Storage as a Service (STaaS): The next frontier in OPEX agility

Replacing physical infrastructures with digital technology that enhances scalability, agility, and operational security is what business leaders have begun to do in recent years. 

Faced with the need to optimize and make operations profitable, cloud platforms have become a key piece of the business environment. A technology that drives innovation and allows business flexibility in multiple areas. 

In fact, according to IDC, the three most attractive benefits of cloud technology are: 

1. Greater Storage and Security: The cloud allows for rapid scaling of data storage capacity to meet demand peaks without the need to implement more technologies or spend large amounts of money. Additionally, it enhances information protection and facilitates automatic data recovery in case of incidents. 
2. Cost Reduction: Companies eliminate initial infrastructure-related expenses and reduce operational costs associated with hardware maintenance and management. Furthermore, they can convert infrastructure values into a predictable monthly expense that adjusts to their operational needs over time. 
3. Remote Access: With systems and data hosted in the cloud, work teams can access them anytime and anywhere to achieve new levels of accessibility and productivity. 

Due to these and other advantages, according to IDC estimates for this year, 30.4% of Latin American companies will invest in the public cloud, 25.2% in the hybrid cloud, and 11.7% in the private cloud. 

The Cloud as a Managed Storage Service or STaaS 

Using the cloud as a storage service (STaaS) refers to accessing business data through online services without the need for physical infrastructures. This allows for the reduction of operational expenses (OPEX) by paying only for the storage capacity requested by the organization at any given time. 

In other words, with an STaaS service, you can scale storage needs up or down according to the organization’s requirements, paying only for the required capacity and having access to resources and data 24/7. 

Among the major benefits of contracting an STaaS service are: 

1. Delegating the management of cloud storage infrastructure to a provider that guarantees its performance, maintenance, and security. 
2. Quickly and easily implementing operational tools for the business, such as collaborative solutions, emails, and business applications. 
3. Keeping IT infrastructure up to date so that systems are aligned with the latest technologies and protection measures. 
4. Accessing advanced security implemented by STaaS providers as an added value to the service. This can include data encryption, two-factor authentication, and access controls, among others. 
5. Having automated backup and data recovery services to ensure business continuity in case of incidents. 
6. Facilitating remote and collaborative work by allowing data access from anywhere through an internet connection. 
7. Reducing operational expenses (OPEX) by paying only for the storage needed when it is needed. 
8. Reducing the workload of IT staff to allow them to focus on other key activities. 
9. Optimizing the time to activate new capabilities and reducing technology acquisition cycles. 

More Reasons to Contract an STaaS Service 

“In 2025, 60% of companies will finance technology projects and business lines through operational budgets, aligning the way providers deliver their services with a focus on results determined by SLAs and KPIs.” (IDC Estimates). 

80% of companies will focus on reviewing infrastructure costs and reducing operational complexity in 2024. (IDC Report “Future of Digital Infrastructure: Ever Faster Delivery of Reliable Digital Services and Experiences”) 

By 2026, 75% of organizations will adopt a cloud-based digital transformation model as a fundamental underlying platform. (Gartner) 

How to Implement an STaaS Service? 

Implementing a Storage as a Service (STaaS) requires careful planning that involves evaluating business needs, researching providers, and defining a customized migration path. 

At Ikusi, we offer companies our managed IT services, including cloud storage services (STaaS) to access business data in an organized, precise, and secure manner. 

With Ikusi’s STaaS service, it is possible to unify all data in a virtual infrastructure, back it up with backups, and pay only for the storage capacity used. Additionally, you have a team of professionals who manage loads, update systems and applications, monitor security, and analyze usage patterns to optimize costs and efficiency. 

If you need more information about this technology, you can consult here.