As courts across the country face growing volumes of digital evidence—body cam footage, cell phone records, surveillance video, and more—how that evidence is stored and managed has become a critical decision. For state courts modernizing their systems, the choice between on-premise and cloud-based storage is more than just a technology decision—it’s a strategic one that impacts security, accessibility, costs, and long-term sustainability.
5 KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Here are five key considerations state courts should weigh when evaluating on-premise versus cloud storage for digital evidence:
1. Security and Compliance
On-Premise: Courts often feel more in control with on-premise storage, especially when handling sensitive or high-profile cases. Security protocols can be customized to internal IT policies, and access can be strictly limited to on-site personnel.
Cloud: Modern cloud providers invest heavily in advanced cybersecurity measures, often exceeding the capabilities of internal court IT departments. Leading providers also comply with CJIS, NIST, and other government standards, making cloud a viable option when compliance is properly validated.
Consideration: Ensure any cloud provider meets court security requirements and offers clear documentation on encryption, access controls, and audit trails.
2. Accessibility and Collaboration
On-Premise: Local storage can limit access to evidence outside of the courthouse network, making it harder for attorneys, clerks, and judges to access files remotely or share them securely.
Cloud: Cloud-based systems enable secure access from any authorized device, supporting virtual courtrooms, remote collaboration, and faster case prep—even across jurisdictions.
Consideration: Courts handling increasing numbers of remote hearings may benefit from the flexibility cloud offers in sharing and accessing files without compromising security.
3. Scalability and Storage Limits
On-Premise: Physical storage systems must be sized for expected growth, which can lead to expensive overprovisioning or surprise capacity issues when digital evidence suddenly spikes.
Cloud: Cloud solutions scale on demand, making it easy to accommodate surges in data without the need for new infrastructure.
Consideration: If your court regularly receives large digital files like video evidence or anticipates growing case volume, cloud storage can help avoid costly infrastructure upgrades.
4. Cost and Maintenance
On-Premise: Upfront hardware investments and ongoing maintenance can be significant. Budget planning must account for equipment lifecycles, system upgrades, and IT staffing.
Cloud: Subscription-based pricing shifts costs from capital expenses (CapEx) to operating expenses (OpEx). It also reduces the burden on internal IT teams, as the provider manages upgrades and backups.
Consideration: Courts with constrained budgets or limited IT resources may find cloud-based models more sustainable over time.
5. Disaster Recovery and Continuity
On-Premise: Backups are only as reliable as the systems and policies in place. In the event of a natural disaster or cyberattack, evidence could be at risk.
Cloud: Cloud storage typically includes geographically redundant backups, ensuring that digital evidence is preserved and accessible even during local outages or disasters.
Consideration: Disaster recovery capabilities should be a major factor in the decision, especially in regions prone to natural disasters or cyber incidents.
