- Would you trust an external provider with your organization’s data? Why or why not? What would be needed to raise your trust in the reliability, security, and privacy of the data?
Answer:
Yes, I would trust an external provider with organizational data. This is because external providers benefits from keeping the client information confidential. If they were to be reckless with my organization’s data, they would risk losing most of their clients. An external provider can raise my confidence in its services by guaranteeing that my information will not be accessible to everyone online. They can do this by providing a platform where I am in control of the people and devices that access my information. For example, if they can create a platform where I am able to register the computers or Smartphone that access my data, it would make me feel that my organizational information is secure.
- What are the potential drawbacks of using a relatively simple in-house database with limited capabilities versus a more robust, SaaS database solution? Do the benefits outweigh these limitations? Why or why not?
Answer:
There are many drawbacks as well as benefits of using an in-house database, as opposed to SaaS database. However, the database you choose will depend on the nature of your business. An in-house database may be expensive especially if you use it for one month only. The other problem is that the database is not updatable; hence you would have to make another large purchase when a new version is released. One of the advantages of in-house database is that you can customize it. It is also safe since you can have it installed in your home computer where nobody can access it. The downside of this is that you cannot access it from anywhere else other than your home.
SaaS database solution is beneficial because you can subscribe for a month at an affordable price, unlike in-house where you have to buy the whole program at a higher price. You will also enjoy better service since the software is constantly upgraded. The database is more accessible and cheaper than in-house database. However, the downside of this database is that you cannot customize it the way you want.
I feel that online database is better than in-house database, but it is important to consider the business you are running.
- Are there any types of applications that should only be purchased rather than obtained through a SaaS relationship? If so, why or why not?
Answer:
Yes! Applications dealing with sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, bank account, investing, and government secret information should be independently secured. This is because the risk of having such information leaked is enormous hence the need to have dedicated programs to secure such information.
