Technology is rapidly evolving, and the changes can have far reaching benefits for business. If your business doesn’t change and evolve with the technology, you could be left behind. Unfortunately for many companies their infrastructure often makes it challenging to keep up with these rapid changes.
Cloud computing has been growing and is changing the way business operates and directly addresses the infrastructure challenges many companies face. Most of us have heard about cloud computing, but may not know exactly how it works or the many benefits it provides. Here are some questions you may have if you’re considering a move to the cloud.
What exactly is the cloud?
The cloud is an online infrastructure system as opposed to a physical infrastructure you would have in your office. Documents, files, applications, RAM, and storage are kept on the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere in the world 24/7. Your data can be access on any device using any OS. Virtualization allows easy sharing, collaboration, editing, and storage.
Is the cloud cost effective?
The number one benefit of cloud computing is that it offers immediate access to infrastructure and companies benefit from not having to make large capital expenditures to ramp or scale up. This saves on upfront maintenance, hardware, and software expenditures. As with any technology, it’s important to research and determine which parts of your IT can be moved to the cloud cost effectively.
You mentioned collaboration, how can cloud computing help?
Because the cloud frees up your IT team’s time, it allows them to devote energy to new ways of collaborating and innovation within your company. Because cloud computing allows greater mobility of business apps, it provides employees with crucial information and data in real time allowing them to stay connected no matter where they are physically!
What about data storage?
You pay for disc space as part of the monthly fee for service. Adding a new employee or new user account takes a few seconds, so there is no IT staff time wasted. The cloud offers easy scalability. If you need additional storage, CPU, RAM or virtual desktops, it can be done in seconds with a few mouse clicks. Scale up during peak seasons, and scale back down when the work slows.
Is my company’s data secure?
You may find that critical applications and data that are stored online with a security-focused provider (do your homework!) are actually more secure that data hosted in-house. Some providers offer state-of-the-art security along with 24/7 monitoring by on-premise security. These providers are far more difficult to hack. The key is to do your research! Find a provider that offers a strong, reliable track record!
Moving all or some of your IT infrastructure to the cloud is a good business decision. Cloud computing offers easy access worldwide via the web, scalability, reliability, enhanced security and improved collaboration all while being a cost-effective alternative to an in-house IT infrastructure. The key is to do your research! Start by determining your needs, and then ask providers the right questions to narrow your focus and find the right host. The cloud is here to stay and is only going to get better in the coming years. Transitioning to the cloud can be a smart business decision!