Cloud computing is all the rage at the moment. Can you explain what it is please?
Cloud computing has become one of the great buzz terms of the last few years. It is an umbrella term for a number of different trends, all involving the internet and its potential to simplify the way we use computers and extend their capabilities is huge. Put simply, it takes everything a business normally stores on a computer or company server and puts it securely online. This means information can be accessed instantly from any connected device from anywhere in the world.
Cloud computing is particularly important given the rise in mobile devices and their use in business. New tablets such as the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Acer Iconia and HP TouchPad are becoming vital business tools for small businesses that need to remain mobile in order to stay productive.
What are the advantages of cloud computing?
The benefits of cloud computing for small businesses are numerous. It provides flexibility, which, given the current boom in remote working, is becoming increasingly important to entrepreneurs and SMEs. It increases productivity, as it enables tablet or smartphone users to save all their mobile documents directly to the cloud so they can be accessed instantly back in the office or on the move. Add this to the growing numbers of businesses using mobile devices, so smartphones, laptops, and tablets and it’s clear why all eyes are on the cloud.
The other main benefit is the cost factor. Users pay for as much or as little space as they need and can ramp it up and down as requirements change. This flexibility allows small businesses to pay less when business is slow and only add extra cost in line with business growth. Certainly, it is one way for small businesses to cut costs – as investing in company servers could be expensive.
What are the disadvantages associated with cloud computing?
There are some elements of cloud services to be aware of. Service outages and a fear of security breaches could be an issue but they can be managed by using a reputable provider and taking advice from small business technology experts. We often see companies coming to us with concerns around security because entrusting sensitive business data to a third party means a big shift in the mindset of many business owners.
It is worth noting, however, that the correct cloud set up can undoubtedly provide a higher level of security than most companies can achieve by using their own data centres and many providers give a guarantee that their network will remain secure. Also, loss of service is a major inconvenience to any business if the provider has downtime, but many providers offer compensation.
How much does it cost to install cloud computing packages in the workplace?
Cloud computing can save small and medium sized businesses significant amounts of money. Fundamentally, users pay for as much or as little space as they need and can ramp it up and down as requirements change. This flexibility allows small businesses to pay less when business is slow and only add extra cost in line with business growth.
