What is the Cloud?

Cloud computing is being heralded as the next big thing for IT, especially in business. Everyone seems to be saying it’s the way to go but what is cloud computing and why should you follow the IT crowd?

The cloud simply means the internet, and cloud computing refers to the process of moving more and more data off your individual PC or your small business server and onto the internet. With cloud computing you no longer run software from your office computer, instead you log into ‘the cloud’ and run it via the internet.

Moving onto cloud services is fairly flexible; you can move whatever you want at a pace which suits you. For example if you are new to cloud computing and aren’t sure if it will benefit you, you could start by moving your email system to the cloud and see how it goes.

Moving your email will mean you don’t have to run your own email server from your office, you will connect to a cloud email server to retrieve your mail – but that happens behind the scenes and once setup you will operate just as  you did with your own email server.

What are the Benefits?

The benefits of moving your business to the cloud could be:

1. Improved cashflow – Regular, monthly payments to your replace higher captital costs to install your own IT systems every few years.
2. Maintenance Solutions – Your cloud provider will assume responsibilities for maintaining and repairing the systems which allow you to access your data. Some will also handle backups.
3. Scalability – Scale systems up or down on demand; easily add new users or software to your systems
4. Increased Accessibility – Access emails and data on cloud storage from wherever you are with internet connection on a laptop, smart phone or tablet computer
5. Easy Sharing – Enable data sharing between employees or clients without the need for email.
6. Collaboration – Work on documents collaboratively with individual internet log-in for each employee to access central data or calendars and diaries

What are the Risks?  

Despite having the ability to relieve you of the burden of server failure or data loss, there are some downsides to cloud computing; risks it is wise to carefully consider before moving your business on to the cloud.

1. Longer Downtime – You could experience major downtime if your cloud provider has a crash or goes out of business. This is likely to be much more costly and time consuming than it would be to get your own office server repaired
2. Security – Issues of trust and security with your company’s data being stored on the internet
3. Changing Provider - Your information could be held to ransom if you decide to leave your cloud provider. Make sure there is provision in the contract for you to leave
4. Less personal – Loose the personal relationship you have with your current IT service provider who may be located nearby and will almost definitely be easier to get hold of in the event of a problem
5. Hidden Costs – You need a fairly stable and fast internet connection, if you don’t have this already you will need to factor in the cost of a broadband upgrade

Should I move?

It is up to you to weigh the benefits and risks and decide if cloud hosted services will benefit your business in the long run. Cloud computing is not for everyone so don’t feel that your systems are out-dated if you do not migrate – it is more important to have the best, most cost-effective solution for your specific needs.

If you want more information about the cloud, or would like to chat through whether it is the right thing for your business, please contact Flint IT at sales AT flint-it DOT com or call 0845 3309680.

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Flint IT; your local IT Company in Dunstable or Luton.