Are you struggling to juggle the many technological needs of your business while spending less? Is working across teams stretching you thin? Consider utilizing cloud computing for businesses. Cloud tools can enhance coordination, decrease costs, and create a more profitable and smooth-running business. These tools and services are incredibly valuable to companies that don't have easy access to large-scale infrastructure.
Through a professional IT advisor like us, you can access the same tools, techniques, and technologies that big businesses use every day – from high-quality backups to efficiency-improving software. Without an expert in IT, this transition can be arduous and stressful, even if the results are a leap forward for your company – let's make your experience more straightforward; call us today!
What is Cloud Computing?
You've probably heard the adage 'the cloud is just someone else's computer,' or maybe you've heard that this is patently false. The truth is somewhere in between these two views. Traditional cloud computing was essentially 'someone else's computer' – a setup in which another person essentially rented out space in their hard drives. Modern cloud computing is based more on server farms and more high-level computing networks.
People have started pushing back on that quote above because they are worried that people will think that storing their data on 'someone else's computer' is dangerous. After all, if someone said they were using your computer for storage, wouldn't you want to see what you had? However, security in cloud computing is well established, even with how dispersed and broad data storage can be.
How Secure is Data Stored in a Cloud Service?
There are three major cloud services and data storage formats: public, private, and hybrid. Cloud storage can be risky if the storage style doesn't fit with how your business is utilizing cloud computing structures:
- Public Cloud: When public cloud services are built on the provider's external platform, this is a public cloud format. When you use their services, you get your little section of their cloud secured by their infrastructure and security systems. This is good for organizations that need to balance flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Private Cloud: A private cloud service is built into your hardware and software – essentially, you create a dedicated portion of your network that directly interfaces with cloud computing software. This is very useful for control and security, but this is a more expensive option.
- Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud is a more cooperative paradigm, in which your IT team manages part of the cloud process in-house, while the rest is managed via an offsite partner. This is excellent for managing business data (such as customer information or other Personally Identifiable Information) while managing non-sensitive information elsewhere.
Each of these formats has benefits and drawbacks, so consider your needs and discuss them closely with your IT team or IT partner.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Cloud Computing
If you are on the fence about cloud computing for your business, consider weighing the benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits
- Accessibility: For remote workers and multiple locations, convenient internet access is all you need for the cloud!
- Maintain Consistency: because your employees can work on the same file remotely, you won't have confusion or errors from multiple versions.
- Scalability: Because the infrastructure is not restricted to your on-site equipment, you can increase your storage as you grow!
- Cost efficient: Maintaining storage hardware requires heavy investments, but cloud computing allows you to have the same level of care at a lower price.
Drawbacks
- Internet-Only: Because the cloud can only work via the Internet, you need to have a more robust connection if your company relies on these services
- Security Concerns: While the cloud is far from risky, there are fair concerns whenever there are more points of connection and 'moving parts.'
- Compliance Challenges: For medical businesses and government contractors, compliance can be far harder to meet when utilizing outside cloud structures that aren't prepared for those specific needs.
What Can You Do With Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a very broad area of computer science, involving many different services:
Cloud Storage
The most common and basic form of cloud computing is cloud storage, through services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. These allow you to save and store critical files and have them accessible wherever and whenever you need them – as long as you have a good internet connection.
Cloud Backup
Backups are critical for your business continuity and maintaining a healthy business through disasters – but hard drives and data can be prohibitively expensive. This is why most businesses today utilize cloud backups that ensure long-term storage for your information safety nets.
Cloud Hosting
Hosting your website can be expensive, requiring sizable server farms to keep up with demand. Many cloud hosting services can provide you with the ability to host applications, emails, and other web-based storage and access systems.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service is a way of using the cloud to access more advanced software without the need for long install times, updates, or more bulky computer setups. Examples of this include CRM software like Salesforce or accounting software like QuickBooks.
Get Started With the Cloud Through Computer Services Unlimited!
If you are struggling with your current IT setup, switching to a cloud paradigm can save you time, money, and endless frustration. This switch can be daunting, but with a professional IT team by your side, you can experience a completely new working experience in no time!
The Computer Services Unlimited team has decades of experience in providing small and mid-sized businesses with access to tools and technologies that they wouldn't have been able to find on their own! We excel in coordinating across teams and developing unique answers to your most pressing needs – get in touch today and we'll start on a new path of technological development together!