Advantages of cloud computing

In addition service provider may provide extra solutions, such as backup and data replication, data encryption, monitoring of service performance, or access to helpdesk system – which provides support in case of any failures of problems. But are these all advantages of cloud computing? No!

 

What does cloud computing mean?

Cloud computing is a solution that involves data storage on the servers of service provider. The user has an access to it via the internet connection after entering a login and password. Servers working as the internet cloud are placed in special RACK cabinets in the server rooms and are on all the time.

 

What are the advantages of working in the cloud?

Working via cloud brings many benefits. It is difficult to list them all, but I will try to introduce those that, from a Project Manager’s perspective and from conversation with clients, have the most impact on business operations. The benefits of working with the cloud include:

• Security and data protection
• Reliability and business continuity
• Flexibility in relation to the needs of clients and market
• IT cost optimization

 

Security and data protection

The benefit of cloud is the security guarantee. On the provider’s side is to meet procedures and systems that ensure data protection against hackers attacks or malware that could leak of sensitive data.

By using cloud services, companies do not incur the costs of hiring the specialist to watch over IT security. Access to data via safe dedicated site-to-site connection or through a private VPN (Virtual Private Network) connections prevents outsiders from accessing the cloud.

 

Reliability and business continuity 

Cloud service providers ensure business continuity by eliminating the additional element of risk, such as possible hardware failures. In unfortunate event of a disaster and resulting data loss, service provider guarantees so-called data replication that allows data to be restored from a backup storage location. Moreover, the automatic backup that is used, brings the possibility to restore data from any time before the failure.

 

Flexibility of the cloud solutions

Cloud makes it easy and fast to increase and decrease the required computing power or storage resources without incurring the cost of purchasing an additional server or maintaining redundant resources. Costs are charger in proportion to the use of resources, the size of witch may be adjusted according to current needs. Companies can also adjust the number of licenses based on the number of users, and the responsibility for monitoring the validity of licenses and renewing them in a timely manner is in the hands of a cloud computing service provider.

 

IT cost optimization

Financial benefit is seen on many levels, when using the services of a cloud provider. By that I mean both direct, such as a no cost for hardware and software purchases or no expenses for the electricity needed to power and cool the equipment, as well as indirect, such as the labor costs of hiring skilled workers to maintain the infrastructure or fix breakdowns.

 

The summary

Cloud computing is a modern IT solution that helps companies gain the competitive advantage. Special attention should be paid to the choice of service provider, since it is really the provider to whom we entrust the data and it is his responsibility to ensure the appropriate level of security. Therefore, it is wort verifying the reliability before starting cooperation, as inadequate data security may be the cause of data loss, which in turn is connected with large damages to the business owner.

When deciding on a cloud solution, one of the key element is also to ensure a constant Internet connection with adequate throughput. By combining all the elements above, we can be sure that cloud solution is fully satisfying, and the possibilities of placing data in cloud are really high.