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Simple and Flexible Storage with LightUp.Cloud: Secure, Compliant, and On-Premises Ready

For architects, landscape designers, photographers, journalists, and private healthcare practices, managing files securely and efficiently is a top priority. Whether it’s a 10 GB+ Lumion design or sensitive patient records, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need a storage solution that’s simple, cost-effective, and adaptable. LightUp.Cloud, powered by AWS S3 and compatible with Riak CS, delivers a flexible storage platform that stores files in private, isolated S3 buckets and complies with stringent security certifications. With the option to deploy on-premises using Riak CS, LightUp.Cloud ensures no vendor lock-in, giving SMBs like GreenHouse in Ukraine the freedom to control their data. This article explores how LightUp.Cloud’s simple storage solution empowers SMBs with security, flexibility, and affordability.

Why SMBs Need a Simple Storage Solution

SMBs, with 30.2 million in the USA and 24.7 million in the EU, often struggle with complex, expensive storage platforms like Dropbox or fileCloud. These solutions can lead to high costs, limited control, and vendor lock-in, making it difficult to move data if needed. For architects like Alex Koval at GreenHouse, who manage large design files, or healthcare practices handling sensitive data, a storage solution must be secure, easy to use, and adaptable to their unique needs. LightUp.Cloud meets these demands by offering a straightforward, compliant, and flexible platform that works seamlessly in the cloud or on-premises.

LightUp.Cloud’s Simple Storage: How It Works

LightUp.Cloud is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for non-technical SMB founders to store, manage, and share files. Built on Erlang and integrated with AWS S3, it combines enterprise-grade security with user-friendly features. Here’s how it delivers a powerful yet simple storage solution:

Private S3 Buckets for Isolated Storage

Every LightUp.Cloud user or team gets their own private S3 bucket, ensuring that files are completely isolated from other tenants’ data. This means GreenHouse’s Lumion designs or a healthcare practice’s patient records are stored securely, with no risk of cross-contamination. AWS S3’s 99.999999999% durability guarantees that files are safe, even in disasters, while its cost-effective storage classes (like S3 Glacier) keep expenses low—up to 5 times less than competitors. This isolation is perfect for compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA, giving SMBs peace of mind.

Security Certifications for Compliance

LightUp.Cloud is compliant with industry-standard security certifications, ensuring that sensitive data meets regulatory requirements. Whether you’re a journalist protecting sources or a healthcare practice safeguarding patient information, LightUp.Cloud’s secure storage, encrypted in a private VPC, keeps your data safe. The platform’s audit log tracks every file action, providing a verifiable record for audits, while Erlang’s resilient architecture—proven to run decades without restarts on Ericsson hardware—ensures uptime.

On-Premises Deployment with Riak CS

For SMBs wanting full control, LightUp.Cloud offers the flexibility to deploy on-premises using Riak CS, an open-source object storage system compatible with the AWS S3 protocol. This compatibility means it works seamlessly with LightUp.Cloud’s cloud setup, allowing you to move data between cloud and on-premises environments without hassle. Riak CS, used by companies like Yahoo! Japan, Booking.com, and the UK National Health System, is predictable in resource use, supports files over 5 TB, and offers multi-datacenter replication for high availability. Its recovery tools and automatic scaling make it a reliable choice for SMBs seeking a robust on-premises solution.

No Vendor Lock-In

Unlike traditional platforms that trap data with proprietary systems, LightUp.Cloud ensures no vendor lock-in. SMBs can move their data to an on-premises Riak CS setup at any time, giving them complete freedom and control. This flexibility is ideal for architects like Alex, who value predictable costs and the ability to adapt as their business grows.

Benefits for SMB Founders

LightUp.Cloud’s simple storage solution offers tailored benefits for architects, photographers, and other SMBs, making it a standout choice:

Cost Savings: With AWS S3’s cheap storage classes, LightUp.Cloud offers up to 5 times savings compared to Dropbox or fileCloud. Unlimited users and devices keep costs predictable for firms like GreenHouse.

Secure and Compliant: Private S3 buckets and security certifications ensure data privacy and compliance, perfect for healthcare or journalistic data.

Flexible Deployment: Deploy in the cloud or on-premises with Riak CS, with no vendor lock-in. Move data as needed without losing access or control.

Easy Setup: The AWS CDK enables a 3-click cloud deployment, while Riak CS setup (detailed below) is straightforward for on-premises needs, requiring minimal technical expertise.

Reliability: Erlang’s resilience and S3’s durability ensure files are always accessible, even during outages, while Riak CS’s recovery tools protect on-premises data.

Enhanced Collaboration: Features like file locking, audit logs, and full-text search streamline teamwork, ensuring architects can share and manage large files efficiently.

GreenHouse’s Success with LightUp.Cloud

GreenHouse, a Ukrainian landscape design firm led by Alex Koval, switched from Dropbox due to its high costs and lack of flexibility. Alex needed a secure, affordable solution to store large Lumion files without vendor lock-in. After a video introduction showcasing LightUp.Cloud, GreenHouse adopted the platform. The private S3 buckets ensured their designs were isolated and secure, while the option to deploy Riak CS on-premises gave Alex confidence in future scalability. A testimonial video from Alex highlights how LightUp.Cloud’s simplicity and cost savings transformed their workflow, allowing them to focus on creating stunning designs.

How to Deploy Riak CS On-Premises

For SMBs choosing on-premises storage, LightUp.Cloud’s compatibility with Riak CS makes setup straightforward. Riak CS, trusted by companies like Bloomberg and Klarna, is easy to install with the following steps (no advanced technical skills required):

1. Install Required Software: Set up your server with essential tools like Erlang, Java, and development libraries. These ensure Riak CS runs smoothly.

2. Download Erlang: Use a tool called “kerl” to install a compatible Erlang version, the backbone of Riak CS’s reliability.

3. Get Riak CS Components: Download Riak (the core storage system), Stanchion (for unique identifiers), and Riak CS from their respective GitHub repositories.

4. Build the System: Compile each component using a simple command, creating a ready-to-run storage system.

5. Configure Settings: Adjust configuration files to connect Riak CS to your server, specifying storage locations and access details.

6. Start Services: Launch Riak, Stanchion, and Riak CS in that order to ensure proper operation.

7. Create an Admin User: Set up an admin account to manage the system securely.

8. Secure the System: Disable anonymous access and adjust server limits for optimal performance.

9. Test and Use: Use tools like s3cmd to upload and manage files, confirming your on-premises storage is ready.

This process, supported by LightUp.Cloud’s documentation, allows SMBs to deploy a secure, S3-compatible storage system on their own hardware, ensuring full control and no dependency on cloud providers.



LightUp.Cloud’s simple storage solution, with private S3 buckets, security certifications, and on-premises Riak CS deployment, empowers SMBs like GreenHouse to manage files securely and flexibly. With no vendor lock-in, affordable pricing, and robust features like audit logs and full-text search, it’s the ideal choice for architects, healthcare practices, and other professionals. Whether in the cloud or on-premises, LightUp.Cloud delivers a transparent, reliable platform that keeps your data safe and accessible.

Ready to take control of your storage? Explore LightUp.Cloud’s features or learn about API integration at https://lightup.cloud.

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