Hardware and network failures are bound to happen. Natural disasters are also becoming more common. For businesses literally running on data, even a few minutes of downtime can be disastrous. Your disaster recovery plan (DRP) should address these concerns but your current solution may not be enough to ensure your data is always accessible. This is when it pays to use a geo-redundant storage (GRS) option but which one is right for your business needs? We’re looking at the main types of geo-redundant storage so you can keep your company running when a natural or manmade disaster hits.
Main Types of Geo-Redundant Storage Solutions
Before we get into the main types of geo-redundant storage it helps to know what it is. Instead of storing copies of your business data in the same physical or geographical location as your business, the information is kept in another region.
So, if a tornado takes out your network and power grid, your team can still access stored data since it’s in a region not affected by the storm. Sounds great right? Now that you have a better idea of what GRS is, it’s time to look at the various storage options.
Primary Region Geo-Redundancy Storage
This type of data storage is typically broken down into a couple of categories, local and zone-redundant storage. Both solutions keep your data in the primary region. This means your data is in the same region as your business.
- Local-redundant storage (LRS) is your most cost-effective solution but don’t get too excited at the thought of saving some money. This storage solution isn’t ideal for organizations that need constant data access. Three copies of your data are stored at a single location within your geographic location. So, if a hurricane knocks out your power grid, there’s a chance the storage location may also be affected.
- Zone-redundant storage (ZRS) gives you a little more security when it comes to data access. Copies of your data are stored at three locations all within your business’s physical location. Yes, you’re paying a little more for the added storage locations but it does give you a little more security. If the power goes down at one or two storage locations, the third may still be up and running.
Overall, if saving on storage costs and ensuring data accessibility are key, zone-redundant storage is probably the way to go.
Secondary Region Geo-Redundancy
Instead of storing copies of your data in the same geographical location as your business, this solution sends it hundreds of miles away. This way, if a disaster affects your entire region, your data should still be accessible. As soon as your backup power supply kicks on, your business data is ready and waiting for you.
- Geo-redundant storage (GRS) takes three copies of your data using LRS practices. However, your data doesn’t only stay at a location in your business’s geographical location. A copy is sent to a location in a different region. Three copies of the data are stored in the secondary region. So, you get six copies of your data, three stored at a primary and three at a secondary location.
- Geo-zone redundant storage (GZRS) takes it a bit further. Instead of one storage zone in your primary region, you get three. So if one or two locations are impacted by a disaster, one location in your geographical region may still be up and running. If all three locations are down, no worries. GZRS has also copied your data three times in a secondary location.
You’re going to pay more for secondary region geo-redundancy storage but having continual access to your business data is usually worth the added cost.
Tips on Choosing the Right Geo-Redundant Storage Solution
Saving money is always tempting but it’s not always a good idea when it comes to data storage. If you’re running a small business that only accesses data for seasonal email campaigns, primary region geo-redundancy may be all you need. From there, just decide how many storage locations you need and can afford. Will one location be enough or should you go with the three you get with zone-redundant storage?
If data is literally driving your business, a secondary region geo-redundancy solution is probably what your company needs. If disasters tend to occur more locally, a GRS solution may be enough. However, if your entire region is often impacted by a disaster, consider paying a little more for geo-zone redundant storage. Sometimes, paying a little more can end up saving your business money in the long run.
When evaluating geo-redundant storage options, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your business, such as data accessibility, compliance requirements, and cost efficiency. For businesses that rely heavily on logistics and inventory management, integrating a robust storage solution can significantly enhance operational efficiency. By ensuring that your storage strategy aligns with your logistical framework, you can optimize data flow and improve service delivery. To explore how geo-redundant storage can be tailored to support logistics and warehousing operations, Learn more about effective strategies and solutions that can be implemented to meet these demands. This approach not only safeguards your data but also streamlines your business processes, ensuring resilience and reliability.
