You might be used to the idea of files and programs being located “in the cloud,” but what exactly is cloud computing and is it the right option for you? Cloud computing is the process of running workloads over the Internet remotely. It is a way for businesses to gain new capabilities without having to invest in hardware and software. Here are some pros and cons of cloud computing.

Pros:

1. Cost Efficient – it is a standard monthly fee and doesn’t have that large bill upfront. You don’t need to worry about upgrades and maintenance. That is all included in your monthly payment. It is also most cost-efficient if your staff size changes. You can quickly adjust the amount you spend every month based on your staff.
2. Lots of Storage – storing information in the cloud gives you almost unlimited capacity. So, you no longer need to worry about running out of space and increasing your current hardware to meet your growing needs.
3. Backup and Recovery – this job just got a whole lot easier! Since it is already stored in the cloud, backing that data up is a simple and straightforward task, as is trying to recover a file if you accidentally delete it.
4. Integration – when you’re dealing with software in the cloud, it automatically integrates within your system. There is very little if any, effort needed to customize and integrate your applications to your preferences.
5. Fast Deployment – when you decide to move forward with a program or solution in the cloud, you can have your entire team fully functional within a few minutes. This, of course, depends on what kind of technology you need for your business.

Cons:

1. Outages – while you can access your data and information anytime and anyplace, this is only true if there aren’t any technical issues. Let’s face it; glitches happen when technology is involved. It could be a problem with the program, or your Internet could be down. If your Internet isn’t working, you’re not going to be productive until it’s up again.
2. Security – make sure that you use a reputable service provider that has all the proper measures in place to protect your business data. You don’t want to lose or expose your data because the company you picked was lax with their security protocols.
3. Attacks – just like the overlaying security speech, everything in the cloud is much more prone to hackers. Nothing on the Internet is ever going to be 100% secure. If you’ve got your data out there, hackers are going to try hard to get it.
4. Cost – in the long run, cloud computing might be more expensive than if you just purchased the hardware or software. If you’ve got the capital to invest in your equipment, that might be the choice you want to make. It also could be a good option if you don’t need updates to hardware and software on a regular basis.

With any business decision, you need to make sure it is the right one for you. Weigh the pros and cons and see what you come up with. If you’ve got a mobile staff that needs information from various locations, cloud computing could be the best option for your business. If your Internet is shaky and you’re concerned about being locked out of your systems during crunch time, maybe it’s best to keep those programs on your desktop. Either way, we can help you sort through your list of wants and needs and create the perfect solution for your business. Contact us today!

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