Cloud storage and systems are off-site servers that house an organization’s data and solutions. Third-party businesses sell server space and maintain computers for optimal functionality. While this data storage solution can benefit many industries, K-12 schools can reap the benefits of leveraging the cloud.
In This Article
Flexibility, Scalability, and Mobility
Storing your data on a cloud can improve functionality in several ways for more streamlined operations that better fit your needs. When schools opt for cloud storage and cloud-based operations, you can see increases in the following:
- Flexibility: Cloud storage benefits several industries and businesses because it is so flexible. With cloud storage, you can create customized infrastructures and systems that match your needs without expensive maintenance costs or complex systems to manage. Regardless of your school’s niche needs and programs, your cloud provider can manage and protect data to streamline operations and support your school and students.
- Scalability: For additional flexibility, using cloud storage means your school will only pay for what you need, allowing more efficient scaling. Many schools use their size as selling points for prospective students and families. Expanding your school can show you have a place for everyone, while downsizing can highlight your dedication to the individual. Regardless of your sizing goals, the cloud’s scalability can simplify scale shifts.
- Mobility: Along with generalized and functional flexibility, cloud-based information also gives school officials and teachers more freedom to work in other environments. Cloud storage deploys systems and data through Internet access. Your teachers and faculty can access their information anywhere they have Wi-Fi. For example, administrators can review applications online, whether at school or on the go for increased flexibility.
With increased functionality, your school can better manage data and regular operations, so you can focus on building positive relationships with your students and families.
Security Backups
Schools often handle large amounts of sensitive information—you must leverage robust solutions to keep this information safe and out of the hands of cybercriminals. When schools have limited IT departments, developing and maintaining proper security measures to protect data effectively can be challenging. Instead, cloud-based data security provides the level of protection schools need without placing the management burden on your institution.
Cloud storage providers often have powerful baseline security settings for their clients to better protect their data because breaches and malware can damage their reputation and revenue. Some of the settings and services you can expect when deploying cloud data security include:
- Authentication: When accessing your cloud data, your provider will prompt all users to log in to the system. Many services offer multi-factor authentication (MFA), which might ask users to confirm their login attempts with a one-time code sent to their email or cellphone. Settings like this can ensure that only your school employees can access and view your data and systems.
- Access permissions: While giving school officials access to your data is essential, only some employees need access to everything. Access permissions and controls will break down access levels to ensure everyone can only access what they need for increased safety and security.
- Encryption: Encryption can help keep your information safe even in a security breach. This method will encode your data, making it incomprehensible to anyone without authentication from your school.
If your school wants strong cloud data security, look for a provider that understands the importance of data security and offers comprehensive features.
Loss Prevention and Disaster Recovery
In addition to virtual education data security, cloud storage can protect your school from losing vital information. By hosting your servers off-site in a third-party facility, you can protect them from any physical damage they might encounter on your property. Natural disasters and weather phenomena can threaten servers, exposing them to the elements and causing harmful data loss. Many providers allow individuals to host information across several sites, so you can access your data even if one of their facilities gets hit with a natural disaster.
Cloud storage also eliminates maintenance errors. Servers and cloud storage require comprehensive maintenance and servicing by professionals who understand how to care for the equipment. With so many computers in close proximity, they can heat up fast and impact their functionality and longevity. By partnering with a cloud professional, you can prevent data loss caused by equipment shutdowns and improper care.
Cost-Effectiveness
Maintaining and managing cloud servers on-site can become costly for schools because of the fees and services involved with the upkeep. Servers require teams of individuals who thoroughly understand the equipment and its needs. They must run regular maintenance procedures, like testing machines for wear and inefficiencies, and service them for parts. Additionally, they must ensure supporting equipment, like vents, fans, pipes, and cooling agents, are protecting and helping the equipment.
Improper maintenance and care can lead to unplanned downtime, where your school will be without access to the data and systems you need to operate daily. Because cloud providers often store data across multiple sites to prevent data loss, your school can also benefit from this system by avoiding downtime. If one site loses power or has system failures, you can still access your information.
Because schools often lack the budgets and teams for comprehensive IT support on-site, cloud storage can provide a more affordable option. Maintenance and service are included in cloud providers’ services, making it more affordable to schools looking for cloud storage. Because their business relies on minimal downtime and quick deployment, cloud providers will hire the best professionals and create comprehensive maintenance systems to care for their servers, so you have reliable data you can access as needed.
Automatic Updates and Easy Integration
Cloud storage and data can streamline your software use and data reliability. The cloud will continuously update to match the newest version of software solutions, so you can enjoy the most recent features and increased functionality. Many software providers include essential security features and fixed bugs for better, safer operations.
The automatic updates ensure that your school staff can always access the most recent version of your data. When a family completes an application at your school, administrators can see that in the system and begin the evaluation process; families can track the status of their application throughout the process too.
See the Benefits of Cloud-Based Admissions With Ravenna
When transferring your data to the cloud, you need the right provider. Ravenna offers cloud-based admissions solutions for K-12 schools, streamlining essential admissions processes. Our admissions platform houses every aspect online in a centralized system for increased organization and better navigation for families and administrators. Automated reminders and alerts ensure all parties know the due dates and application progress for increased completion rates for your school.
Ravenna can be integrated with BigSIS by Community Brands, an all-in-one school management and student information system, for a cloud-based system that connects every step of the student lifecycle.
Request a demo today and discover how cloud storage can support your school operations.
Cloud storage also eliminates maintenance errors. Servers and cloud storage require comprehensive maintenance and servicing by professionals who understand how to care for the equipment. With so many computers in close proximity, they can heat up fast and impact their functionality and longevity. By partnering with a cloud professional, you can prevent data loss caused by equipment shutdowns and improper care.
Cost-Effectiveness
Maintaining and managing cloud servers on-site can become costly for schools because of the fees and services involved with the upkeep. Servers require teams of individuals who thoroughly understand the equipment and its needs. They must run regular maintenance procedures, like testing machines for wear and inefficiencies, and service them for parts. Additionally, they must ensure supporting equipment, like vents, fans, pipes, and cooling agents, are protecting and helping the equipment.
Improper maintenance and care can lead to unplanned downtime, where your school will be without access to the data and systems you need to operate daily. Because cloud providers often store data across multiple sites to prevent data loss, your school can also benefit from this system by avoiding downtime. If one site loses power or has system failures, you can still access your information.
Because schools often lack the budgets and teams for comprehensive IT support on-site, cloud storage can provide a more affordable option. Maintenance and service are included in cloud providers’ services, making it more affordable to schools looking for cloud storage. Because their business relies on minimal downtime and quick deployment, cloud providers will hire the best professionals and create comprehensive maintenance systems to care for their servers, so you have reliable data you can access as needed.
Automatic Updates and Easy Integration
Cloud storage and data can streamline your software use and data reliability. The cloud will continuously update to match the newest version of software solutions, so you can enjoy the most recent features and increased functionality. Many software providers include essential security features and fixed bugs for better, safer operations.
The automatic updates ensure that your school staff can always access the most recent version of your data. When a family completes an application at your school, administrators can see that in the system and begin the evaluation process; families can track the status of their application throughout the process too.
See the Benefits of Cloud-Based Admissions With Ravenna
When transferring your data to the cloud, you need the right provider. Ravenna offers cloud-based admissions solutions for K-12 schools, streamlining essential admissions processes. Our admissions platform houses every aspect online in a centralized system for increased organization and better navigation for families and administrators. Automated reminders and alerts ensure all parties know the due dates and application progress for increased completion rates for your school.
Ravenna can be integrated with BigSIS by Community Brands, an all-in-one school management and student information system, for a cloud-based system that connects every step of the student lifecycle.
Request a demo today and discover how cloud storage can support your school operations.
