If you live in the 21st Century then you have probably heard of “The Cloud“. But most people don’t actually know what it is or how to define it. What you need to understand is that the cloud isn’t a physical thing but a network of servers, each with their own function. There are many examples of cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) with different functions and uses. Cloud computing and storage is beneficial to most businesses. In this Blog we will explore the advantages and the problems of the cloud.

Work from anywhere, anytime.

With the cloud, you can access files anywhere. which gives you and your employees flexibility to work from anywhere with internet connection. Some Cloud services also offer mobile apps meaning you won’t be restricted by which device you can use.

Recover lost data.

Businesses can back up their data to the cloud meaning they can easily recover lost data. Most large companies already have some kind of disaster recovery set up. However, for smaller companies, cloud based back-up and recovery services are ideal as they are cost effective. If you haven’t read our blog about why backing up data is important already, you can check it out Here.

Cost effective.

Moving to the cloud can save a business money as it requires less capital. It costs less than buying a local server and hiring a tech team to maintain that server. Updates and patches are applied automatically so you simply pay for how much storage you use, saving you time and money.

Good for the planet.

Going on the cloud is also good for the environment. As the cloud requires fewer servers. Fewer servers mean fewer resources used. Also, it reduces the need to print as employees can share files amongst each other, reducing a company’s carbon foot print.

These are some of the advantages of the cloud. However, it does have some cons too. One of the main ones is Internet connectivity. If you lose connection then you will no longer be able to access your files on the cloud. Because of this, the loss of internet connection can cripple your business. There is also the matter of security and privacy. Although you can choose who has access to files, you are still trusting your data with a third party. It might not be not be possible for some companies to use cloud storage as they may need to meet stringent compliance regulations.

However, despite these cons, cloud storage and computing is definitely worth considering for your business. The accessibility, cost savings and disaster recovery outweigh the risks. There is a reason why most  businesses use the this service. We can help you move your business onto the cloud and save you money. Just give us a call to get started or send us a message via our contact form to get started.