While some platforms can manage and use data across cloud and on-premises environments, cloud data management takes into account that the data stored on-premises and the data stored in the cloud can be subject to completely different practices.Data stored in the cloud has its own rules for data integrity and security. Traditional data management methods may not apply to the cloud, so having management in place designed for the particular requirements of the cloud is vital.As with cloud storage, the functions of a cloud data management system will vary between vendors and the conditions outlined in the service-level agreement between the vendor and user.
The majority of cloud data management challenges are the same drawbacks cited for cloud technologies in general, particularly security and costs. As long as security is a concern with cloud technologies, it will be considered a barrier to cloud data management adoption. However, as more strides are made in cloud-based technologies and it becomes more secure, that reluctance could fade.
The benefits of using cloud data management include consolidation of processes such as backup, disaster recovery, archiving and analytics, and cost savings. Some cloud data management companies also offer ransomware protection, keeping data and applications native to the platform in a secure, immutable format. The benefits of cloud data management are speeding up technology deployment and reducing system maintenance costs; it can also provide increased flexibility to help meet changing business requirements.
Cloud computing technologies, cloud data management can introduce challenges – for example, data security concerns related to sending sensitive business data outside the corporate firewall for storage. Another challenge is the disruption to existing users and applications who may be using file-based applications on premise since the cloud is predominantly object based.