What is “the Cloud”?
In the most layman of terms, the Cloud refers to the
resources and applications that are available via the internet from just about
any device that is connected—basically, a “virtual server.”It is simply a metaphor
for the data centers all over the world that we use for storing and accessing
out information.
Before delving any
further, here are some examples of the cloud that you are probably already
using. If you use webmail services such as Outlook, Hotmail, or Yahoo, your
e-mail is considered to be “in the cloud.” Because of this, you can access all
of your e-mails and contacts from virtually any device that has an internet
connection. Facebook is another great example. You can log into your account and
access all of your data whether you’re on your laptop, your smartphone, or at a
hotel desktop while you’re vacationing in Waikiki. All of your data is just “hanging
out”in that cloud!
Why is this important?
Cloud based services free your company from the maintenance,
infrastructure and repair side of IT which can be extremely cost effective.
Also, having all of your important data backed up by the cloud is especially important
for local businesses. It is very rare for widely used cloud services and
applications to have outages. The cloud is a whole lot more reliable than what
most small businesses could provide for themselves—especially in areas such as
the Outer Banks when a hurricane could spell trouble for locally owned
businesses. This is all on a basic level—any IT support and consulting service
can help you determine how much cloud based services will help you
specifically.
The Cloud gives us real time access to all of the files and
data that you’ve opted to store in there. For businesses, the possible potential
benefits are great:
·
Immediacy
·
Universal accessibility
·
More flexibility
·
Scalability
·
Increased reliability
·
Reduced IT costs and complexity
·
Lower capital costs
·
Disaster recovery
·
Better security
Is it worth it?
In the IT world, cloud computing allows smaller businesses to provide certain services that they otherwise couldn’t afford if they were to use their own systems. Instead of buying specific services, you are “renting” out the space for your company to use. Since your needs may shift, and shift often, you can customize your cloud based service, picking and choosing what will be most beneficial to your company. Not sure if your company would benefit? Talk to a reputable IT company for support consulting.
In the IT world, cloud computing allows smaller businesses to provide certain services that they otherwise couldn’t afford if they were to use their own systems. Instead of buying specific services, you are “renting” out the space for your company to use. Since your needs may shift, and shift often, you can customize your cloud based service, picking and choosing what will be most beneficial to your company. Not sure if your company would benefit? Talk to a reputable IT company for support consulting.
What are some of the services the cloud can provide?
·
Software as a service (SaaS) – If you use
something like Gmail or Yahoo mail, you’ve used this before. It is a software
application that is hosted in a central location and delivered via a web
browser. Instead of having a company purchase the software and install it on every single company computer (and make
every single update as needed),
businesses can pay a subscription fee to a service provider and make the
software available to everyone.
·
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) –With this,
storage, hardware, servers and networking are all owned by a third-party
provider that is responsible for maintenance and operations,
·
Managed Service Providers (MSP) - this is an
application that is exposed to IT rather than its end-users (like you and me).
These could include virus scanning services, desktop managements services,
security services, etc.
To learn more about the “cloud” and how it could benefit
your business, contact an IT support consulting service for more
information.
