More and more businesses, both small and large, are embracing cloud technologies. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of cloud computing, as well as how Carden IT Services can help you maximize its potential.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the practice of storing and accessing data or networks over an internet connection rather than on your local machine.
If you have used an online storage platform like Dropbox or Google Drive, then you have already used cloud computing. However, the cloud offers a lot more than just storage. Cloud computing services can also include running applications (known as Software as a Service or SaaS) or virtual machines in the cloud.
Most of the business which use cloud computing utilize a what is known as a “public cloud”. This is cloud infrastructure which is provided by a third-party. This includes some of the biggest names in technology. The most popular cloud platforms are Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure.
Some businesses may choose to rent their own data centers and build their own cloud computing infrastructure. This is known as a “public cloud.” Public cloud networks are more customizable but require a greater degree of expertise to run successfully.
Using a combination of both public and private cloud services is known as running a “hybrid cloud” environment.
Why Would A Business Move To The Cloud?
There’s a reason cloud-based computing has grown so popular among businesses all over the world: it’s a financially sound decision. The advantages of cloud computing are far broader and more powerful than you might think, so let’s take a closer look at what this technology can accomplish for your business.
- Lower Costs
Cloud computing is the most cost-effective method of computing. Traditional desktop software can be expensive for businesses. When the license fees for several users are added together, the costs quickly spiral. Cloud services, on the other hand, are substantially less expensive and hence can significantly reduce your company’s overall IT costs. - Accessible From Anywhere
You can access resources in the cloud whenever and wherever you need them. Cloud computing enables several users to access and share the same data from various devices simultaneously. Remote workers can access the same data and software as their colleagues in the office. - Simplifies Disaster Recovery
Cloud storage may be used for disaster recovery by creating secure backups of important data which is stored away from your premises. If your business has adequate bandwidth, you can use continuous cloud backups to upload your data to the cloud in real time. Through a process known as Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), your entire network can be virtualized in the cloud, allowing your team to continue working from home while your main premises are brought back online.
What Are Cloud Backups?
Business cloud backups work by copying data from your server and replicating it to a different location. Your data can be stored in a public cloud platform (like Microsoft SharePoint or Amazon AWS) or secured in your own private cloud. Some companies will back up their entire network whereas other will only back up key, business-critical servers, and devices.
How Do Cloud Backups Work?
These cloud backups can occur at a set time every day, or you can opt for a continuous, real-time cloud backup if you have enough bandwidth available. If you’d like to learn more, we have a whole article about the importance of backing up your data and how cloud computing can help with this.
Are Cloud Backups Safe?
Despite the convenience and efficiency of cloud backups, relying entirely on any one backup method is not advisable. You should make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of cloud backups, and you should always have more than one backup. Ideally you should implement the 3-2-1 data backup method.
Are There Negatives or Risks Associated With The Cloud?
- Security/Privacy
Some businesses have concerns about storing sensitive and crucial data remotely. You should be aware that when you use public cloud technology, you are entrusting critical business information to a third-party cloud service provider. Therefore, it’s critical to select a reputable cloud service provider who you can trust to keep your data safe.To protect their users, the largest public cloud services providers’ teams include some of the most skilled and experienced cybersecurity professionals in the industry. This includes former DOD and intelligence personnel. Using a private cloud gives you more privacy, as all data is kept within your organization even if it is stored off site. However, a private cloud costs more to set up and maintain. - Regulatory Compliance
As with most new areas of technology, the law has yet to catch up. Therefore, it may not be possible to work in the public cloud depending on the level of restrictions on how data is handled in your sector. This is particularly true for healthcare, financial services, and publicly traded organizations, which must exercise extreme caution when contemplating this choice. Building a private cloud is normally a more suitable solution for these industries.
Ready To Move Your Business To The Cloud?
Hopefully, this blog has given you a useful overview of the reasons why businesses choose cloud services. You should also now be aware of some of the ways to overcome the downsides of cloud computing.
Cloud services can be a key part of implementing a long-term digital transformation in your business. At Carden IT Services, we’ve helped businesses of all sizes with their cloud migrations, transferring their data to the cloud securely with minimal downtime. If you would like to know more about the different types of cloud services and how Carden IT Services can help you, speak to our team today.
