Business And The Cloud - Pros And Cons

Since the cloud first started to make inroads into the business world, there have been concerns. It's quite obvious that business and industry can profit from the unlimited storage, less expensive software options, and nearly unlimited access to company files from computers, tablets, smartphones, and future devices. In spite of the benefits of cloud technology, there are issues of security, minimal flexibility, and limited control of your network. Businesses have to make their cloud computing decisions based on the features that are most important for their company's success. If the advantages of the cloud infrastructure are greater than its disadvantages, your business will benefit from this great technology. Use the following information to help you determine whether or not the cloud will be good for your business.

Benefits Of Cloud Computing

There are many advantages associated with using the cloud for business. From saving money to increasing access, the cloud can improve the performance of everyday work tasks and data protection.

External Storage - In the event of a disaster, it's critical to have backups of all your business documents. A fire, tornado, or earthquake can destroy a business overnight. Vandalism and theft can also interrupt business. If all your documents, sales data, contracts, employee files, and banking information are stored on computers located in your office, you can find your business in serious trouble when a disaster occurs. Cloud storage provides backup and storage of your important business documents, and they are where they can be easily accessed from any location by your electronic devices.

Cost Effective - Expenditures related to cloud computing are minimal compared to other options. Software prices and computer licensing fees have always been a financial drain, especially on small businesses. Cloud servers store most of the software businesses use, and the cost is based on need. When a company had to buy a license for 15 computers but only 11 were using it, money was wasted. When you subscribe to software in the cloud, you pay only for what you need and the cost is considerably less. In the cloud, software is automatically updated for you.

Concerns With Cloud Computing

In spite of the many benefits the cloud offers business, there are still many who have concerns about uploading sensitive business data.

Security - The major concern of most businesses that presently reject the cloud is security. When you make the decision to go cloud, choose a company with the highest level of security that allows you to feel at ease. A high-end cloud company will provide encryption during the transfer of your data and while it is stored. Encryption is not a guarantee your data will remain secure. Professional hackers can break encryption, and this is the reason strong passwords are so important. You must limit the access to a select few employees in order to reduce the risk of your data being compromised.

Limited Control - An external server, possibly thousands of miles from your business, is where your critical data is being stored. You and the select employees have very little control of this server. The company guarantees your service will be up and available 24 hours a day, but if the server is hacked, damaged, or goes down during maintenance, there is nothing your or your staff can do to fix it. You are totally dependent on the cloud company to quickly get your data back online and accessible.

There are other pros and cons relating to the services provide by cloud computing firms, but these are among the most common. Before you decide to move to the cloud, thoroughly research the companies you are considering. It will help avoid unpleasant problems later.

Robert Blake
Bit by Bit Computer Consultants
721 N Fielder Rd. #B
Arlington, Texas 76012
Direct 817.505.1257

877.860.5831 x190