Cloud Computing Can Optimize Business Operations

a blue cloud floating over water with bubbles

The cloud is used for a wide variety of use cases by businesses of all types, sizes, and industries. Cloud computing is an on-demand resource that allows you to access technology services. Furthermore, this is done without buying and maintaining physical data centers and servers. The technology possible within cloud providers also includes application development and testing, analytics, data storage and backups, and more as an innovative and flexible way to run your business’s infrastructure. 

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Adopting cloud solutions and investing in cloud computing can improve operations and provide several benefits. Especially with the flexibility to invest in only what your business needs, the cost alone is incentive enough to migrate data and solutions to a cloud computing infrastructure. The benefits include: 

  • Higher Speeds – Enjoy quicker deployments of software development that improve business operations.
  • Increase collaboration – Cloud computing allows for more efficient team communication by sharing information easily and securely across the cloud. 
  • Scalability – Cloud-based solutions are an ideal way to focus on growth and the ability to pivot quickly when demands change or increase.
  • Enhanced Data Security – The cloud offers robust security features that guarantee the safe storage and handling of data within the cloud. 
  • Storage and Recovery – Data can be stored within the cloud without constraints, allowing for secure backups and quick recovery if data is lost or damaged.

Types of Cloud Services

There are several different models of cloud computing to evaluate to determine which model is best first for your business. Cloud computing services include models such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

The digital infrastructure is cloud computing services’ most essential and basic function. Infrastructure as a Service is a pay as you go option for an underlying IT infrastructure. It includes servers, storage, networks, and operating systems from a provider. Basically, this is great for small and medium-sized operations looking for a cost-effective solution to support business growth. 

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

The Platform as a Service or PaaS offers an on-demand environment for developing, testing, and managing software applications. The environment is meant to make it easy for developers to create web or mobile apps quickly and efficiently. Consequently, without having to worry about the performance of a server or storage or network limitations. Furthermore, the server is robust and flexible to support web applications and is ideal for scalability.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is developed to deliver services and applications over the cloud through the internet for on-demand needs. Essentially, the software is run and managed by a service provider who performs regular maintenance such as upgrades and security patches. Additionally, users access this software through a web browser on their computer, tablet, or phone without downloads or installations. 

The cloud is a versatile and viable option for businesses to make the best of their infrastructure. Additionally, we provide services to help you optimize your cloud adoption that best fits your business’s needs. To learn more about cloud solutions and how we can help, contact us at 954.474.2204.

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Is the Cloud an Option for a Cash-Strapped Business?

cloud

When you’re setting up your business’s infrastructure, one of the hardest decisions you can make is choosing between cloud hosting or managing your own IT in-house. Each option has pros and cons and its own set of expenses. It’s important to be fully educated on the two before committing to either choice for your business. This week, we’ll discuss the cost and benefits of cloud computing vs. in-house IT. We will also discover which option saves you the most money.

Traditional IT

First, it’s important to know what each option has to offer your business. With traditional IT, your business is responsible for purchasing and hosting its own servers. Additionally, having a system set up to maintain and manage them. For smaller businesses, you may get by with a PC or two. However, most businesses choose the central IT setup to grow their infrastructure. Unfortunately, this comes with considerable costs. 

The benefits of traditional IT are that all of your data is stored in-house with no third-party interference. Thus, it is often considered to be more secure than cloud hosting. Additionally, there are lower monthly fees associated with traditional IT than cloud computing.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting moves your entire infrastructure onto the cloud so there’s no direct management needed from the user. Solutions are not deployed on a single server, and applications and websites will be accessible to your employees using resources. 

Cloud computing has a number of benefits for your business as well. Firstly, and very notably, the provider handles all management of the underlying infrastructure, so you don’t have to worry about setting up a system to maintain your IT. Also, with cloud hosting, resources can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, which is wonderful for the many businesses that employ remote workers nowadays.

One drawback to cloud computing is that your infrastructure is entirely dependent on a strong internet connection. A broken or weak connection can result in serious delays or even downtime for your business.

Many people get nervous about their data’s security with cloud hosting, but on the hardware side of things, cloud computing resources are typically very reliable. You will have to consider how security works with data in transmission, but this is an issue that the IT professionals at 4 Corner IT can help you with.

Which Saves Me More Money?

So, you’re probably wondering if cloud computing can actually save your business money?

The answer is yes, typically.

With traditional IT, you’ll need to shell out a lot of money upfront for computing hardware, software licenses, and setup. All of this can easily stretch into a five-figure category for each server. However, the kicker is that after all of that upfront cost, traditional IT costs less to maintain per month than cloud computing. 

In the long run, though, cloud hosting still results in marginal cost savings over hosting an in-house IT structure. The difference in overall cost is usually minor, so it’s important to go with whichever option makes the most sense for your business, and not where you think you can save easy money.

Luckily, the technicians at 4 Corner IT can provide the specific cost/benefit analysis needed to make the perfect decision for your business’s IT plan. Give us a call at 954.474.2204 to determine if cloud computing is the right choice for your business!

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Is it Possible to Host a Private Cloud in the Cloud?

is it possible to host a private cloud in the cloud

Many business owners have finally made the decision to move their computing tasks and even their data to the “cloud”. This is typically done at the urging of their technology services company. Some of the benefits, including reduced costs and anytime/anywhere access to corporate systems is appealing. However, some business owners have security concerns and question if they can “be in the cloud” yet still maintain privacy. In this post, we will define the various cloud options. Thus, business owners can determine which route is ideal for them.

The Public Cloud

Any technology service using shared hosted resources with others is considered part of the public cloud. Office 365 and Google Drive are two such examples. They both offer anytime/anywhere access to users. Additionally, the added benefit of minimal or no costs for usage and/or infrastructure maintenance. These are two applications hosted by well-known technology companies. However, there are many other industry-specific applications and/or services that companies may provide through the public cloud. 

A Private Cloud

Using their own hardware resources, large companies typically host their own private clouds, providing the convenience of anytime/anywhere access to their employees. However, even small companies can have their own private cloud, either hosted on their own premises or on a external provider’s hardware resources, typically in an off-site location. More and more, smaller companies are considering the advantages of maintaining a private cloud, since a private cloud can also incorporate other services such as data storage, application hosting, and data backup and disaster recovery. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Some companies decide to take a hybrid approach and use some applications and services offered in the public cloud, while also maintaining a private cloud. By utilizing the best of both worlds, a company can take advantage of the lower costs typically associated with using the public cloud, while still keeping vital corporate data safe and secure on their own private cloud infrastructure. 

If you would like more information on to set up a comprehensive cloud computing plan for your company, please contact us!

Benefits of Using Cloud Servers

benefits of using cloud servers
cloud servers.

A cloud server refers to a virtual server that runs on a cloud computing environment. This explains why cloud servers are commonly called virtual dedicated servers (VDS). Undoubtedly, there is plenty of buzz about cloud servers. If you’re interested in using cloud servers, here is some information about the benefits.

Benefits of Using Cloud Servers

One of the main advantages of using cloud servers is that you are free to modify the server software to suit your needs. In fact, you can even modify the operating system kernel, which is not possible with many other virtualization solutions.

Cloud servers tend to be more secure and stable. If you encounter a software problem, it will likely be isolated to the cloud computing environment. You won’t be harmed by the cloud servers of other people. The opposite is also true. Cloud servers also possess the best stability to cost ratio.

You will find that cloud servers are economically efficient. You will spend less on cloud servers and receive more resources and speedier performance. Essentially, your site will run faster if you have a cloud server rather than a traditional server at a comparative price.

Another advantage of cloud servers is that they scale quite well. This makes cloud servers especially beneficial for individuals who have needs that increase or decrease significantly from time to time. If you need to upgrade the disk space, CPU, or memory of your cloud server, it will be easy and affordable to do so.

Undoubtedly, there are many benefits of using cloud servers. For more information about the benefits of using cloud servers, don’t hesitate to contact us.

IT Service Management: Necessary for Helping you Make Good Decisions About Cloud Computing

it service management necessary for helping you make good decisions about cloud computing

Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate and make IT decisions. Instead of hosting everything on local servers, businesses can rely on off-premises resources for software, infrastructure, and other IT needs.

Cloud Computing

However, it’s important to keep in mind that even though cloud computing is rapidly changing the business and IT landscape, you can’t allow yourself to get swept away in it without careful consideration.

For example, a recent article in Data Center Knowledge describes some of the pitfalls of poorly thought out cloud computing decisions. When people don’t carefully consider how to use cloud resources, and when they rush to sign up with a cloud services provider that delivers low-quality products, the following are some of the problems that can arise:

  • Unexpected, out-of-control costs.
  • Inadequate security measures for your data.
  • Inadequate data backup measures.
  • Service outages resulting in costly downtime for your business.

How Can Strong IT Service Management Help?

When you work with a company that provides strong IT service management, you’re in a better position to make wise decisions about cloud computing. You’re less likely to simply follow a fad or a hot trend, regardless of whether it benefits your business.

Because your managed services provider will develop an understanding of your business and its needs and goals, they’ll help you figure out whether or not to choose a particular cloud computing solution. They can also help you come up with hybrid solutions that will make the best use of all available resources – both on-premises, local resources and the off-premises capacities of the cloud.

Please contact us for additional advice and assistance. We’re devoted to helping you keep your business productive, successful, and secure.