A little while back, many people described IT as a back-office function. Yet in today’s highly competitive and demanding market, productively leveraging technology is important to ensuring a company’s ability to be improved and excel. An ongoing wave of innovation in enterprise IT, is fundamentally changing how companies manage every aspect of their operation. At the core of these changes is cloud computing, one of the most momentous business developments since the launch of the Web and the adoption of email; it seems to be the most booming technological innovation of the 21st century, since it has seen the fastest adoption into the mainstream than any other technology in the domain.
In view of the umpteen benefits that cloud computing offers to companies, we could rightly say that it is rapidly becoming the new norm. However, bear in mind that where there are pros, there are cons as well. So, are the advantages enough to overshadow the disadvantages?
THE PROS
Cost Efficient
Cloud computing is the most cost-efficient method to use, maintain and upgrade. Desktop software requires a lot in terms of finance, while the Cloud is at much cheaper rates and there are many scalable payment options available, depending on the current needs of the customer.
Essentially Unlimited Storage
Without the Cloud, a company will have to buy the required physical infrastructure, without knowing whether the storage capacity will be sufficient for its future needs. On the other hand, the Cloud not only gives you almost unlimited storage capacity, but also allows you to scale your storage as your needs increase.
Backup and Recovery
With cloud technology, all your data is stored in the Cloud; Simple, automated and secure backup makes any procedure much easier and disaster recovery is no longer a term that concerns you as most cloud service providers are competent enough to handle the recovery of data, thanks to the entire server backup.
Automatic Software Integration
Using the Cloud, software integration is an automatic procedure; you no longer need to try hard to customize and integrate your applications as per your preferences. With cloud computing, to customize your options is a piece of cake; you can choose only the services that suit best to your particular needs.
Easy Access to Information
In the Cloud, digital data is stored in multiple locations, allowing the user to access files, programs and applications from anywhere; as long as you have access to an Internet connection you can move beyond time zones and geographic locations, having literally access from any place at any time.
THE CONS
Network Dependent and Downtime
Cloud technology is absolutely dependent to the Internet; in front of an Internet connectivity loss, the entire business grinds to a stop. Bear in mind that even the best cloud service providers could run into this kind of trouble, in spite the high standards of maintenance. Moreover, your Internet connection is also important to be logged onto the server at all times.
Security and Privacy
Cloud Security Services must be in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, which means that cloud service providers are obliged by the law to follow specific and strict rules to protect your data. However, you could potentially put your company at great risk by putting all of your information to a third-party cloud provider. Therefore, consider it as a partnership, make your research and choose the most reliable cloud provider, in order to keep your data totally secure.
Inflexible Contracts
Keep in mind that not all cloud providers offer equal services and that is another reason for a thorough research. It is important to work with a provider who offers the value of unlimited bandwidth, in order to avoid experiencing limited storage space and accessibility. Consequently, you should choose a provider who can meet your cloud storage, virtualization and backup needs now and in the future so that you have a true partner of your business team.
BOTTOM LINE
Like everything else, cloud computing has its advantages and disadvantages. While technological development can prove to be an amazing asset to your company, it could also be harmful without the proper knowledge, experience and use. With the correct partner and the proper guidance, cloud computing is the tool that helps you and your business to cope with today’s and future’s problems, leading you to success.