Why Move to The Cloud
Things to consider before choosing a software Solution for your business
In the 21st century, the Internet revolutionized business operations. With the increased computing capacity, companies could now access business application services on a pay-as-you-go basis. Which eliminates the need for costly IT departments.
Instead of investing in hardware, software, and storage solutions, companies could procure these resources almost instantly. As internet speeds continue to improve and become more widespread, cloud-based services are poised for significant growth. This is consequently driven by their increasingly affordable prices. Small to medium businesses are increasingly drawn to the cloud due to its advantages over on-premise solutions. This can range from the ability to access files from anywhere with a stable internet connection to substantial cost savings..
Factors that determine whether you should choose Cloud or On-Premise
Up until 2005 the most common software solutions were installed on a computer and ran behind a corporate firewall in your office and everything is controlled by you and your business, the drawback of this being that every user needs a licence. on the other hand, with the Cloud you can share services with multiple users in different locations through the Internet. It is not necessary to email or download the same data several times. What is more, the cloud model ensures that you only pay for what you use.
Data Storage in thc Cloud
Larger companies store data in the cloud as they have no need for it in their website; Netflix for example uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to store their films and TV series they have available to customers. With over 10,000 videos on Netflix, all stored in the cloud, they have surprisingly little problem with crashes or the server going down. The cloud isn’t for everyone but in 2016 alone, Netflix earned over 8 billion US dollars and have 93 million users, so it is fair to say the cloud is doing well for them! However there are always drawbacks with having this amount of people trying to access the same files and it does periodically go down for a few hours which can in rare occasions cause your content to be permanently destroyed if you are also using this service.
On Premise Data Storage
While the on-premise delivery model remains dominant, the transition to cloud services is underway, albeit gradually. Businesses evaluating new infrastructure must carefully weigh the costs of cloud versus on-premise solutions.
Some organizations opt for on-premise solutions to retain total control over their data. Additionally, scenarios involving large-capacity file shares and data movement may not be conducive to cloud environments. With on-premise solutions, data proximity and control are prioritized, reducing reliance on internet connectivity and minimizing security risks.
Cloud Advantages
However, the cloud offers compelling advantages. It streamlines administrative operations, enables efficient resource allocation, and facilitates seamless information sharing across various devices. Cloud updates and maintenance are handled by the vendor, reducing the burden on internal IT teams compared to on-premise solutions, where upgrades entail additional expenses and efforts.
Ultimately, each business must carefully consider its unique requirements before selecting a solution. Rushing the decision could lead to costly repercussions in the future. Therefore, thorough evaluation and deliberation are crucial to ensure the chosen solution aligns with the business’s long-term goals and needs.
