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In a cloud computing environment, data is stored, accessed and maintained through a secure online platform instead of storing digital files on a hard drive or downloading office applications onto employees’ computers.
“The cloud” is frequently referenced when discussing the future of technology, since it offers almost any company affordable enterprise-level technology. But the truth is, the cloud isn’t merely a trend. It’s a dominant force, especially as AI continues to find ways to optimize cloud infrastructure with advanced data analytics, automated maintenance, and predictive resource management.
Switching to cloud technology from a traditional IT setting with on-site servers is an easy choice for many. However, lingering misconceptions about cloud computing risks from the early days of the technology could make your company’s leadership hesitant to back the change.
It’s time to challenge bygone beliefs and advocate for using the cloud. Here’s a combined list of 9 pros and cons of cloud computing that can help you make an objective — and compelling — case.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
1. Accessibility
Accessibility will always be at or near the top of the list of cloud computing advantages. The reason is simple. With its remote properties, the cloud allows access to any application in nearly any region of the world with just a few clicks on an internet-connected device.
An impactful ancillary benefit of storing data in the cloud is how it changes the employee recruitment dynamics for your company. Secure remote file and document accessibility means remote work is possible — an attractive perk for prospective team members.
2. Employee Collaboration
Cloud computing flexibility simplifies employee collaboration. Pairing cloud technology with subscription services such as Microsoft Office 365 eliminates the hassle and confusion of having multiple versions of a document floating around, and the uncertainty of which is the most current.
The cloud also makes the world your workspace. Collaborators can work in a single electronic file no matter where they’re located on the planet, and other team members can review, discuss, and provide feedback in real time.
3. Increased Productivity
The cloud’s accessibility and convenience streamlines workflow. Without the limitations of downloading countless files or requiring physical meetings for document review and discussion, employees have more time in their day to allocate to higher priority tasks. Productivity increases in proportion to the efficiencies gained — which is good for morale and a win for your company overall.
4. Cost Efficiency
There are several reasons migrating to a cloud solution is one of the most cost-efficient strategies a company can implement. The first is likely the most obvious — no upfront or ongoing investments in servers and data centers since cloud users only pay for computing services they consume. This is followed closely by the seamless scalability of cloud computing when more data storage space is needed, and lower energy consumption due to less in-office IT equipment.
5. Disaster Recovery
Because of networked backups in the cloud, hardware failures don’t lead to data loss. The virtual server used in cloud computing is also hardware-independent, so the operating system, applications and data can be safely and accurately transferred from one data center to another. This significantly reduces recovery times and costs compared to traditional disaster recovery approaches, which require multiple servers to be loaded before data can be restored.
6. BYOD Policies
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies allow employees to use their own devices to access company data and assets, which is only possible through cloud technology. Beneficial in supporting remote workers, it’s important to note that implementing a BYOD policy requires strong network security, and an investment in reliable virtual desktop services.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
1. Security Concerns
Security and protection against data breaches and other cyberattacks are typically business owners’ main concerns about switching to the cloud. By leveraging remote cloud-based services, a company is essentially outsourcing their data, so they’re trusting their provider to effectively manage and safeguard their information.
Many cloud experts believe that trusted cloud data centers, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, have better security than in-house data centers, pointing to the reliability of the provider as central to minimizing security risks and optimizing data privacy in cloud computing. Users can also choose from public cloud, private cloud or hybrid offerings, depending on security needs.
There are options in cloud services providers, making due diligence all the more important. Be careful and intentional in your selection of a trusted, experienced and reliable provider with a proven track record of data protection.
2. Limited Control
Limited control is generally not a major issue with cloud services, yet it remains a potential disadvantage. When a business moves over to the cloud, users have limited control over the function of their hosting infrastructure.
The concern is that, while users are still able to control and manage applications, virtual desktops, data and services, they have no control over the back-end infrastructure or technical issues. AI optimization of cloud infrastructure by applying advanced analytics, machine learning, and automation has curbed some fear, but not controlling the infrastructure is a significant change for companies accustomed to a traditional IT system.
But the news isn’t all bad. Some businesses see eliminating the responsibility of controlling infrastructure functionality as a benefit since it frees up their IT department team members to focus on other projects.
3. Downtime
While cloud service providers take many measures to prevent service outages, none can guarantee 100% immunity. Cloud computing is internet-based and can only be used with a solid connection. If the connection is disturbed or unavailable, the cloud can’t be accessed, leading to possible downtime.
This is another reason to prioritize choosing a reliable cloud services provider with good customer service. If an outage occurs, an experienced and service-oriented provider will resolve the problem as soon as possible. With the right provider, cloud computing is still more reliable and consistent than in-house IT infrastructure.
Cloud Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages
Technology evolves quickly, and your business needs to move with it. Advanced IT solutions are imperative, and cloud computing is the next logical step into the future.
Accessibility, productivity, cost savings, and safety are advantages cloud technology brings to your IT department and larger business strategies. This is a solid foundation to build upon, and it puts the disadvantages in proper perspective as it relates to their unlikely impact on your business.
As one of the largest and most experienced technology management providers in the Midwest, the Elevity team can help you integrate the cloud into your daily operations and leverage all of its advantages.
Is it time to reimagine your IT department? Elevity is here to help you reach a truly elevated level of IT strategy, security, solutions and support. Take a first step by considering the Top 7 Benefits of a Virtual CIO (vCIO) and what it means to your business infrastructure. Click the link below to download the infographic now.
