The Cumulus Connection – Cloud Computing Demystified
If you keep up with the IT world, have recently looked into the new advancements for your business technology, or simply have ears, you have probably heard the buzz phrase cloud computing. The hottest topic being discussed both in public and private sector IT is cloud computing. While it might sound lofty, the concept is a rather simplified way for businesses to compute while saving money and energy, increasing usability, and providing a scalable platform for advanced applications and software delivery.
The Concept
Cloud computing simply put is on demand IT services; software, applications, and pretty much anything users need to access is available through their internet connection to the cloud. A business using cloud computing connects through their internet connection to the cloud where users securely access all their data, applications, and websites as needed. The cloud allows for a scalable system to change and grow as needed in a secure environment without all the hassle and expense of server hardware, software license headaches, and the most up to date desktop consoles.
The Benefits of the Cloud
Cost Savings – Usually cited as the biggest benefit to cloud computing, the dramatic cost savings can have a real impact on your IT budget in several areas. First and foremost is hardware. No longer is a bulk line item on the annual budget reserved for new desktop units that can handle the constantly increasing requirements of your software, no more will you have to worry about purchasing enough software licenses for every user’s desktop and all those laptops floating around, no more pricey servers to purchase as need and users increase along with the proper cooling systems for that mess of a server room… cloud computing can cut these costs.
Since you are operating in a cloud, using resources and applications as needed, the quality and specifications of the desktops and laptops isn’t really important. Users can access the cloud from anything that has an internet connection and have the same user experience as a top of the line desktop. Why spend money on new hardware when you don’t need to?
Software savings come in as you determine the key to cloud computing… concurrent users. To look at it simply, think of the cloud holding one big version of your company’s database program. While it is an integral part of your business, do all of your employees access the database at the same time? Or do you have people going on and off of it throughout the day? Does every user access every program you offer? Cloud computing enables each user to access that big database software application as needed and you have the ability to pay just for the number of licenses for those who access it concurrently instead of one license for every desktop system whether employees use it once a week or all day.
Server savings are a huge benefit to cloud computing. Users still access all the data and applications they were previously in the physical server but now they are working from a virtual server. This means no more multi-thousand dollar fragile machinery to buy and upkeep. Instead, everything is running from the virtual system with all the same capabilities with much less of the hassle.
Scalability – Ok, this is one of the coolest parts of our little cumulus friend. Capacity changes within any business system. Some users will need more memory and capabilities during certain times of the year, new users are added and new programs are needed frequently. In traditional network systems these changes frequently send IT managers into scramble mode. New servers often need to be added to handle increased users or software needs which are not instant by any means and costly to boot. The added strain on the system also results in slower processing and more aggravated users. The cloud is completely scalable. If users need more memory in an instant, it is easy to make the adjustment, if new users are added it takes minutes, if resources need to be moved it is a matter of adjustments… the cloud allows for customized user experiences with all the capabilities of the traditional systems only new and improved!
Availability/Mobility – Out on the road and forgot a document, stuck in the airport and want to get some work done? The cloud offers the best access for users to continue their work space, no matter their location. As long as there is an internet connection users can access everything exactly as it appears sitting in their office. With no lag time and the same security features, cloud computing makes accessing data and applications on the go a breeze.
Security/Backup – One common myth concerning cloud computing is that it lacks security features mostly due to the reliance on an internet connection. Cloud computing actually offers many security features inherent to its operating structure. Hosting all the applications, data, and functions a business’ IT in the cloud enables standardization and uniform security procedures. No longer will each desktop and laptop need security protection, it can all be done at the cloud level with the benefits filtering to all the users. The centralized style of the cloud also allows for asset protection. The inherent monitoring capabilities provide for around the clock analysis of the systems. If something comes up it can be immediately targeted and addressed.
The cloud system also offers continuous backup of data without the need for tape backup or other systems. The peace of mind knowing that important and/or confidential data is safe and easy to retrieve if there were a problem makes cloud computing all the better.
Implementation – So cloud computing sounds like a great idea, but how long will this process take for conversion? As can be expected it depends on the business, the amount of data, the number of users, and the state of the servers to be virtualized, but it is much faster and smoother of a process than a traditional network. Qualified technicians can have a cloud up and running with the staff trained and ready in a fraction of the time as a traditional network.
If the cloud system sounds almost perfect but lacking something, there is another option, a hybrid system. Large companies and even schools have chosen to host their own cloud. This internal cloud functions with all the same benefits of the standard cloud but it brings the datacenter into their office. With hundreds of users (like a school) it is often more practical to host a cloud internally which allows for quicker connections with the large amount of users.
So cloud computing, cool stuff huh? Well it is no longer the just the talk of IT geeks, it is a viable option that can benefit a wide variety of business industries. The next step is to talk with an IT company with experience in cloud computing to determine if it is right for your business and how to get started. Midwest Computech is a leader in cloud technology offering TruCloud, cloud computing paired with expert technicians and service at your fingertips. To find out more call us at 1-800-346-8934.