By Doug Tate
If you have daily access to a computer, you have likely heard of cloud computing, but you may not understand what it is, how it works or how it can help your business. The term cloud computing refers to the storage and accessibility of data and programs through the Internet instead of through a computer hard drive. In order to understand how cloud computing can influence your business, it is necessary to understand the basic technical concepts behind the term.
Cloud computing has become a catchall category in today’s information technology (IT) landscape. The variety of cloud types includes public, private and hybrid, as well as hosted versus managed, and many providers offer their own custom spin on the concept. The key is learning how to make cloud computing work for you and your business.
As with the installation of most types of new technology, there are many things businesses should consider before adopting the use of cloud-based data storage and sharing. For instance, it’s important to understand how cloud computing can help your business, what the benefits of using a service provider are and what, if any, elements of cloud computing you should be concerned about before making the leap.
What Businesses Should Know About Cloud Computing
Before adopting a cloud solution, there are things a business should consider. Cloud solutions are generally focused on reducing IT-related spending while increasing the reliability of business applications, protecting business data, lowering the total cost of ownership and getting a resilient, protected system for your business. Security is also key; businesses must ensure that their cloud services are protected and secured. Traffic must be encrypted and private, and service providers must be trustworthy and maintain proper compliance to guarantee your data is safe.
Using a Cloud Service Provider
Service providers bring key value to the businesses they serve in a couple of different ways. Consider the requirements of a stable information technology infrastructure. Businesses need the proper facilities to house the hardware, power and cooling, as well as specialized software and a team of technicians and engineers to keep it all working. Many businesses have taken serious consideration of the cost of IT-enabled business, and service providers can remove this layer of concern and provide IT as a service so businesses can focus on their mission, vision and core values. Cloud computing can aid in getting technology management and administration out of the way. With a service provider, businesses pay less and get a higher level of service.
It is important to consider a service provider that will customize the experience for your business. One size does not fit all, and many companies find themselves locked into a service that doesn’t necessarily work for them. A local provider will bring key value in the form of a relationship. The more the provider can learn about your business, the better the IT experience can be catered to your business goals. Local providers can also provide on-site visits and tours and facilitate direct data access in the event of a disaster. Many are even willing to set up a small-scale proof on concept projects so you can test a cloud service before committing. Ask your provider if they would be willing to let you test drive their services before you buy.
It is also a good idea to ask others for advice. What are businesses around you doing? Are there cloud adopters in your peer group? Technical knowhow is a key component. The professionalism and relational elements of the provider are important as well. Does the provider have enough business knowledge to design an IT solution that will fit your needs? Each service provider should be able to provide local references for customers using their cloud computing services.
Concerns About Cloud Computing
Data security is the number one concern of cloud use. Businesses must ensure that their information is protected, private and not accessible by anyone unauthorized. Service providers must maintain certifications that ensure their processes, procedures, facilities and employees have undergone in-depth audits and are secure.
Accessibility of your data is also a critical component. Where is the service provider? Can you see where your data is located? Do you have multiple Internet paths to your applications? Can you meet the engineers and technicians keeping your systems alive? With many service providers out there advertising and soliciting your business, care must be taken in who you trust with your business data. What is the service provider’s data protection and business continuity plan? In the event of a disaster, how will you gain access to your data? What if your business data is too large to download via the Internet in a reasonable amount of time? Does the provider allow direct access to your cloud system in an emergency? Be certain that these questions have satisfactory answers before settling on a service provider; this will ensure that your cloud computing experience is one of efficiency and purpose rather than an IT nightmare.
Cloud computing is a great concept when executed properly. Cloud services allow companies to focus on their core business and, in many cases, save money while doing it. Many companies are now accelerating their business through technology provided to them via cloud service providers. Others are starting with their own internal cloud systems. Whether you choose a private, public or hybrid approach, cloud computing may be just the thing your company needs to take IT to the next level.
