Cloud computing is a term that refers to the use of remote servers to store, manage, and process data. The cloud is a metaphor for the internet, which is why it's also sometimes referred to as on-demand computing or utility computing.
So, what exactly is cloud computing? And is it worth it?
This IT solution is typically implemented with the help of a cloud computing service provider, made up of a team of experts to ensure the transition process is as smooth as possible.
But even with the rampant use of cloud computing, many business executives across various industries still ask that exact question. And with the near-endless list of options cloud computing offers businesses, it’s only crucial that you (as a decision-maker) know what it is and if it’s the right option for your company.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about cloud computing and whether it’s a worthy investment or not.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is still a relatively new concept to many businesses. It’s only been in the last few years that cloud services have become widely adopted, with more and more businesses seeing the benefits of moving to the cloud.
Cloud computing is the method to deliver computing services (e.g., data and applications) via the internet. It uses a cloud-shaped symbol representing the internet infrastructure in network flowcharts, where it makes software, hardware, and processing work on any device.
In simple terms, cloud computing is only accessible through the internet in an on-demand function. It means storing and accessing data and programs over the internet anytime and anywhere instead of your computer's local hard drive.
The cloud is just a way of describing a remote server that's accessible via the internet since the processing takes place on a remote machine. Your data gets collected, stored, and processed in a remote server maintained by a cloud service provider. So your device is not working as much as it used to since all processing happens in the cloud.
There are many benefits of cloud computing, including that you can access your data from anywhere in the world and that you won't need to worry about losing confidentiality.
So, is cloud computing worth it?
The short answer is yes.
The benefits of cloud computing for businesses
There’s no doubt that cloud computing has taken the business world by storm. By enabling businesses to access data and applications from anywhere in the world, the cloud has opened new opportunities for growth and innovation.
But what are the specific benefits of cloud computing?
Here are just a few of our favourites:
Cost savings
One of the significant advantages of cloud computing is that it can help businesses save money. With on-demand scalability and pay-as-you-go pricing models, you only have to pay for the resources you use when you use them.
There’s no need to make expensive upfront investments in hardware or software that you won’t need anytime soon.
Hardware and software are expensive! You must buy, install, and maintain these assets to ensure everything’s working well, especially during peak business times.
This function is especially critical because once your system goes down (whether from equipment breaking or applications becoming legacies), your profits and customers' happiness are in deep trouble.
With cloud computing, you are less likely to experience these issues that could potentially cost you a lot of money to fix.
Cloud computing’s pay-as-you-go model is ideal for businesses that want a transparent and predictable IT budget. So, if your goal is to have a trusty infrastructure without hurting your pockets, cloud computing is a worthy asset!
Increased agility and flexibility
The cloud gives businesses the ability to be more agile and flexible.
With cloud computing, you can quickly scale up or down depending on your business needs without worrying about managing complex infrastructure.
If your business tends to have seasonal spikes or unforeseen events that may increase customer demand, cloud computing can assist you with that. Cloud computing is a flexible solution you can use anytime to adapt to expected/unexpected circumstances that will affect your business.
Improved security posture
Cloud computing can help businesses improve their security posture by taking advantage of the latest security technologies and services by cloud providers.
Data loss is horrible. It is a heavy burden that affects both you and your customers. You’re highly prone to data disasters if you don’t have (cloud or local) backups. With cloud computing, you can back up your data on remote servers that you can access anytime when the need arises.
Cyber security is not only about preventing disasters. There should also be a solution to mitigating a disaster once they’ve breached your IT. Cloud backups will help you get back up and running in no time in case your local backups are unusable.
When it comes to security, cloud computing will ensure that a copy of your data gets stored on a very secure remote server that you can use to restore your data and systems without any hitch.
Workplace mobility
Remote work is getting more relevant even after quarantine restrictions have died down. This demand means that the office is wherever you want it to be (as long as there’s an internet connection).
You no longer have to be tied down and work in the office to access business data. You can be productive anytime and anywhere without the restrictions of on-premises servers.
Cloud computing is worth your while if you’re looking to be more agile in your processes. And it is cloud-based apps like Microsoft 365 that make this a reality. You can communicate with team members, collaborate on projects, be more productive and efficient with work, etc.
On-premise servers are starting to become a thing of the past. Adapting to cloud computing puts your business forward to further innovation that would make target goals easier to reach.
The drawbacks of cloud computing for businesses
Cloud computing has a few disadvantages that businesses should be aware of before switching.
Possibility of security breaches
One such drawback is the potential for security breaches. Because data is stored off-site on remote servers, it could be more vulnerable to hacking.
That’s why cloud service providers only implement industry-level security solutions to ensure their clients' data are safe from criminals.
But that’s not all there is to security.
You also have to do your part in maintaining the security posture of your cloud environment. Because cloud computing, although reliable, can be a pathway for cyber criminals to gain access to your most important asset.
So aside from choosing a reputable cloud provider, you also need to ensure the levels of protection and mitigation solutions maintained in your business. You can always start by going through a security awareness webinar we hold every month.
Possibility of service interruptions
Another downside is that you may experience service interruptions if your internet connection goes down or your cloud service provider has technical issues.
Cloud computing is based on the internet, and without a reliable connection, you can experience IT-related inconveniences such as downtime, reboots, and outages. If left unattended, it will affect your entire business operations from unproductivity to lost profit.
When setting up your cloud environment, business continuity and uptime should be at the top of your list.
The goal is not to prevent disruptions/outages entirely (because that’s nearly impossible) but to minimise them as much as possible.
Possibility of extra costs
Finally, businesses will need to weigh the cost of using a cloud computing service against the benefits.
While it can save businesses money on hardware and software costs, the PAYG (pay-as-you-go) pricing model also comes with its downsides. For one, it may become more expensive in the long run since there will come a time when you’ll need to scale up your cloud usage according to your growing business needs.
If you’re unsure what’s the best package and pricing for you, you can try out a variety of offers or talk to your IT partner directly.
Is cloud computing worth it for your business?
In today's business world, the cloud is becoming increasingly popular. But is it worth it?
There are certainly some costs associated with cloud computing, but there are also many benefits.
For example, cloud computing can help businesses save money on hardware and software costs. It can also improve efficiency and collaboration between teams.
Cloud computing will be an asset to businesses worldwide.
Whether you have a full cloud infrastructure or a hybrid one, you'll still enjoy the benefits that come with it. Yes, you can have both an onsite and cloud solution – and this is a great solution if you still want to move some data to the cloud and keep what you need in your on-premises servers. This way, you can keep up with the industry without the need to fully transition to the cloud.
One thing to keep in mind before you switch to cloud computing is to investigate how you can use it to your benefit and help you reach your ROIs. For starters, you should expect less expense and less IT-related work.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not cloud computing is worth it depends entirely on a business's needs and budget. But as we’ve concluded in this article, the benefits of cloud computing outweigh the costs.
So, if you're considering switching to the cloud, talk to a managed service provider that would be there for you every step of the way to your success.
