The Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is now a must-have in many businesses. No matter how big or small your IT infrastructure is, cloud services can provide a wealth of benefits. This technology refers to internet-based services that provide shared processing resources and data. No matter where you are or which device you are using.
However, with the advantages it brings, it can also present some drawbacks. Understanding both the advantages and the disadvantages of cloud computing allows you to make the most out of it – and of your business.
The Cons
Technical Issues – because cloud computing is a form of technology, it is not immune to occasional problems. You can access your data anywhere, anytime, but outages or downtime can happen. This is not a common occurrence, however, and at Q2Q we’re always here to help you with anything that might arise.
Even the best cloud service providers can encounter issues like these, even with high levels of maintenance.
Good Connection – it is also imperative that you have a good internet connection as well so that you can log on to the server anytime you want. If you experience low connectivity or network issues, you might find yourself without access to your data.
Privacy and Security – because your information is on a third-party cloud service provider, you need to ensure that you choose a reputable and trustworthy company to store your data with – and keep it secure at all times. Cloud-based services can also be vulnerable to external attacks.
The Pros
Reliability and Safety – having said that, cloud-based services are incredibly reliable. They’re a safeguard against hosting application and server failure; your information will remain intact because cloud computing allows it to be easily moved between several serves, reducing the chance of data loss to a great extent. Whether you work in data-sensitive industries or not, cloud-based services can offer a safe location to keep information, as well as peace of mind.
This is because cloud services are geographically spread – there is not a single location where the data is concentrated, improving the overall stability of your IT network. Our cloud servers are highly secure and provide encrypted security accredited with ISO27001.
Cost Efficiency – because with cloud computing you won’t have to worry about investing in a physical server at your place of work, you can cut down costs. There will be no operational expenses and in-house storage, no power and air conditioning bills. Cloud services are, therefore, incredibly affordable and useful for a variety of industries.
As part of Q2Q cloud services, you can rest assured that you won’t have to pay CAPEX costs, as our services are based on a rental/subscription model.
Great Storage Capacity – keeping your information on the cloud will provide you with nearly unlimited storage. You won’t have to stress about running out of space or having to invest in an additional server to store your information. At Q2Q we also provide data back-up and recovery, which can reduce any downtime that should occur.
No Mess – due to the lack of physical devices in the office, besides the internet connection, your space will remain neatly organised. After all, cloud computing reduces the need for cabling, cooling and electric requirements, as they are no longer needed. This also means cloud computing is environmentally friendly, as it means fewer machines in the workplace.
Flexible – the cloud can grow as you grow. Instead of investing in servers now, which can be outgrown in regards to capacity, cloud computing will respond in a dynamic way to your changes. Servers are also managed 24/7 and 365 days of the year in the UK.
Should You Opt for Cloud Computing?
Because every business is different, ask yourself whether the pros will outweigh the cons. In most cases, if not all, the answer is yes. Cloud-based services are a safeguard against data loss and downtime. One of the best things about this type of technology is that they can be used by anyone, so whether you have a handful of computers in your network or a hundred, you can benefit from cloud storage.
We can provide you with excellent cloud-based services and help you with any technical difficulties that may arise, so contact us or give us a call today on 01524 581 690 (Lancaster) and 01772 395 693 (Preston).
