Cloud Computing is an upward technological trend, and there is a definite chance that it is being used in some aspect of every business. Businesses are beginning to recognize that cloud computing may be the next component that has to be incorporated in the overall business plan as it changes how the company can operate.
What is the “Cloud”?
Cloud Computing is simply the process of storing and accessing data along with program applications over the Internet rather than a computer’s hard drive. According to AmericanBar.org, this term dates back as early as 1996 when Compaq executives were visualizing business software moving to the Internet. It started to gain attention around 2006 when Google and Amazon began using the term to describe the upward trend of people accessing software and files over the Internet.
Potential Cloud Pitfalls
With such a significant trend as cloud computing, there also lies the issues that could arise when third parties have control over your data, especially when there is no certainty regarding the data storage locations or how the data is protected. You may think that because you have transferred your data to a third party, those financial liabilities would also apply to them since it is up to the third party to protect your information. They should be liable for any data breaches, but this is rarely the case. Your company information is vulnerable to hackers, and data breaches can result in lost, destroyed, or improperly sent data. You risk storing various parties’ data on familiar servers, and different laws govern privacy and data protection across different jurisdictions and geographic locations. Cloud Computing can lead to business disruptions, privacy law violations, and disclosure of confidential information. With these types of risks, financial consequences will occur for both the cloud provider and you, the customer. As businesses become more dependent on cloud technology for daily tasks, learning about the risks, and how to protect yourself from these risks are extremely important.
Benefits to Cloud Computing
There are some great benefits to keep in mind when deciding on whether or not to implement cloud computing. Moving applications to the cloud could not only lower your costs, but it could better predict what your costs will be. Organizations can now have a single flat monthly price that will go towards maintaining the applications. With these applications comes the upgrading, and usually, businesses wait months or even years after it is uploaded to send it off to their staff. Cloud applications are automatically upgraded for all users without them having to wait for resources to become available to perform an installation. One benefit that the end-user will experience is the ability to work wherever they are as cloud applications are more practical than PC based applications. Since they do not require complicated installation procedures, businesses can run faster than traditional server-based forms. The most significant benefit of cloud computing is improved business agility. Business agility determines how fast companies can react to an ever-changing marketplace. Cloud platforms give businesses the ability to enhance customized applications, and if companies leverage their capabilities quickly, it allows them to stay ahead of their competitors.
According to Forrester Research, the global market for cloud computing will grow from $40.7 billion in 2011 to more than $241 billion in 2020. This kind of growth signifies a 488% increase in less than one decade and is showing where the cloudy future is going. The most important topic is not how effective it is, but how it could benefit you and your business.
Alto9 is a Cloud solutions firm created to help customers migrate to, and make the most of Amazon Web Services. Cloud computing is a rapidly changing paradigm that requires a specialized focus. Our Amazon Certified engineers have the depth of experience and know-how to make sure your Cloud infrastructure runs efficiently, securely, and scales with you as your business grows.