Adopting cloud services is entirely logical, as physical servers pose issues concerning convenience, cost of ownership, collaboration, and safety.
Now, 48% of corporate data is hosted on cloud servers. This is because cloud computing for business and organizational needs presents major benefits, and these benefits grow every year.
What is Cloud Computing?
An overwhelming majority of businesses, 90% to be precise, rely on some form of cloud computing. For example, Google Drive, Office 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Slack are all cloud-based applications and services. These platforms and tools store information online rather than on hardware servers. So, ultimately, the essence of cloud computing is eliminating physical infrastructure and replacing it with networks, services, software, and databases hosted on the Internet.
There are two main elements to cloud computing. The first is the delivery of on-demand services over the Internet. Regardless of the tool, it’s stored online rather than on a hard drive. It also means it’s hosted by a remote cloud services provider operating on a pay-as-you-go contract.
Businesses have various options for adopting cloud computing, called deployment models. A deployment model determines who has ownership, access, and control over the digital infrastructure. It also determines the location of the infrastructure.
Overall, these models differ in cost, functionality, and responsibility, making it necessary for businesses to carefully select the one which best suits their organizational needs.
Public Cloud Computing
Public cloud computing is a service offered to the masses. That is, anyone can sign up for that specific offering. Third parties own and operate these services, putting them in control of security, maintenance, and available resources for using the service. Public cloud services are the most common cloud computing method and are great because they come with little responsibility and are cost-effective and scalable. But there is a risk of unauthorized users gaining access to business resources.
Private Cloud Computing
Private cloud services still operate within the cloud, but it’s walled off and only available on a private network. Here, only authorized users can access the services within that network. A private deployment method enhances security and adaptability, which is great for building services to meet precise business needs. However, private services are more expensive because businesses must employ an internal IT team to run and operate them.
Hybrid Cloud Computing
Hybrid cloud computing is appealing because it combines public and private elements to strategically handle a business’s digital infrastructure. This model is great for businesses that require heightened security without the budget for a full-scale in-house IT department.
Government Cloud Computing
The government cloud is a deployment method that creates online services, networks, and applications accessible only to government agencies. Here, no outside user has access unless provided exclusive access by network overseers.
Why Cloud Computing is Important for Businesses?
There’s a reason why most businesses have moved to cloud computing. It provides an impressive list of benefits to increase business efficiency, reduce costs, and protect digital resources.
Reduced Costs
On-premise servers are needy, presenting many demands for servicing and management. Conversely, with cloud computing, you only pay for what you use. Additionally, most cloud services operate on periodical payment and can easily be canceled. On-premise servers also require a massive upfront investment that becomes a sunk cost if the system becomes irrelevant.
Cloud computing also delivers savings by eliminating the cost of employing a full IT staff for managing on-premise services. But if private computing services are necessary, they have more control over flexibility to meet shifting IT needs.
Speed of Scalability
Cloud computing is much easier to scale down or up, while on-premise servers take much longer to implement new services. Cloud services take only days or even hours to implement. It also makes it easier to adjust user access. So, businesses can control and edit who can access files, programs, and applications without suffering the tedious process of altering a physical hard drive system.
More Reliability
Physical servers are liable to break down, disconnect, and suffer power surges or glitches, potentially resulting in catastrophic data and productivity loss. Cloud services constantly backup critical data, making it much easier to recover information if a mishap occurs.
Storage Space
Physical servers are massive and present added costs for power and maintenance. The whole point of cloud services is that they are non-physical to you, which frees up space. Additionally, third parties handle the maintenance and operational expenses if a business chooses public cloud services.
Data Security
Data breaches get stronger and more frequent by the day. In the United States, from Q1 to Q2, data breaches rose by 830%.
Cloud computing incorporates strict security protocols, making enforcing security compliance easier than on-premise systems. Also, enhanced scalability means businesses can easily increase necessary services as traffic spikes, reducing the likelihood of breaches or crashes.
Security updates are another key advantage. Cloud systems, especially public services, update more frequently and often automatically, ensuring heightened safety at all times.
Greater Collaboration
Cloud computing promotes collaboration by allowing remote access. Without forcing teams to connect on-premise, members of the team can remain on the same network from any location. This keeps productivity high and increases employee satisfaction with the ability to work remotely. It also increases the consistency of work because, in cloud systems, data is synced, which keeps all users on the same page.
Discover the Benefits of Cloud Computing
The draw to cloud computing solutions will only continue as services become more robust and affordable. However, businesses must adopt these services strategically. This way, they unlock the maximum benefit for the lowest cost.
ISOutsource is a trusted cloud computing partner of all sizes. We are longstanding experts at helping businesses form tailored cloud computing strategies that save on overhead, increase productivity, secure scalability, and defend data transfers. Contact ISOutsource to learn more about our cloud services and how leveraging the right deployment models can launch businesses into new realms of success.