Cloud computing is a powerful tool that offers modern businesses flexibility, efficiency, scalability, security, greater collaboration and reduced costs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing and how it can help businesses succeed in a global market. Reliability is one of the biggest benefits of cloud hosting. You can always receive instant updates on changes, meaning that your business will never be left behind.
For example, a brand that uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), which many would classify as a PaaS solution, employs a cloud architecture. This is true for most startups that use a web hosting company to launch their website and application. The benefits of cloud architecture are numerous. It alleviates latency issues and increases overall speed, even as time goes on and even as data processing requirements increase.
On the other hand, local servers will eventually have to be physically updated, as they will be progressively overwhelmed by the increasing amount of data being processed. Cloud infrastructure also provides companies with the availability, reliability and security of the data they need to conduct business in a global market. The advanced cybersecurity features of cloud security are combined with the physical security infrastructure that companies already have to create a comprehensive, secure, 360-degree solution for their cloud computing needs. Cloud computing also allows staff to work from anywhere in the world, freeing them from their offices.
According to a study conducted by Stanford, employees who work from home are 13 percent more productive than those who work in an office environment. Another study reported that 42 percent of workers would be happy to accept an average wage cut of 6 percent of their salary in order to work remotely. Therefore, with cloud architecture, brands can reshape their businesses to reduce costs in other areas of the organization. Businesses can save 30 to 50 percent on IT costs when they switch to the cloud, says Oracle's senior vice president of cloud engineering and infrastructure. You'll also save on the cumulative costs of server crashes and network errors.
Surprisingly, companies lose about 3.6 percent of their annual revenues in these areas, which is quite significant. Millions of dollars are lost every year when companies lose their data - and sadly, 29 percent of that data is lost due to human error. The key to maximizing security is finding a reputable cloud service provider, understanding their contingency plans in the event of a security breach, and taking your own steps to strengthen security. Moving to the cloud requires companies to make changes and undergo a process of digital transformation. You'll generally pay for cloud computing services on a pay-per-use basis, so you'll only pay for the applications and cloud services you use. It's one of the best advantages of cloud services that help you access the latest applications at any time without wasting your time and money on installations. Cloud computing services range from data storage to functional programs, including accounting software, customer service tools, and remote desktop hosting.
Whether you're using an online service like Gmail or Outlook 365 to send an email, collaborate on a document, store files or stream a video - cloud computing makes it possible behind the scenes. Cloud architecture can reduce IT operating costs and free IT teams to innovate instead of fixing errors and solving server problems. Users can scale services to fit their needs, customize applications and access cloud services from anywhere with an Internet connection. In fact, the benefits are so numerous that it's almost impossible not to consider moving business operations to a cloud-based platform. Cloud computing services typically include integrated customer service and troubleshooting options so you're always a phone call away for help.
