Report Reveals Importance of Flexible Storage Solutions in Higher Education
Higher education institutions are tasked with managing vast amounts of data, ranging from financial records to research data. With the ever-growing volume of information to store and maintain, having adequate storage space is essential. This is where the cloud proves to be a valuable resource.
The survey findings indicate that 59% of respondents in higher education face challenges related to limited storage capacity for managing on-premises assets. By leveraging the cloud, institutions can access additional storage as needed. In fact, 56% of respondents have experienced increased agility and efficiency through the use of the public cloud, while 47% have benefited from enhanced scalability.
Addressing Cost, Staffing, and Security Concerns
When it comes to cloud costs, opinions in higher education are mixed. While some participants (44%) view the high cost of on-premises investments as a major challenge, 38% have reported total cost of ownership benefits from utilizing the public cloud. The majority of respondents (85%) express confidence in their ability to track the costs of their cloud systems.
Managing cloud infrastructure effectively is crucial. The survey reveals that 94% of respondents feel capable of managing their cloud environments. While having skilled in-house staff is important to 69% of participants, 50% acknowledge a shortage of cloud expertise within their institution. Transitioning to the cloud has enabled 41% of respondents to reduce staffing needs.
Concerns around security persist in higher education due to the sensitive nature of the data stored. Institutions must safeguard student and research information against cyber threats. Security measures such as cloud management platforms and third-party services play a crucial role in maintaining secure data environments.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
Embracing emerging technologies like AI requires a reliable and modern infrastructure. Despite 74% of respondents using AI, concerns remain, including the cost of implementation and the availability of AI expertise. Institutions not currently utilizing AI cite reasons such as lack of use cases, expertise, and data privacy concerns.
To navigate the complexities of modern cloud solutions, higher education institutions can turn to third-party providers for support. Working with experts can help in developing a cost-effective and secure cloud strategy, enabling institutions to fully leverage AI and other cutting-edge technologies.
Dive Deeper: Explore why higher education is moving towards hybrid cloud solutions.
Learn More: Discover the benefits of infrastructure modernization for your institution.
