Cloud storage is increasing in popularity with businesses. Although it sounds like every business owner should be doing it, it is important to understand what the cloud is and make sure it is the right decision for you. What are the determining factors to move your business to the cloud? Here are a few things to consider before you make the change.
What is the Cloud? The cloud is access to your data and servers offline. You can save and store data with the need to maintain a server in your server room. You connect to the cloud through the internet and then use a secure login to access the cloud.
Should I Move My Business to the Cloud?
Before jumping on the band wagon, consider the following benefits before you make the move:
- Flexibility – Cloud services are incredibly flexible and allow your business to scale if needed. If your business changes, you are are able to adapt your cloud offerings as well.
- Disaster Recovery – One of the main reasons moving to the cloud is enticing to a business owner is disaster recovery. A business can recover more quickly from a disaster when their information is stored in the cloud. Whether it is a fire, tsunami, cyber, or caused by human error, you can be rest assured your information is backed up and secure.
- Accessibility – With remote working increasing year after year, working in the cloud allows you to work from anywhere and be able to access your information. You’re able to access your files from any device all while using secure connections and encryption to protect your files.
- Security – When you go to the cloud, you have access to industry leading data centers to house your data. These centers have to most up to date security measure in place to ensure your information is safe and secure. This is more than you can typically do on your own.
- Value – Most people avoid the cloud thinking it is going to be more costly for them. The cloud is surprisingly more affordable than you might think. Small to medium sized businesses that don’t want to maintain a server room are turning to the cloud for savings. With the cloud, you only have your monthly subscription costs.
- Maintenance – If you own your own hardware and you store it offsite in a collocation facility warehouse, it is your own personal cloud. You are still responsible for maintenance, hardware, security, etc. If you have cloud storage, you don’t own hardware and someone else is housing your data and information. You are responsible for the maintenance and security.
If you are a business that should not go to the cloud, it would possibly look like this:
- Speed – Cloud computing can be a bit slower but not enough that is totally noticeable. Some software or databases require a ridiculous amount of horsepower that is above average for businesses. The cloud may not be able to meet your needs if this is the case for you.
- Legal Restrictions – some types of businesses have strong limitations and restrictions on whether or not you can put information on the cloud. Be familiar with your organization’s legal restrictions before moving to the cloud.
If you are not sure if moving your business to the cloud is right for you, Protek can help you learn more about cloud offerings and if managed IT services is right for you and your company. Email us at [email protected] or call 844.796.1717.