Storage seems to be a hot topic for 2010. With data growth immune to economic conditions, and many companies simply getting by in 2009 with what they had, is there pent up demand for storage systems in 2010? One would argue yes – especially for medium to large enterprises.
But what about small businesses? Check out SearchStorage.com’s list of the top storage trends for SMBs in 2010. This is a good list for how and why SMBs will need to manage their data growth and backup needs, but what about the what? What will be driving the data growth and the need to deploy such technologies like virtualization and data deduplication locally, on the network, or in the cloud?
I think one hot application for SMB storage will be everything video.
Video Surveillance – with the latest security scare(s) at the airports and the raised awareness levels for better security, you may see elevated interest by small businesses to invest in upgraded video security solutions. Higher resolutions and frame rates, built-in analytics and intelligence, longer archival periods, etc all lead to more storage.
Video Conferencing – with travel costs all but reduced to nothing, and most notebook computers having web cams, video conferencing will continue to grow. Throw manual meeting notes out the window, and record the video conference. Recorded video is one way to refer back to the conversation, to retain ideas and brainstorm sessions, action items and next steps. Not to mention save the slackers that failed to join the meeting.
Video Production / Video Sharing – Everyone is producing video… at least at the consumer level. This will trickle in to small businesses as well. Small businesses, especially SOHOs are quick to adopt technology they are comfortable with as consumers. Video is one of those mediums that enable small business to market their company and their brand via the web. Everything from customer testimonials, to product demonstrations could be delivered to customers via email, social media, and the company website.
Video Archive – Once the time is spent producing and delivering the video, of course it needs to be stored and archived both on the web, and on local PCs and/or servers for future use. As more and more businesses turn to creating their own promotional, educational, or editorial video, the greater the importance to effectively store and protect that video for the long haul. Plus it’s always fun to refer back to old video for comic relief from time to time.
Video – it helps you protect, collaborate, market, and laugh….why not make it a big part of your business plan for 2010?
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