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Cloud computing has been gaining a lot of traction in the past few years. For big businesses, moving to the cloud is a no-brainer. After all, IT expenses, which includes software purchases, hardware, personnel, floorspace and electricity to keep systems running 24/7 accounts for a huge part of their budget. For start-ups with a limited budget, a public cloud solution is a cheap way to get up and running with little investment, while still keeping the option for expansion open later on. However, what about those in between? What about the small businesses, many of which are the backbone of many communities, but are now struggling with the ever-increasing costs of doing business?
Three or five years ago, analysts and experts were still calling cloud computing a “trend” or even “hype.” However, in less than a decade, cloud computing is increasingly gaining acceptance (and prevalence) in both our work and personal lives. For example, we’ve personally seen cloud computing in San Diego flourish in the last couple of years. It’s difficult to deny that the benefits of cloud computing are tremendous, from the flexibility it gives companies and their workers, to the cost savings to the bottom line. It seems that it’s not a matter of if, but now it’s when you’ll be switching to the cloud. If you’re a CIO or IT Manager about to make that first foray, or if at the very least you’re investigating the possibility of moving all or part of your systems into the cloud, here are some basics you’ll have to know.
When it comes to cloud computing, one of the biggest concerns companies have is the security of their data. They say knowledge is power, so it’s no wonder businesses these days are spending millions on protecting their data ($493 million, according to an recent Ovum report.) Security breaches or data loss can cost a company millions of dollars, not to mention incalculable damage to a company’s reputation. While it’s easy to switch email and CRM software to the cloud, it’s no wonder that companies are hesitant when it comes to the thought of turning to cloud computing for data storage. However, if you find that you simply have too much data to store or you can’t ignore the cost savings that storing your data on the cloud brings, here are some of the things you need to know and your vendor should assure you of.
When it comes to cloud computing, many experts can agree on the most obvious of benefits - cost savings, flexibility and scalability. However, one contentious topic seems to be whether cloud computing is good for the environment. Is cloud computing actually green? Or is it contributing more carbon to the atmosphere?
It’s no secret that cloud computing is becoming more prevalent these days. Various studies and research have predicted that the cloud computing market could be worth around $150 - $160 million by next year. With cloud computing, many businesses owners can see their options opening up when it comes to expanding their operations. In our own backyard, we’re hoping to see that with cloud computing, San Diego based small businesses can truly become profitable by opening up new stores in and around the city. Without need for buying new servers or other hardware devices, they can put their capital into stock, rent, and hiring talented people to run their operations.
The advances in cloud computing have made it a viable option for virtually any type of business or company who wants to take advantage of its benefits. Still, it is considered a new technology and many who move to the cloud are considered early adopters. Cloud computing here in San Diego for example, though growing fast, is like a toddler, still catching up to its older brothers and sisters in Silicon Valley. While many companies may want the benefits of cloud computing, some are still wary. After all, it’s not like buying a new copier or a new coffee machine - there are serious things to consider when moving to the cloud. However, as with any major changes, there are some ways you can ease the transitions, and here are some tips to help early adopters integrate the cloud into their operations.
Risk-based approach to security
Perhaps the number one concern people have with cloud computing is security, prompting them to ask time and time again, “Will my data be safe?” While we can go on and on about security systems and encryption, the best (and most non-technical/business-friendly) way to address it is through a risk-based approach. A risk-based approach simply means allotting resources into where you face the greatest risk. Even the biggest of corporations and governments sometimes take this approach because there isn’t always enough in the budget to double and triple lock down every single security hole, whether you’re on traditional servers or in the cloud. So, figure out where you stand to lose the most, whether it’s through data loss or through lawsuits if customer data gets leaked or hacked, and try to allocate as much of your efforts to secure those areas.
Keep it simple
Even though technology is everywhere we turn - whether it’s the smartphones we use to communicate with the office or the DVR when we get home. However, not everyone has the same level of comfort with technology. There’s always a concern that something new may turn off current customers or frustrate employees. So, to make sure everyone in your company and your customers are on-board to switching to the cloud, make it as simple and easy as possible for them. There are many types of cloud integration, some running in the back end that your customers or employees don’t even have to know. If you do have to make a change to your interface, try to design it in such a way that is familiar to to them, whether that’s adapting some functionalities of the old system or taking heed from some familiar ones, such as popular operating systems like iOs or Android, which your customers and employees may already be using in their daily lives.
Using a Hybrid Architecture
If there’s one benefit to cloud computing that’s always overlooked is it’s flexibility and scalability. You don’t have to plunge all the way into the cloud computing pool - you can feel free to dip in your toe to test the waters or wade in knee-deep first. You can opt for a hybrid architecture where you have the option of having some of your data or functions inside a private cloud and outsource some to a public cloud. This can definitely help mitigate security risks. Or you can even choose different providers for different areas in your network, so if one company should experience downtime, you won’t be totally paralyzed. Moving to the cloud isn’t a single solution that everyone needs to fit into, but rather it can be built to be the solution you need.
Early adopters can reap many benefits from their decision to employ cloud computing, and not just the cost savings. They are seen as pioneers and earn respect among their peers for having vision and foreseeing future trends. If you want to be that pioneer for cloud computing in San Diego, give Deconn Technical Services and we can find a solution for you.
Sources:
http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/1684539
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/110507/Risk_Formula
Today’s CEOs, presidents, business owners and managers face a tough challenge in today’s economic times. The cost of doing business is increasing, while customers are demanding lower prices, not to mention the opening up of borders have made it difficult for domestic companies to compete with cheap labor abroad. These are hard times ahead, and navigating these waters will require a varying set of skills, and more importantly, innate qualities that will help these leaders and their companies survive.
Cloud computing has been an ubiquitous term thrown around the past couple of years. One of the great things about this new technology is that cloud computing, from San Diego to Sao Paolo essentially means the same thing - that is, moving your software and other computing processes to a shared network, accessed over the Internet. For many small business owners in California (or anywhere), these two words seem almost intimidating. While many can easily understand what it is about, few realize its benefits beyond the bottom line. So, for small businesses considering a move to cloud computing, here are some key ways that it may help you get ahead of your competition.
