in a central infrastructure that isn’t separated out from other firms’ information. The hacking risks can arise after there are leadership or ownership changes at the public service provider, which might expose gaps in security protocols.

Information is the Business

I know many firms where their intellectual property and customer databases are more important than the actual products or services they offer. These large and medium-size firms need to analyze, protect, and utilize their information to maintain a competitive edge, reach new markets, and ensure customer satisfaction. Given the utmost importance of data for organizations, I’m surprised when they chose a 3rd party public file sharing service to transfer or store this digital goldmine. Especially when there are not defined benefits for using the service, a classic risk/reward case that I see heavily weighted towards the “risk” side.

Can you trust the providers?

Simply put, I feel the leading public cloud providers have not proven they can reliably protect data, and instead their goals lie in locking the data down in perpetuity, not necessarily developing safeguards.

I see platforms such as Google or Facebook overreaching with their market positions by being loose with data privacy in return for market reach. Their methods are to drive out competitors, get a strong hold on the market and then put in place their own “take it or leave it” rules once they get the top spot. I see businesses face two options, they either accept such terms, or they exercise more caution on where their precious data is stored and consider the service provider’s record and motives.

Private pricing is cost-effective and simple

A persistent myth I see in this space is “private cloud file sharing is prohibitively expensive and complex.” We should all know technology improvements always drive down costs and remove complexity. In this case, the advances in hardware such as servers and HDD and software such as easy-to-use system operator tools are the main myth dispellers. I’ve seen 3TB HDD for around 100 bucks, and system administration is much easier and simpler due to the evolution of best practices and better tools and frameworks. I actually see managing a private cloud as a cheaper option than working with a third party – which should be a real eye opener! Throw in the additional benefits and it’s a move that I feel should be automatic.

The main issue is a philosophical one, not a technology or cost issue. Concentrating power (in this case data) among just a few entities isn’t wise in any context. Controlling your own information means considerably reduced risk of debilitating data loss and being able to manage your information on your terms to drive long-term growth.

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By Team FileCloud