For people who are not familiar with Cloud computing, it involves usage of network servers that are remotely located. Users can access the remote servers via the Internet to manage, store and process relevant data, rather than on their personal computer or a local server.
Cloud computing has accelerated with the wide use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Many people carry their portable devices when not on their desk and easily access their documents, media, and pictures on cloud storage via the Internet.
As more businesses look at new ways to increase profit and lower costs, the discussion of Cloud computing is often brought forward as a way to do both. “The Cloud” can be intimidating to those who don’t understand what it truly means so here are a few more common myths and misconceptions.
The Cloud is a security risk and accessible to anyone publicly
Accessing your company Cloud is the same as your own enterprise infrastructure. If you create a secure Cloud network with user accounts, strong passwords, and implement the proper file and folder restrictions, you are secure.
Also, in addition to using Cloud computing for daily operations, you will also benefit from the ability to back up data or easily access it when being remote. No more struggle responding to some of your clients because you didn’t bring your laptop with you on a recent trip from Texas to California.
If you are familiar with social media sites like Facebook, you can choose your security settings for your data on any Cloud technology. Magnet Solutions Group Cloud Services can help you set this up or answer any questions you have about this in more detail.
The Cloud is only for new and high tech companies
No matter how long you have been in business you can make the switch to the cloud. This is not something that you’ve missed the boat on because you started your company 25 years ago and can’t catch up to all of the new competition you have.
New start-up businesses use cloud computing because of its low cost start up and minimal space requirements. This doesn’t mean that an established business should feel they can’t move forward and change the way they operate. Moving to the cloud shows your customers, and prospects, that you are staying current and working to understand their changing needs no matter the industry.
However, if you are changing the setup of your IT systems, you need to ensure that the users are maximizing the tools they are being given and that processes are changed to meet these needs.
It’s All One Big Cloud
Outside of some public clouds such as Amazon, which just continues to add space to their servers for consumers and businesses to use, most businesses are using private cloud networks.
What you save in the cloud is your data and does not belong to your hosting company such as Google or Amazon or anywhere else you may use outside of your own network. These companies offer the space and a service to ensure uptime and to try and help save your business operating costs.
Cloud computing is still relatively new but offers some amazing benefits to businesses, but it has to be the right fit for you and your business. If you aren’t sure or want more information about how it can benefit you, please give Magnet Solutions Group Cloud Services a call to discuss.
David Blair ~ December 28th, 2014
