Being an authority in small business IT, we have to suggest a lot of different solutions to our clients. One thing we are sure to do is to suggest implementing cloud platforms, whether public or private, as a way to extend the reach of your business. The problem becomes that once some people are bit by the cloud bug, they go all out. Today, we’ll take a look at cloud computing’s cost, and whether or not access to cloud applications can actually be hurting your business.
Cloud Considerations
As we mentioned in the beginning, organizations and individuals alike are finding cloud resources to be extremely valuable. It gives people access to affordable file storage, file sharing, and applications they’ve come to rely on for what is usually a small monthly payment. In doing so, businesses are able to predict their costs more accurately and have more capital available.
So... What’s the problem?
With so many positives for business and end-user, alike, more people are looking to the cloud when looking for technology answers. This prevalence mitigates some of the value, but also creates some of its own. Let’s take a look at some considerations that you will have to make in order for cloud computing to be effective for you.
#1 - Hardware
One of the major benefits of cloud computing is that you don’t need to have centralized computing hardware onsite. That said, many organizations have parts of their data profile that they want to keep hosted internally. This private cloud strategy necessitates the purchase of hardware and the tools needed to provision the system for the business’ needs. Too much computing (or too little) will have a dramatic effect on an organization’s IT budget. It’s important to know exactly what you plan to use private or hybrid cloud environments for to ensure you aren’t wasting valuable resources.
#2 - The Limitations of Hosted Hardware
“The cloud” isn’t an endless computing resource. In fact, the more you use, the more you will pay. Even if money isn’t a major issue (it’s always somewhat of an issue), knowing the limitations of your hosted software/storage/resources is the only way that you can properly plan, and utilize hosted hardware for your core business needs.
#3 - Potential Expansion
The goal of every business is to grow and produce more revenue. Since IT typically plays an important role in facilitating growth, having constructs that are able to scale with your needs is essential. Cloud agility is typically easier on cloud platforms that allow for superior transparency; and, cloud resources that feature solid cloud balancing and distribution.
Cloud computing can help any business get to where it wants to go, but ascertaining just what kind of cloud-based service is best for your particular situation can save you money and make your IT resources that much more efficient.
If you would like more information about cloud computing--whether that means learning more about private, public, or hybrid cloud systems--or simply getting the resources your business needs, the experts at Data Net can be of help. To pick our brains about the cloud, and how it can work for your company, call us today at (760) 466-1200.
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