More business data than ever before are now stored in the cloud. In order to maintain a competitive edge, many organizations make knee-jerk decisions when it comes to cloud storage solutions. By not considering their storage requirements carefully, many businesses find themselves paying a small fortune for storage they’re not actively utilizing. Cloud cost optimization can help you take stock of what you’re spending, without you having to make any compromise when it comes to storage.
1. Make sure you’ve chosen the right storage option
The majority of cloud storage providers offer a range of pricing models. Businesses eager to embrace cloud services tend to pick the most expensive option without giving it too much thought. However, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to something like cloud storage, more expensive isn’t always better.
If you need ready access to a lot of stored data, it makes sense to go with a more premium storage tier. These services provide you with instant access to your stored data, with low latency. However, these packages tend to cost several times the amount of basic cloud storage options. If you’re using cloud storage to archive data and only need occasional access to backup folders, an inexpensive storage tier is probably a better fit.
2. Spring clean your cloud storage
There’s a good chance your storage volumes are bogged down with surplus data. A spot of digital housekeeping will eliminate this data. Incomplete uploads can present a particular problem. It’s common for uploads to become interrupted from time to time, leading to irrelevant files stuck in your cloud storage. If you subsequently upload a full version of the file, this incomplete duplicate is only sitting around and costing you money. Commit to carrying out a sweep for these on a regular basis. To cover any eventuality, it’s wise to back up these partial files before deleting them permanently from your cloud storage volumes.
3. Monitor price changes
You may think you got a good deal when signing up with your cloud storage provider. However, prices are subject to change and you can quickly find yourself locked into a pricing tier that doesn’t deliver what you need. If you’ve been wise enough to choose a rolling contract model, you have more leverage when it comes to negotiating revised prices. You should also think about negotiating a tailored agreement if your usage metrics are only slightly deviating from the contract limits.
4. Don’t pay for services you’re not using
If you’re keen to cut down on your cloud bill, take a step back and consider what services you’re using. Beyond basic storage, there are probably a lot of superfluous features packaged into the price you’re paying. Review the agreement with your provider and ask yourself what included features are redundant for your everyday needs. If an alternative package provides you with all the services you need at a lower price, make the switch.
5. Don’t be afraid to downgrade
It makes sense to be prepared for expansion, but there’s no need to funnel large sums of cash into masses of storage you’re not actually using. If you’ve paid over the odds for storage limits you’re nowhere close to realizing, downgrading is always an option. Most providers offer tiered solutions to accommodate differences throughout. You can always revert to your original plan or a higher-volume one should your requirements change.