Smart storage: why STaaS is the way forward for organisations

Data has gone from being a useful business tool to a valuable balance sheet asset. Businesses that can manage data effectively can achieve a competitive advantage by repurposing and applying business analytics for insights and new digital applications.

However, the size, increasing complexity, performance requirements, security protocols and proximity to various tools and computer platforms mean that on-premise storage options are often lacking. They constantly require the redesign of networks, protection and infrastructure components. Inflexible storage designs and purchases can interfere with an organisation’s ability to consolidate data, then make it available to users for repurposing and timely adaptation.

Subscription-based data storage as a service (STaaS) can serve as a solution across a number of protocols and service levels, according to Pure Storage. Michael Alp, Vice President (Australia and New Zealand) of Pure Storage, said STaaS is a good option for companies that need a storage platform that lets them accommodate different capacity, data types, connectivity and service levels, and the ability to use these options for short- and longer-term projects without operational and cost penalties.

“Many organisations prefer to avoid the traditional three- to five-year capacity planning, budgeting, procurement, implementation and change management process that on-premise storage needs. STaaS is attractive for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have the resources required to maintain on-premise storage infrastructure,” Alp said.

Alp added that STaaS can be procured for a smaller size on-premise solution or through a range of service providers in Australia, with zero degradation in service levels or flexibility. STaaS also provides benefits for larger organisations that frequently deal with massive amounts of data, and have a large number of data-dependent projects with their own requirements.

Alp noted that STaaS offers all the key benefits of any as-a-service model, including flexibility, security and a shifting of key responsibilities to the service provider. This frees up IT staff to focus on higher-value activities, with storage capacity and performance scaled up and down as needed, without operational risk. Using a STaaS model also lets businesses get real value from their data because it is more reliable and flexible than on-premise or cloud-only approaches.

“STaaS eliminates a great deal of the complexity around data storage and reduces friction, cost and complexity associated with sharing data across the enterprise. Given the pivotal role data plays in nearly every business application in the digital era, the value of this can’t be overstated. When decision-making is driven by data, planning is easier and more accurate, and organisations can pursue innovation and growth opportunities with confidence,” Alp said.

With data becoming bigger and more complex, Alp predicts that organisations may have to revisit their whole data storage approach. Alp said that remaining tethered to a set of different architected solutions that can’t accommodate flexibility and scalability could prevent organisations from achieving digital transformation objectives. Moving to STaaS could help businesses overcome these barriers and unleash the power of data for smart organisations.

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