Shohel Shikdar

Local Cloud: A Secure Haven for Your Data

Md. Shohel Shikdar

Vice President, Cloud & IT Infrastructure Services
Unified Information Technology Limited

Mobile: +8801711958087

In the 21st century, technology is the main driving force behind every nation's progress. We are currently experiencing the waves of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and cloud computing are continuously reshaping our lifestyles and the global economy. Bangladesh is not lagging behind in this race of change. Local cloud infrastructure can be an extremely effective and strategic tool for us on the path to building a smart and sustainable future.

Have you ever wondered where your information goes when you take pictures on your mobile, create files at the office, or fill out an online form? Many might say, "It's on Google Drive" or "It's backed up on OneDrive," but very few people know that this data often doesn't stay in Bangladesh. This information goes to servers in America, Singapore, or Europe.

Now, the question is, if the information is outside the country, is it truly safe? And if it's confidential information, do we have control over it? These questions lead us to think about "Local Cloud" or "Local Cloud Services."

What is Cloud?

Simply put, just as we used to keep all our files, documents, or photos on our own computers or hard drives, we no longer do that. Now, we keep them on the internet, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. This facility is called the cloud. That is, using large servers on the internet for data storage.

So, What is Local Cloud?

Local cloud is the same facility, but in this case, the server is located in Bangladesh. Your photos, data, or documents are stored on a server in Dhaka, Gazipur, or Jessore.

It's a bit like this: You are depositing money in a bank, but it's a bank within the country. If there's any problem, you can directly go to the office and talk or contact them by phone. But if that bank were in London, you wouldn't be able to do anything even if you wanted to!

Why is Local Cloud Essential?

1. Data Security:

If your bank account, health reports, national ID, or office contracts are on foreign servers, you won't be able to do much if they are hacked or leaked. Storing them in a local cloud ensures that this data is protected within the country's laws and security framework.

2. Cost Savings:

Using international cloud services means paying bills in dollars every month. Using a local cloud provides the same benefits at a comparatively lower cost in local currency.

3. Faster Service:

It takes only about a second to send a file from your computer to a server in Dhaka, whereas sending data to America would take longer. With a local cloud, latency is low, meaning work happens quickly and smoothly!

Where Can You Find Local Cloud in Bangladesh?

Many companies in Bangladesh are already providing local cloud services. They are supplying cloud services to various government and private institutions. Additionally, the government has established the National Data Center in Kaliakair, Gazipur, where government data is stored.

Below is a list of some important sources and organizations:

1. National Data Center – Kaliakair, Gazipur

2. Private Local Cloud Service Providers – Unified Information Technology Ltd.

Who Benefits from Local Cloud?

• Government Offices: For digital storage of files, documents, birth certificates, etc.

• Hospitals: For storing patient reports and registers.

• Pharmaceutical Companies: Essential for automation, ERP software, machine learning, and AI.

• Software Companies: For in-country data storage and fast services.

• Banks: To secure accounts, transactions, and loan data.

• Schools/Colleges: For storing student results and classroom records.

• Startups & Freelancers: For affordable app and web hosting.

What Could the Future Hold?

Local cloud is not just a server; it's Bangladesh's data security shield. If we want to build a Smart Bangladesh in the future, where cars run on sensors, electricity bills are automated, and CCTVs are connected to the internet, all this information must be stored in the local cloud.

Final Word

Information is the most valuable asset of our time. To keep that asset safe, we need cloud services built and operated on our own soil, which we call local cloud. It is both secure and cost-effective. This decision today will guide our technology-dependent future.