First of all, the cloud is not the fluffy white things you see in the sky. Well, it is, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. The cloud is a generalizing term, largely referring to groups of remote servers that store data, programs, and other things online rather than in local storage. Think of it like your bank. Your money is stored at your bank, just like your files are stored on the cloud.
So how does this help you?
First, the cloud lowers barriers to entry for small businesses. No longer do you need to have a dedicated server and storage array on site for your program or data. You can store it in the cloud for a much cheaper solution. It gives you device independence and location independence. Your users can access the data wherever they are and with whatever device they are using, so long as they have an internet connection and a web browser.
The cloud also allows for easier maintenance, any change you make to your documents, software or files can be pushed to the cloud. You no longer need to update each and every program on individual machines. Additionally, the cloud provides reliability, improved performance, higher productivity, and better security.
When is the cloud a bad idea?
Occasionally, you may want to look into alternatives to the cloud. If you have data or a program with sensitive information or security protocols, the cloud might not be the best idea. Cloud storage is relatively secure but there can and will be breaches. You also need to look at the user base. If your users aren’t adaptable to change, cloud storage might be confusing to them and your program may not succeed.
Additionally, the cloud might be overkill. Sometimes it’s just not needed for a particular set of data or a program and you’d be better off with another option. Lastly, you need to consider the mentality of the organization. Some organizations are in love with the bleeding edge and would have no problem utilizing the cloud, while others like to wait until new technology has been proven before they use it. Just consider all of the variables before committing to any solution.
How can we help?
Contact us and we can talk more about some of the services we offer and help explain the benefits of the cloud and how it might help you and your business.
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