Corporate Cloud Computing: Is it Worth the Money and the Risks? - Bit By BIt Newsletter

Corporate Cloud Computing: Is it Worth the Money and the Risks?

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The BIT Newsletter May 2014 Edition Corporate Cloud Computing: Is it Worth the Money and the Risks?                        Most people use cloud computing in different ways, but rarely give it much thought. On smartphones they listen to music that is stored "in the cloud," and on tablets they read books and magazines that are also stored there. If they use Gmail or Hotmail, they're using a cloud-based email system. One reason most users give the cloud so little thought is that these cloud services work well and are free of charge.  Most business users, however, give the cloud serious thought because they use it for professional purposes, and, crucially, they pay a lot to do so. Companies use cloud computing for three principal purposes: data storage, security backup and disaster recovery, and online applications. Let's examine each, and then look at the risks.    Simple storage, security backup and disaster recovery    Most small and medium sized companies have at least one on-site backup copy of their current "active" data - the "live" data they continually access. For additional safety, many of those companies now also backup that data to the cloud; in the past, they would merely have held an extra backup copy on their premises.  The amount of digital data generated by most businesses is growing very quickly as many businesses adopt additional IT solutions to reduce staff costs and increase efficiency. Because of this growth in data, senior management has become increasingly aware of the need for data security and disaster recovery in addition to just storage. They realize that the cloud is a more flexible, cheaper, and safer solution to all those issues because the on-site alternative requires the purchase of new equipment and the recruitment of extra IT staff. Online applications Apart from using the cloud for data storage and disaster recovery, many companies reduce costs by also outsourcing many of their critical computer applications to the cloud. This shift fundamentally changes the business's operational ecosystem - no longer must it purchase expensive hardware or software, ensure it is constantly updated, employ expert staff to support and maintain it, and accommodate the staff and the equipment. The cloud company hosts and maintains the application software and stores all data. The client company accesses the applications usually via a relatively inexpensive client-side interface or a standard web browser; the cloud company looks after everything else. This kind of infrastructure is called SaaS (software as a service) and it enables the client company to concentrate more on its core activities. Companies that use the cloud extensively make the biggest savings because they can more accurately predict and control their IT costs and easily adjust their usage according to changing needs. The cloud also helps cash flow because the revenue authorities treat cloud costs as day-to-day business expenses. As a result, companies can write off those costs against the current year's tax.  Surprisingly, smaller businesses have adopted cloud computing faster than larger ones. The reasons are twofold. First, big companies have more cumbersome structures and are generally slower to change in most areas of operation. Second, many are in industries that must have the highest level of secrecy and security, like banking and insurance. Such businesses prefer to keep all their highly sensitive information in house.  The risks There is little doubt that cloud computing offers considerable advantages to most businesses, and that an increasing number will become users as time goes by. Most potential users, however, have worries about moving to the cloud, and virtually all of them ask the same two questions: Can we be certain that highly confidential data is completely secure? Can we be guaranteed uninterrupted and unrestricted access to our data and applications whenever we want it? These two questions are important, but a positive answer to either is impossible because there will always be doubts. Potential users should, however, bear in mind that data stored on their own premises is not completely secure or always accessible - it can be affected, for example, by fire, water leaks, power outages, equipment failures, or theft. All major cloud companies backup their clients' data frequently and keep multiple copies of the data in different locations, each protected by the highest level of physical security. They are able to guarantee a level of security and accessibility that few of their clients could ever match on their own, and they can do it more economically. In the end, there is really no contest: cloud  If we can help with any of your technology needs please contact us for additional  information. 1.877.860.5831 or email Just Bits... Fools look to tomorrow; wise men use tonight. - Scottish Proverb Exuberance is Beauty. - William Blake Managed IT Our standard is to deliver reliable, specialized and affordable network support systems both relative to your needs and built to grow with your company. No task is too big or too small – from fully outsourced network services to an added layer of extra security. We keep your systems up and running smoothly. Private Cloud Hosted Desktop Hosted IP Phones Helpdesk Hosted Fax Hosting RightFAX RightFax is the market leading "gold-standard" of  network fax solutions, with almost four- times the market share of the next competitor. Products Citrix Box Fortinet Fortivoice Cisco / Meraki VMware HP Dropbox Development Web / Ecommerce Application Database Ask the BIT Have a question for us? Locations: New York Texas Arizona New Jersey Vermont Oregon Email us or 877.860.5831

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OpenText RightFax 10.6 Service Release 3 Is Now Available!

ASP Partner Advisory

OpenText RightFax 10.6 Service Release 3 Is Now Available! As part of our regular update schedule, OpenText™ is pleased to announce the release of RightFax 10.6 Service Release 3. Service Release 3 is a cumulative update containing a collection of bug fixes. OpenText recommends the installation of Service Release 3 for all RightFax 10.6.x server and client installations. It includes a number of important fixes which may be essential to the operating environment. Notable Bug Fixes For a complete list of fixed issues and installation instructions, refer to the Release Notes. Customers and partners can download Service Release 3 and the Release Notes from the OpenText Knowledge Center by visiting the link below: https://knowledge.opentext.com/knowledge/cs.dll/open/15703289 Systems Affected OpenText RightFax 10.6 server and client installations. OpenText RightFax 10.6 Service Release 1 server and client installations. OpenText RightFax 10.6 Service Release 2 server and client installations. More Information For more information,contact 877.860.5831 x190 or www.bitxbit.com

Corporate Cloud Computing: Is it Worth the Money and the Risks?

Most people use cloud computing in different ways, but rarely give it much thought. On smartphones they listen to music that is stored "in the cloud," and on tablets they read books and magazines that are also stored there. If they use Gmail or Hotmail, they're using a cloud-based email system. One reason most users give the cloud so little thought is that these cloud services work well and are free of charge.

 

Most business users, however, give the cloud serious thought because they use it for professional purposes, and, crucially, they pay a lot to do so. Companies use cloud computing for three principal purposes: data storage, security backup and disaster recovery, and online applications. Let's examine each, and then look at the risks.

 

 

Simple storage, security backup and disaster recovery

 

Most small and medium sized companies have at least one on-site backup copy of their current "active" data - the "live" data they continually access. For additional safety, many of those companies now also backup that data to the cloud; in the past, they would merely have held an extra backup copy on their premises.

 

The amount of digital data generated by most businesses is growing very quickly as many businesses adopt additional IT solutions to reduce staff costs and increase efficiency. Because of this growth in data, senior management has become increasingly aware of the need for data security and disaster recovery in addition to just storage. They realize that the cloud is a more flexible, cheaper, and safer solution to all those issues because the on-site alternative requires the purchase of new equipment and the recruitment of extra IT staff.

  

Online applications

 

Apart from using the cloud for data storage and disaster recovery, many companies reduce costs by also outsourcing many of their critical computer applications to the cloud. This shift fundamentally changes the business's operational ecosystem - no longer must it purchase expensive hardware or software, ensure it is constantly updated, employ expert staff to support and maintain it, and accommodate the staff and the equipment. The cloud company hosts and maintains the application software and stores all data. The client company accesses the applications usually via a relatively inexpensive client-side interface or a standard web browser; the cloud company looks after everything else. This kind of infrastructure is called SaaS (software as a service) and it enables the client company to concentrate more on its core activities.

 

Companies that use the cloud extensively make the biggest savings because they can more accurately predict and control their IT costs and easily adjust their usage according to changing needs. The cloud also helps cash flow because the revenue authorities treat cloud costs as day-to-day business expenses. As a result, companies can write off those costs against the current year's tax.

 

Surprisingly, smaller businesses have adopted cloud computing faster than larger ones. The reasons are twofold. First, big companies have more cumbersome structures and are generally slower to change in most areas of operation. Second, many are in industries that must have the highest level of secrecy and security, like banking and insurance. Such businesses prefer to keep all their highly sensitive information in house.

 

 

The risks

 

There is little doubt that cloud computing offers considerable advantages to most businesses, and that an increasing number will become users as time goes by.

Most potential users, however, have worries about moving to the cloud, and virtually all of them ask the same two questions: Can we be certain that highly confidential data is completely secure? Can we be guaranteed uninterrupted and unrestricted access to our data and applications whenever we want it? These two questions are important, but a positive answer to either is impossible because there will always be doubts. Potential users should, however, bear in mind that data stored on their own premises is not completely secure or always accessible - it can be affected, for example, by fire, water leaks, power outages, equipment failures, or theft.

 

 

All major cloud companies backup their clients' data frequently and keep multiple copies of the data in different locations, each protected by the highest level of physical security. They are able to guarantee a level of security and accessibility that few of their clients could ever match on their own, and they can do it more economically. In the end, there is really no contest: cloud computing is definitely worth the money and the risks.

By: Robert Blake

If you would like additional information about cloud computing please call 877.860.5831 or visit us online at Bit by Bit

RightFax End of Life Dates

RightFax has always provided support for 18 months after a new version has been made available to customers. New versions and service releases are available to customers who are on an active RightFax support plan. The following End Of Life information is being provided so you can plan your migration to the latest version before your product is unsupported.

• RightFax 10.6  – Supported 36 months after release of a subsequent version
• RightFax 10.5 – Supported until November 11, 2016
• RightFax 10.0 – Supported until July 17, 2015
• RightFax 9.4 – Supported until May 31, 2014
• RightFax 9.0 – Not Supported – End of life October 1, 2009
• RightFax 8.7 – Not Supported – End of life September 1, 2008
• RightFax 8.5 – Not Supported – End of life February 17, 2006
• RightFax 8.0 – Not Supported – End of life September 30, 2004

For more information or help call 877.860.5831

Register Now for FileMaker DevCon Preview: Intro to Calculations on April 15, 2014

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FileMaker Special Events Web Seminars FileMaker DevCon Preview: Intro to Calculations FileMaker Web Seminar Date & Time: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. PDT (11:00 a.m. - noon EDT) Register Now ► 11:00 a.m. - noon PDT (2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT) Register Now ► 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PDT (7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EDT) Register Now ► Location: on your computer over the internet Duration: 60 minutes Attend Webinar on iPad: Citrix GoToWebinar Client Level: advanced The FileMaker Developer Conference "Business without Boundaries" will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from July 28 - 31, 2014. Join us as we give you a glimpse into some of this year's most popular featured sessions. First up, "Functions & Formulations: An Introduction to FileMaker Calculations," lead by Darren Terry from Pacific Data Management, Inc. In this pre-conference session, Darren will tour some key concepts involved in calculations and will give tips on calculation troubleshooting and how to format your formulas to make them easier to maintain in the long run. Register today for this exclusive event!

Taking the Myth Out of Hybrid Cloud Computing

The terms hybrid computing and cloud computing have been in the news for some time but, for many people, they are confusing and ambiguous terms. So what is hybrid cloud computing?

 

In very simple terms it is when an organization uses both the public cloud and their private cloud to do their computing. This needs further explanation before this concept can be properly understood.

 

The Public and Private Cloud

 

In cloud computing, the term cloud is a metaphor for the internet, so cloud computing is computing using computers linked though an internet connection, utilizing shared computing resources.

 

The public cloud is cloud computing where a company uses a third-party vendor to supply computing services in the form of servers, software applications, and data storage over the internet. Another form of public cloud computing is where a service provider provides a service to the public, for example, social networking services.

 

A key aspect of the public cloud is that it is available to the public who share the resources provided by the vendor.

 

A private cloud is similar to the public cloud, except that it is run privately for use by an organization and is behind that organization's firewall. It has many of the same features, but the essential difference is that the resources are owned and controlled by the company. Some companies choose this solution because of security concerns.

 

What Is Hybrid Cloud Computing?

 

If your operation is large, and you use both your own network of interconnected servers and those of a third party web-based service provider so that your applications and data are spread over these servers, you are performing hybrid cloud computing, as, your computing and, specifically your data, is shared between the private and public cloud.

 

Another form of hybrid computing is cloud storage, where a company would store critical data in their private cloud and other data in the public cloud.

 

Management of the Hybrid Cloud

 

The hybrid cloud is a great concept, freeing critical resources and providing flexible off-site resources that can meet short term needs.

 

However, if it is to function efficiently, it is important that the cloud is properly mapped out, that a database of all critical parameters is maintained, and that you have a management strategy in place to administer change control, data security, fault monitoring, and resource management.

 

Another consideration is the availability of, and access to, essential critical applications and data. This can be achieved by ensuring that critical information is stored within the company's private cloud so that access is unaffected should external network issues affect access to their public cloud

 

What Is Hybrid Cloud Computing All About?

 

A common use of the hybrid cloud is to expand your data storage capability without the purchase of additional hardware. This is especially useful if your need is transient or temporary, such as for a product launch, political campaign, or major project. This is often called cloud bursting, where applications move from the private cloud to the public cloud to take advantage of additional computing resources available in the public cloud.

 

Another reason for hybrid computing is cost, as instead of purchasing more servers for your internal data center, it may be more cost effective to use the servers of a cloud service provider, such as AWS or Rackspace.

 

Companies and organizations with global operations can use hybrid cloud computing to provide their operations with readily available and reasonably secure access, taking advantage of the internet's resilience.

 

Users of Hybrid Computing

 

Hybrid computing is a growth industry and Gartner predicts that by 2017, 50% of enterprises will adopt it. In many ways, hybrid cloud computing offers the best solution for large and diverse organizations.

Bit by Bit can provide the resources and expertise to make you move to the cloud a success, if you would like to learn more, please contact me at 800.860.5831 x190