Can Cloud Solutions Really Help my Business

Having a good understanding of Cloud Technology and how it could work for your business as well as the associated risks will mean you are better able to make decisions about this new and radical form of computing.

What is cloud computing?

Essentially cloud computing is internet based computing.  The “cloud” is the internet, so cloud computing means using shared resources which are hosted within a virtual environment.

What are the benefits of cloud computing?

• Reduced Capital Expenditure:    Your business can avoid capital expenditure on hardware, software and other peripheral services.  Moving IT Infrastructure off the balance sheet and allowing your business to focus its often limited capital resources on your core business.

• Scalability:    Allowing your business to scale its storage needs seamlessly, often instantaneously.  This will further reduce capital expenditure by negating the need to purchase expensive hardware.

• Mobility:    All employees can access and update information wherever they are and whenever they like as long as they have a web enabled device and an internet connection without having to return to the office.

• Flexibility:    Once set up, it is easy to grow your infrastructure in line with the growth of your business.  Could computing reduces the need to spend time and money on sourcing additional equipment and resources.

• Security:    The providers of cloud computing will obviously be supporting many, many businesses and will therefore spend money on better security measures than a small or medium sized business could afford.

What are the risks of cloud computing?

I am sure you have concerns about cloud technology; here we will offer some advice to help allay some of these concerns.

 

• Privacy:    Many business owners are concerned about the sensitive information which will inevitably be accessible by a cloud provider.  It is important, when choosing any kind of IT provider whether that be support or cloud solutions, to research and look for a company who are experienced and long established.  Try asking for recommendations from business associates, customers and suppliers.

• Security:    The safety of your data is of uppermost importance to you and that is why security is a concern when looking at cloud technologies.  Reputable cloud providers are as keen to secure your data as you are, and as they are supporting many businesses they will be investing much more heavily in security than you or your business would.

• Internet Loss:    The very basics required to utilise cloud computing are a pc, laptop or other web enabled device and an internet connection.  So if your internet connection is lost you can no longer access your files, folders or software.  Greater mobility means that if your internet connection is lost for long periods of time, providing your staff have laptops or pc’s at home they can immediately continue to work in the normal way at another location.

If you would like to know more about Cloud Technology contact us here or call on 01733 302903.