Cloud computing is here to stay. This technology is now evolving like never before, with large enterprises and companies of all shapes adapting to it. Experts predict that it will keep on growing and developing even further in the coming years. While this technology is evidently advantageous for mid-size businesses to large enterprises, it`s not without its pitfalls, especially for smaller companies.
I want to share a list of pros and pitfalls of storing data in the cloud, with a view to help fully understand the concept of this technology.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
If used properly this technology can vastly benefit all types of companies enhancing their productivity, cash flow, etc. Mentioned below are some of the benefits this technology provides:
Cost Efficiency
Working with the data in the cloud is obviously one of the most cost efficient option for businesses. Cloud computing makes it possible for companies to cut expenses on purchasing expensive servers, maintaining and upgrading them, as well as hiring dedicated IT personnel on the payroll.
Cloud computing solutions are highly customizable, that is to say they can be precisely curtailed to your business needs, and there will be no need to upgrade the entire system to handle increased workload. Software integration and customization usually occurs automatically. The customer can just select software applications and services which suit the particular company best of all.
Renting the infrastructure sounds good from financial point of view. The pay as you go model is more attractive to small and startup companies with limited cash flow. There is no need to buy a new hardware to replace obsolete infrastructure, as the cloud hosting service provider will take care of it.
Flexibility and Enhanced Collaboration
One of the most essential reasons to switch to cloud computing is the ability to quickly meet business needs. Once employees are registered in the cloud, they can access the data from anywhere. This essential feature makes it possible to move behind geographical location and time zone issues. It contributes to increasing flexibility and collaboration by letting the personnel to work on documents simultaneously, get important updates in real time.
Time Saving
This up-to-date technology saves not only money, but also time. With cloud technologies business owners and managers can hold virtual meetings, track what is happening in your company, as well as manage freelancers and remote employees. Small companies are increasingly opting for outsourcing to enlarge their business functions and keep the expenses down.
With cloud computing advanced features remote and outsourced employees can be integrated in a unified network, sharing files with each other, collaborating on projects and working together more effectively. This means that more time can be spent on core business activities instead of handling logistics issues and dealing with IT personnel.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Companies, especially smaller ones, should be aware of cloud computing pitfalls before going in for this solution.
Security
Security issues are among the major ones while in the cloud. The sensitive data surrendered to third-party service provider should be kept totally secure, that`s why a thorough research should be done before adopting this technology to be absolutely sure that the service provider is trustworthy. As a rule. reliable, established cloud computing provider has up-to-date data security systems. In this regard switching to the cloud is favorable particularly for small businesses, which cannot afford making huge investments in configuring high-end security systems to protect the data.
Lack of Total Control
When going to the cloud you are no longer in control, and this is, perhaps, the most difficult things for IT folks to adapt to. They can`t just log into a server to check what is going on there. When something goes wrong, they have to sit on their hands and wait till the vendor make things work again. It means that businesses and individuals are at the mercy of provider and can`t have a total control.
The bottom line
Cloud computing is an emerging technology, and it should be reckoned with. Start it slowly - choose reliable provider, have one or two applications replaced and see how the things are going. Over time you will be able to reap all the advantages of cloud computing.
I want to share a list of pros and pitfalls of storing data in the cloud, with a view to help fully understand the concept of this technology.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
If used properly this technology can vastly benefit all types of companies enhancing their productivity, cash flow, etc. Mentioned below are some of the benefits this technology provides:
Cost Efficiency
Working with the data in the cloud is obviously one of the most cost efficient option for businesses. Cloud computing makes it possible for companies to cut expenses on purchasing expensive servers, maintaining and upgrading them, as well as hiring dedicated IT personnel on the payroll.
Cloud computing solutions are highly customizable, that is to say they can be precisely curtailed to your business needs, and there will be no need to upgrade the entire system to handle increased workload. Software integration and customization usually occurs automatically. The customer can just select software applications and services which suit the particular company best of all.
Renting the infrastructure sounds good from financial point of view. The pay as you go model is more attractive to small and startup companies with limited cash flow. There is no need to buy a new hardware to replace obsolete infrastructure, as the cloud hosting service provider will take care of it.
Flexibility and Enhanced Collaboration
One of the most essential reasons to switch to cloud computing is the ability to quickly meet business needs. Once employees are registered in the cloud, they can access the data from anywhere. This essential feature makes it possible to move behind geographical location and time zone issues. It contributes to increasing flexibility and collaboration by letting the personnel to work on documents simultaneously, get important updates in real time.
Time Saving
This up-to-date technology saves not only money, but also time. With cloud technologies business owners and managers can hold virtual meetings, track what is happening in your company, as well as manage freelancers and remote employees. Small companies are increasingly opting for outsourcing to enlarge their business functions and keep the expenses down.
With cloud computing advanced features remote and outsourced employees can be integrated in a unified network, sharing files with each other, collaborating on projects and working together more effectively. This means that more time can be spent on core business activities instead of handling logistics issues and dealing with IT personnel.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Companies, especially smaller ones, should be aware of cloud computing pitfalls before going in for this solution.
Security
Security issues are among the major ones while in the cloud. The sensitive data surrendered to third-party service provider should be kept totally secure, that`s why a thorough research should be done before adopting this technology to be absolutely sure that the service provider is trustworthy. As a rule. reliable, established cloud computing provider has up-to-date data security systems. In this regard switching to the cloud is favorable particularly for small businesses, which cannot afford making huge investments in configuring high-end security systems to protect the data.
Lack of Total Control
When going to the cloud you are no longer in control, and this is, perhaps, the most difficult things for IT folks to adapt to. They can`t just log into a server to check what is going on there. When something goes wrong, they have to sit on their hands and wait till the vendor make things work again. It means that businesses and individuals are at the mercy of provider and can`t have a total control.
The bottom line
Cloud computing is an emerging technology, and it should be reckoned with. Start it slowly - choose reliable provider, have one or two applications replaced and see how the things are going. Over time you will be able to reap all the advantages of cloud computing.
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