Cloud computing
Cloud computing is a ‘new’ trend in the IT world where instead of
having an in-house infrastructure, you outsource it and let another
company take care of it. It allows businesses to concentrate their
efforts and their money on their core business instead of investing
it on infrastructures.
If you’re new to this technology, make sure you understand what
it is.
Types of cloud
There are many types of cloud services available. The most known is online data storage and SaaS (Software As A Service). But there is also two newer trend, IaaS and PaaS.
Infrastructure as a Service will allow you to rent servers and storage from a data center. The customer still has access to his server like if it was in-house, but without having to manage the hardware.
Platform as a service is aimed at specific customers. It allows customers to rent a development platform that the provider manage, update and optimize.
Whatever the type of cloud you intend to use (software, storage, …), it can greatly increase your business productivity and flexibility while saving you money on infrastructure. This is only a few of the advantages of computing in the cloud.
Security risks of cloud computing
You do have to be aware that there are serious security risks to consider before outsourcing to a cloud provider. There are risks that were nonexistent
when businesses were managing everything in-house.
You have to be aware of them because all the advantages of the cloud won’t make up for a poor provider. You need to make sure that they are stable and will provide you with a grade A service. All the advantages of the technology
won’t matter if you suffer a loss of data or worse, if it gets stolen.
Providers and implementation
There are more and more cloud providers available nowadays. From small storage requirement to whole IT infrastructure outsourcing, you can always find what you need. Choosing the right one and making sure he is stable is a must.
An implementation in the cloud is also different. If you, for example, use an online software, you won’t have as much control over the application and the database. For example, if you want to build a bridge between two of your software solution for them to communicate, if may be impossible if the supplier doesn’t give you access to the database.
