The Cloud: From scepticism to ubiquity…but is it right for you?
There was a time when the notion of sharing personal pictures and information on the Internet would cause concern – then social media came along and made that ordinary. There was a time when we were too scared to enter financial information online, the pandemic changed everything, and we all became avid internet shoppers.
At one point, storing data on external hard drives such as CDs and DVDs was the preferred method. Then we tired of them getting lost or damaged and realised we’d need significantly more storage for our selfies.
The point is advancements in technology are quite often met with reluctance. There’s static as we transition into a new but often more efficient way of doing things.
This is exactly how it was for the Cloud.
What is the Cloud?
At its simplest, the Cloud is a network of remote servers used to store, manage, and process data over the internet – that’s it. Although it may have a very straight forward function, it has opened the door to a world of possibilities for businesses and individuals across the world. From remote working to increased access to cutting edge tech, it has become a dynamic resource.
What’s more, the Cloud is not as novel as one might presume.:
‘The concept of the Cloud is not a new one; it came about as a response to the inefficiency of mainframe computers which were used by businesses and governments to process large amounts of data but were both difficult and costly to maintain. In the late 1990s, the term “cloud computing” was coined to describe a new model of computing where resources were shared over a network as a utility. The Cloud based services we see today are a natural evolution of this.’
Today, as long as you have an internet connection the Cloud can be a key player in your business. Scalability, flexibility, computing power, cost effectiveness – the benefits are obvious.
New to Cloud storage? Here’s what it can do for your business:
- Cloud storage allows you to access your files from anywhere in the world – great for global collabs and remote working.
- Cloud storage can be cost-effective – No need for physical hardware or equipment.
- Cloud Storage is great for backup and disaster recovery – Your data is stored off-site and can be recovered in the event of a disaster.
- Cloud storage is great for business growth – Avoid the expense of upgrading physical hardware.
- Cloud storage is great for security and updates – Providers offer robust security measures and update their services automatically.
So, why are some still so nervous about the Cloud?
Seeing through the fog: Why some businesses are still not clear on the benefits of the Cloud
In 2006, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), which allowed businesses to access cloud-based infrastructure and services on-demand. Since then, Cloud services have become exponentially better and significantly more secure. Cloud technology has evolved in the same way that the internet has, becoming part of our everyday lives – in the background, but very much there.
‘This idea that your data is more secure when you can see it stored in front you is false. There are so many other variables to consider.’ Servnet
There are still some who may be concerned that data stored on the Cloud may not be secure: What if the cloud provider experiences a security breach? What if my sensitive information is accessed by unauthorised parties? What if I become dependent on the Cloud and my data becomes inaccessible to me? What if the Cloud…breaks?
Let’s put this into perspective…
Cloud service providers invest heavily in security – encryption, access controls, intrusion detection systems – all to protect your data. There are backup and disaster recovery plans in place, a myriad of regularly tested systems to ensure uptime, and that’s just the minimum. The question is: Are you doing this with the data that you are currently storing?
‘Cloud providers are subject to rigorous compliance and regulatory standards, ensuring that they adhere to strict security protocols and industry best practices. This, combined with regular security audits and testing, helps to ensure that data stored in the Cloud is secure and protected.’
Most of us are already using the Cloud in some way shape or form. For the average person, there’s personal storage – photos and videos. For SMEs there’s the need for mail, data, collaboration, and apps. Large enterprises may need the Cloud for big data analytics, developers for creating and managing software projects. Healthcare providers need the Cloud for medical data and education providers for E-learning…and the list goes on.
The Cloud Vs. On-Prem
It’s clear that public Cloud usage continues to grow, but it’s also true that some have chosen on-prem or private clouds as their preferred storage solution. There may be a few seemingly valid reasons for this, depending on the specific needs of their business:
- You want complete control over your data and infrastructure
- You think it might be more cost-effective
- You think you can better control your data and security and ensure compliance requirements
- You want better performance and require low latency or high bandwidth.
The best advice is always to do your own research and speak to those in the know. Need advice on the best option for you? Here’s why you should speak to Servnet…
At Servnet our team are ready to assist you on your journey to the best data storage options for you and your business. Servnet is renowned in the IT Infrastructure space as trusted advisors to a vast array of large blue-chip, Government, Health and SMB customers. We offer our clients a boutique type service – we see this as an advantage as demonstrated in our 98% customer retention achievement.
If you are interested in Cloud solutions, here’s what we offer:
- Simple transparent pricing model with no hidden fees
- Multi-Vendor approach
- Configurable packages at a fraction of the cost in comparison to acquiring new software and infrastructure.
- Tier 3 data centers that are built to ISO:27001 security standards
- Data centers that are located within the United Kingdom to avoid issues with sovereignty
- Fully managed and monitored by a team of experienced and certified experts
- Reduced business risk through off-site redundancy
- 24/7 Support
- Scalable solutions to meet current and future requirements
Speak to our team today.
