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Is Your Head In The Cloud?
Posted in: Cloud Computing, Hot New Tech Products, Trends and Tools, Network Logix News, Small Business Growth Strategies, Small Business Management Strategies by Andrew Moon on August 9, 2011
Cloud computing is coming and it will change the way all companies work. But can you believe the hype? There’s certainly no shortage of books written about the subject, conferences dedicated to its discussion and everyone seems to have a jargon-laden opinion not to mention a product to sell.
But it’s certainly true – there are plenty of awesome things to say about cloud computing. The main advantages are:
• You can pick and choose the applications you use and pay for – on demand
• Payment for cloud applications is usually incremental which saves money
• All software updates are automated
• Because the servers are not your own there’s no investment, upkeep or replacement costs
• If your workforce is mobile they will have better access to company data if you store your data in the cloud
• You can scale up easily by paying for additional application users without capital expenditure
These benefits can save smaller businesses plenty of time and money. But for every person who raves about the cloud there are others who talk about the risks. Here are two objections we hear most often:
“But is it secure?”
For our clients, security issues are mainly to do with the security and privacy of information stored. So can you be sure that your data is secure and not at risk from hackers or your competitors’ beady eyes? For most small businesses these security risks are reduced to a minimum by:
• Windows security routinely managing day to day security
• Hosted centres where data is held are highly secure installations that do not routinely allow personnel inside the premises
• Data encryption
“It’s just too new!”
Cloud computing has been seen by many as yet another new distraction – especially when the past couple of years have bought more pressing challenges. With many companies now using the cloud for email, IT support or online data back-up very successfully it’s no longer seen as new or particularly risky. Our advice?
• Start small
• Get some expert help to weigh up the potential savings for your business
• Move parts of your IT infrastructure to the cloud one at a time.
(If you would like some free cloud consultancy contact us or look out for our new e-course coming soon.)
