Data Repatriation: All You Need to Know

With cloud computing generating a lot of buzz recently, it might feel counterintuitive to talk about moving data off public cloud architecture back to on-site or private systems. Still, that’s exactly what data repatriation is about.

More businesses are discovering reasons to move data from the cloud to on-site facilities. So what does data repatriation entail? Is it a good idea?

As the leading managed services provider in Dallas, our team at Herrod Technology has answers to these questions and more. Below, we go into detail on what data repatriation means and its pros and cons.

What Is Data Repatriation?

Data repatriation refers to a business moving data from public to private cloud infrastructure. Some businesses also repatriate data to on-site dedicated servers. Data repatriation can either be total or partial.

With the numerous documented advantages of cloud computing, data repatriation—especially to on-site dedicated servers—may look like a bad business decision. However, there are a few scenarios where it’s the perfect one, such as:

• The business is creaking under the weight of cloud storage bills.
• The business identified a more practical cloud solution for your brand.
• New regulations mandate the company to detach from public cloud infrastructure.
• Public cloud systems no longer serve the need of the business.
• Poor planning and problems with cloud deployment.
• Unfavorable changes to the existing cloud provider’s business.

The Advantages of Data Repatriation

Below are some of the top advantages of data repatriation or cloud migration.

Improved Savings

Many businesses embrace data repatriation solely to reduce outlay on data storage. Examples abound of businesses that saved tens of millions of dollars by repatriating data to a private data center.

Looking at the upfront costs of on-site data centers, this assertion may catch some by surprise.

However, public cloud costs can greatly increase as your business grows. You’ll have to spend money on storage, per-use services, data transfer costs, and server instances. You’ll also end up paying for cloud services you’ll probably never use over the lifespan of your subscription.

Overall, it’s harder to put a pin on the cost of public cloud storage, making budgeting difficult. Businesses that rely on public cloud providers for too long end up spending well beyond the cost of on-site hosting after a while but without any infrastructure of their own to show for it.

Better Data Security

The public cloud provider must keep any information you store with them safely. Many of them do a good job at it, but there is always the probability of a breach that doesn’t exist with in-house hosting.

With hundreds of different businesses sharing the same infrastructure, there is a high probability of security leaks. With private architecture, the concern diminishes. On-site data storage also reduces the risk of misconfiguration and allows more layered control over the impact of attacks if anything goes wrong.

Reduced Dependency on Vendors

Storing data with a vendor for too long will eventually lead to structuring your app architecture around their systems. Over time, this will make moving to another platform costlier than it should be. Data repatriation ensures you’ll never become too dependent on a third party.

Improved Latency

With public cloud systems, your access to business data is only as fast as your internet connection speed. You may not feel the lag for some use cases, but it becomes very visible when engaging in bandwidth-heavy processes, such as real-time analytics and running cybersecurity checks.

On-site hosting can significantly reduce lag if your business relies on latency-sensitive apps.

Easier Compliance with Regulations

Some data regulations mandate businesses to host data in specific regions. Using public cloud data in such instances can expose your business to legal troubles—especially if you store personally identifiable information (PII).

The Disadvantages of Data Repatriation

Data repatriation isn’t without its downsides. Below are some of the top challenges you should be aware of before choosing data repatriation:

Expensive Setup Costs

 You’ll need to budget for the hardware you need to host data on-site. For many businesses, it’s a one-time cost (at least for the foreseeable future), but it requires significant investment.

Increased Need for Technical Talent

Your new IT infrastructure can’t function effectively without the help of a qualified in-house team. You have to ensure you have the budget to hire professionals to man your system. A more affordable approach is to embrace managed services. 

Increased Vulnerability to Attacks

Your on-site data is only as safe as your team’s experience fending off cyber threats. It’s a good idea to carry out stress tests before thinking about cloud migration. Also, you shouldn’t forget to train non-technical staff on phishing attacks.

Contrary to what you might see in sci-fi movies, most cyberattacks don’t require a lot of sophistication. In many cases, it only takes one person clicking a laced link in their email.

Uptime Management Is Your Sole Responsibility

With a public cloud provider, you can call a hotline when dealing with cloud outages. With data repatriation, it’s your team’s job to ensure regular uptime. Don’t migrate to on-site systems until you’re certain about their efficiency.

Is Data Repatriation Good for Your Business?

Using public clouds or hybrid technology has many advantages. However, data repatriation allows you to enjoy the benefits of cloud technology without some of the limitations.

It can give you more granular control over how your business stores and uses critical data, help you save money, increase productivity, and ensure adherence to compliance standards. Still, data repatriation is a costly expense you should only embrace after careful consideration.

Are you unsure about the right approach to take? Reach out to our team at Herod Technology. We are experts at evaluating businesses and guiding them toward the perfect decision as it concerns their IT infrastructure.

Contact us at Herrod Technology today to discuss data repatriation and how your business can benefit (or not) from it. Our evaluation can also highlight your brand’s level of preparedness against current cyber threats like frag attacks. Learn more about frag attack vulnerabilities by exploring our blog!