Ask the Experts: Cloud Computing

Q: "Cloud Computing – what is it & how will it help my business?"

The term Cloud Computing can mean so many different things and it covers such a wide area. However, the benefits it delivers are the same across business critical IT Systems.

But, let’s not get tangled up in jargon; instead let’s look at it from a business point of view:

Why the Cloud?

The overhead in developing, maintaining and investing in an IT network that is highly available and secure is a challenge every business faces. By moving to a Cloud based solution you are removing these issues together with costs with investment in infrastructure and maintenance freeing you up to focus on your core business.

The Cloud will help your business:

• Improve cash flow by removing upfront CAPEX to a simple OPEX monthly subscription service
• Ease of access from any internet connection across multiple devices
• Improve scalability and flexibility of your IT
• Enhance efficiencies when deploying or upgrading systems
• Reduce the risk associated when investing in large CAPEX IT projects
• Access to highly skilled and trained IT Support professionals

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Whether you’re a business of 15 employees or 100 you still face the same challenges. Businesses need greater access and on demand IT because of the changes in modern working practices. Whether it be extended opening hours through staying connected or by having a more mobile workforce. This requires in having an IT network that is highly available and gives remote users the best experience when connecting.

Online Data Storage

The amount of data businesses are generating today has increased significantly and it is well documented that this will only increase at a greater speed. As we rely so much on our data the cost to your business by not being able to access your data can be significant. So how do you keep up to date with the best technology whilst adapting to your ever increasing data storage requirements.

Well one approach is to move to a cloud based solution. By having it hosted in facilities where connectivity and network speeds are significantly superior to what you could run locally, results in being able to share and access data, regardless of its size, more quickly, from multiple locations. This removes any issues with speed of your of office connectivity and remote workers accessing the local network consuming valuable bandwidth too.

All data is encrypted, secure with several layers of security giving you peace of mind.

Online Backups

Traditional on site backups are becoming less attractive what with having to purchase hardware and software and then relying on someone taking it off site and storing it securely and in the right conditions.

• The cost of on line backup solutions has reduced significantly over time.This coupled with improved connectivity performances has made On line backup solutions more accessible for businesses of all sizes.
• You pay for what you use and do not need to commit to blocks of data storage.
• By moving to an online backup solution that is automated, scheduled to run at an agreed time, removes the requirement for hardware and human intervention.

Remote Working

Employees will become more effective and be more responsive when dealing with any request, whether it from be from your Customers or the Accounts Department. The days of having to wait for someone to check on their computer “when they get back” are gone.

• You'll be able to attract and retain employees through offering more flexible working arrangements because your IT systems allow you to, without breaking the bank.