You most certainly would have already heard of the term cloud computing and may even wonder what it actually means.
Before we look deeper: you should know this. The word cloud, in this case, originates from the visual maps that software engineers use to record the flow of data. In particular, a software package called Visio has traditionally been the standard program for this. The cloud really refers to the internet, as a whole. All those servers and connections that form the invisible network.
The cloud has now taken a prime position and hosts networks, such as Apple’s iCloud. It’s made it unnecessary for companies to have to maintain their own servers, and in some cases, any computers.
It’s made the office based server obsolete. No more concerns about it overheating or even updating software on it. Every application that sat on your server is now available on the cloud, and it offers a far more secure and efficient environment.
Your applications can now be reached from any location on the planet that has access to the internet. Security is improved as it has many layers protecting it at all times and corporate grade firewalls.
What if the internet connection goes down? Will your office still be able to operate in a productive manner? It is true that you cannot connect unless you make provisions to be able to connect under any circumstances. You can handle this. Instead of spending thousands each year on backup tapes, redirect some of that expense to secure a net connection.
Some people have the objection that they prefer to know exactly where their data is at all times. They want to know that it’s on their property. Just as you moved from physically touching your files, when they were uploaded onto a digital platform, the fact that your data is now on the cloud will require a change of perspective to accept.
What is the cloud used for? To give you an idea, you’ve most probably been using applications on the cloud for years, without even knowing. If you have a Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail account then you would have already been exposed to it. Although Gmail isn’t on your computer, you most likely feel very comfortable using it.
Sites such as Dropbox, Sugarsync and Google docs are all cloud based, in addition to software as a service (SaaS) solutions like Office 365. If you’ve got an application that your organisation or business is dependent upon, it’s quite likely that there is an alternative for it on the cloud.
This is the future. Call me at any time with any questions and see how we can help take your business to the cloud - 020 3086 9902.
