Categories: TECH

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Cloud Computing

The use of standard software, functionality add-ins, or business applications from a remote server accessible via the Internet is referred to as cloud computing. Essentially, the Internet is a “cloud” of applications and services that subscribers can access using a modem from their computer. Log into desired computer applications with Cloud Computing, such as sales force or office automation programs, web services, data storage services, spam filtering, or even blog sites. Such programs are typically obtained through a monthly or annual paid subscription. Businesses can use Cloud Computing to reduce financial waste, better track employee activities, and avoid technological headaches like computer viruses, system crashes, and data loss. Check out storage4server.com to know more

A business must generally house one or more computer servers from which all employees access the company’s licensed programs if Cloud Computing is not used. The servers that house the software are entirely off-site with Cloud Computing, with program usage licensed on an as-needed basis via subscription. This may lower the cost per employee because cloud access is generally less expensive than purchasing in-house licenses and hardware, and subscriptions are scalable based on actual need. Thus, with software pay-per-use, savings are realized by avoiding unnecessary software licenses. In addition, more immediate access to additional programs is possible almost on a whim, without going through the upload process required for in-house servers.

From the perspective of employee supervision, cloud computing programs provide excellent manageability and oversight. Obtaining a quick view of an employee’s work is both time-saving (in reporting) and financially beneficial, especially in sales force automation, where tracking the activities of a sales team and resulting data can be critical to the success and continuation of a company. While also enabling company-wide information sharing, allowing the entire organization to be aware of company objectives and individual and team progress.

Modern organizations, like any other company with one or more employees, are at the mercy of their information servers. What used to take up tens of thousands of square feet of company real estate in file cabinets and storage boxes – all of a company’s or brand’s intellectual property – is now held within the confines of our most critical piece of the company: our servers. These servers are vulnerable to technological failure, crashes, and viral infections. Not only can we be harmed by a virus, but we can also spread that harm to businesses with which we do business.

Programs are contained, troubleshot, and maintained entirely off-site by the company subscriber via Cloud Computing. As a result, businesses lose less time due to system outages, maintenance, and data loss. In addition, a business is much less likely to deal with viruses, Trojans, or other threats.

The following disadvantages of cloud computing have been identified: reliance on network connectivity, peripheral communication (or lack thereof), legal issues (data ownership), and the absence of a hard drive. The most obvious source of concern is network connectivity. If the network fails, the company cannot access Cloud Computing applications, data, and services. Of course, off-site or wireless connections can be used temporarily, but a technical issue like this can be a frightening risk for a company focused on forward momentum. Such transient problems can be resolved quickly through the company’s network provider.

Today’s second concern is communication between peripheral and connected devices. Before diving headfirst into Cloud Computing, one must ensure that all of the organization’s devices communicate and work well with Cloud applications. This problem primarily concerns less well-known or older technologies, printers, and appliances. However, most commonplace devices communicate with Cloud Computing programs and applications, as ensuring widespread usability is the primary goal of those who provide Cloud Computing.

When initiating a sign-up or agreement for services with a Cloud Computing provider, ensuring that the fine print is thoroughly understood is critical. Before fully utilizing the service, a company must understand its data loss variables. One crucial question is, “Will our data be regularly backed up, and how often?” Inquire also whether immediate denial of service can be implemented at any time, for how long, and, if so, what causes such denial. Finally, it is critical to understand what “offenses” may prevent you from accessing your data and whether it is truly protected in system failure.

While appealing on the surface, the lack of a hard drive can cause some issues and concerns with Cloud Computing. Some applications (particularly those in design and technology) require hardware attached to the hard drive to function. Before abandoning individual workstation hardware entirely, ensure that the company’s required Cloud Computing applications and uses do not require hardware attached to a hard drive.

There is no denying Cloud Computing’s present and future. Telecommuting is one of the most valuable applications. Cloud computing has eliminated the need for constant updating of work performed outside of the office, allowing employees to access their daily applications from anywhere: the office, the airport, their home, or even the back seat of a car. Days “out of the office” are no longer days of lost progress.

Cloud computing will continue to be a staple in modern business and likely streamline organizational operations in many new ways while expanding on its current applications. Cloud computing provides a solid answer to the question that all computer users have been asking since the dawn of the computer age: “Will our data communicate with yours?” Most major technology companies see a bright future for this technology and are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in developing and implementing new Cloud pathways.