The Pros And Cons Of Cloud Computing
Many business owners have taken advantage of the benefits that cloud computing can offer them, but there are still those people, usually within smaller businesses, who have yet to put their faith in the cloud. This is usually because of the perceived downsides, particularly where security is concerned. In this article, we will look at both the pros and cons of cloud computing. If you have yet to dive into this evolving technology, you should have a more informed understanding by this article’s end.
The Pros
The following are the main advantages for businesses, regardless of size.
- The cloud is cost-efficient. There is less need to purchase hard-drives, cloud storage can be scalable in cost depending on how much space is needed, and there are no maintenance fees to worry about as cloud data is held at offsite storage centers.
- The risk of data being lost is vastly reduced. No longer do business owners have to worry about accidentally erasing a hard drive or facing the consequences of hardware malfunction. Data is stored in the cloud, easily retrievable from any device, and is a more competent method of backup than traditional methods.
- The cloud offers many advantages to the workforce. There are a range of cloud-based programs that can improve productivity, enhance collaboration, and enable a better work/life balance. As the cloud can be accessed across a range of devices, from laptops to smartphones, workers can open up documents wherever they are, be they on the daily commute or sitting at home in their pajamas. Geography holds no bounds.
The Cons
Despite the advantages of cloud computing, there are a couple of downsides that need to be recognized.
- As with any technology, there are issues that can cause dysfunction in the business environment. This includes the occasional outage from the service provider, which can result in downtime at work until the issue is sorted out. Then there is the constant need for an internet connection. If you can’t get logged onto the server, you aren’t going to have access to the files and documents you need.
- There can be issues around security, although these fears can be mitigated. For example, while storing data in the cloud can leave a business vulnerable to external hackers, this can be resolved by stealth security solutions, such as microsegmentation. The other security issue is in handing over sensitive data to a third-party cloud service. For this reason, it is important to research cloud providers before surrendering potentially sensitive information over to their service.
Final word
Despite the perceived downsides, there are more advantages to using the cloud than not. And besides, to survive in business, it is always important to stay current with technology. By not using the cloud, a business will suffer both financially and productively, especially when their nearest rivals may already be making use of the cloud technology available to them. So our final piece of advice is this. Don’t limit yourself to archaic practices as your business will suffer as a result. Get your head in the cloud, and continue to research the benefits that the cloud can offer your operation.
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