What is the Cloud?
When used in a technology context, the word “cloud” or phrase “the cloud” has become a metaphor for the internet. So, when someone refers to cloud computing, they’re talking about accessing data and programs that are hosted on a server and accessed via the web using a browser, such as Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, Chrome, etc.
There are 4 main types of clouds that businesses commonly use:
Private cloud
Public cloud
Hybrid cloud
Community cloud
Top benefits of adopting the cloud in your business
Cost Savings
Fewer IT headaches
Simplified backup and recovery
Automatic updates
Utilize and duplicate successful business processes with ease
Improved security
When the cloud might not be the best fit
Over the last few years cloud services have matured a great deal and there is no doubt that they will continue to do so as the trend towards cloud computing intensifies with time.
That said, there are some situations where a cloud deployment may not be appropriate.
- Access to your data or applications cannot be dependent on whether or not you have an available internet connection.
- You can’t or don’t want to give up physical control over your data and/or applications.
- Your line of business demands that you comply with extremely strict legal or regulatory guidelines.
If either of the last two items on this list are a concern for you, a private cloud may be a better fit for your business than a public one. Remember, when you move to a public cloud you’re storing your information on someone else’s server.
Now that you have the answer to the question what is the cloud, understand the major benefits and considerations, take the next step and explore what the cloud solutions we offer can do for your business.
Have questions? Ready to learn how the cloud can assist with your specific business challenges? No problem! Our experts can help.