From tiny startups to Fortune 500 companies, businesses rely on an extensive network of devices, programs, and apps to get the job done. While business owners in the past used in-house systems to provide the support needed to run the day-to-day operations, broadband internet has paved the way for a more effective method, cloud computing.
Continue reading to learn more about cloud computing and how this system can help streamline your company’s operations.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is an umbrella term for digital services that allow your employees to access the data they need and the programs they lean on from multiple devices and different locations, as long as they have an internet connection. Instead of using large and expensive in-house servers, cloud computing utilizes remote servers housed in data centers, cheaper to run and easier to use.
Cloud Service Options
Standard cloud services include:
- Cloud storage – stores and backs up files while allowing the files to be easily synced and shared across multiple devices.
- Cloud backup – provides a failsafe solution to protect against data loss, cyberattack, or server crashes.
Software as a service (SaaS) – permits users to access digital versions of popular programs such as Google G-Suite and Microsoft One Drive/Office 365.
- Cloud hosting – allows multiple types of information sharing through application hosting, email services, data storage, and web-based phone systems.
Is Cloud Computing Secure?
Your company’s data security is critical. Service providers offer three data storage and host services options: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. Your choice will depend on your data security needs.
Public cloud options utilize an external platform run by the service provider. While each user gets their cloud environment, they are housed within a shared infrastructure
.
Private cloud options require in-house IT resources to manage the hardware and software necessary for the cloud services. This internal system provides a higher level of security and control.
Hybrid cloud options opt for both a public and a private cloud. Less sensitive information is stored on a public cloud, managed by an off-site service provider. The more privileged company data is then managed by internal IT resources and stored on the private cloud, only accessible to those granted permission.
Is Cloud Computing Expensive?
The cost of cloud computing depends on the type of service and computing resources your company needs.
Most companies like Dropbox and Amazon Web Services offer free tiers, but they are subject to storage and time limits. Paid plans typically start between $20 to $50 per month and include more advanced features and backup and recovery services. Pay-as-you-go options allow you to pay for only the cloud services and data you need.
The number of users, types of software, and level of tech support required will also impact the bottom line.
Shared vs. Dedicated Server
The cost of cloud computing is heavily influenced by using a shared or dedicated server.
A dedicated server requires your company to pay for the use of an entire server. While expensive, these options provide you with the most hard drive space, memory, bandwidth, and processing power.
A shared server provides your company with a specific amount of a single server, shared by other organizations. Since you only have to pay for the storage space you use, this is the more affordable option.
What Are the Advantages of Cloud Computing?
There are numerous benefits of cloud computing. Below is a look at just some of the many reasons businesses decide to move to cloud computing.
Cost Savings
As discussed above, utilizing remote servers is significantly cheaper than traditional in-house solutions. Cloud platforms offer cost savings as they cover the expense of maintenance and automatic software updates; the operating cost of data storage is also significantly cheaper than it would be on an internal server. Since cloud service providers offer a wide variety of plans, small businesses can choose the one that fits their budget best.
Business Continuity
When your essential information is stored on cloud infrastructure rather than on an internal server, you have an added level of protection. Investing in reliable disaster recovery and backup solutions ensures that your critical information is safe when an unforeseen catastrophe occurs, such as a natural disaster or wide-scale outages.
Cloud computing systems are designed with fail-safes, as stored data is mirrored across multiple servers. If one fails, the backed-up data is still accessible.
Flexibility
Cloud solutions offer businesses the option of unlimited storage space and bandwidth, which allows small businesses to scale their cloud computing needs in line with their growth.
In addition to scalability, opting for remote servers eliminates the need to purchase and install software upgrades. This allows for remote work as long as they have an internet connection. With scalability, these employees do not need to go back into the office to meet with IT team members for scheduled computer maintenance.
Improved Collaboration
Teamwork is the core of any successful business. Cloud technology allows multiple employees to simultaneously view, edit, comment on, and update documents. With easy access to the same files, communication is improved, and solutions to complex problems can be reached quicker.
Cloud Computing You Can Count On
Picking the right cloud service provider can be overwhelming, as numerous companies offer a wide variety of cloud services. The experts at STEADfast IT help us stand out from the pack by utilizing proprietary software to store and backup your data safely.
In addition to the safety and security you have come to expect from cloud computing services, STEADfast IT takes it one step forward, offering our users complete transparency of where their data is stored.
STEADfast’s Saratoga Springs Data Center is the hub of our cloud technology offerings. We offer assistance with migrating your information from your current in-house management system and provide real-time data backup at dependable speeds, all for an affordable price.
In addition to offering cloud computing services, STEADfast also provides bandwidth and connectivity, technology management, telephony services, and more.
If you would like assistance with implementing cloud computing services for your business, our team of experts can help you choose the right package to fit your organization’s unique needs. Contact us today to set up a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our remote IT specialists.
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