Cloud Computing benefits businesses, here’s how…
If you’re one of the many individuals that’s wondering exactly how the emergence of cloud computing will impact you and your trade, fear not. Cloud computing can offer virtually any size business a number of astounding benefits, regardless of their industry (or area of focus in the market). So, without further ado, let’s look at what’s hidden in the clouds …
A smaller, but more powerful IT department
This might cause quite a number of IT workers to groan in disapproval or downright disgust, but cloud computing promises to help most organizations to “trim down” their IT budgets. Since most cloud computing setups are essentially remotely positioned services, there isn’t much of a need for extensive IT assets to be located on site. Along with this hardware downsizing, there comes the option of cutting back on the IT workforce. But before all of you IT professionals start screaming bloody murder, please keep in mind that Cloud computing is projected to create an extraordinary amount of growth in the technological sector. So, the concept is that most of the positions with smaller to medium sized businesses that are lost, will likely be picked up by larger organizations.
Becoming more “Green” oriented
If you’ve examined how cloud computing works (in any depth at all) you’ve probably stumbled across the great potential it presents to those who are part of the Green movement. (The Green movement, or initiative, being one that is preoccupied with the concept of creating better energy consumption initiatives for the environment, etc…). Through cloud computing, an organization can basically do more work and achieve more productive results while consuming less energy, that’s it in a nutshell. Because computing services are deployed according to demand, you don’t have multiple self-contained systems needlessly sucking power 24/7. The bottom line is, cloud computing is more efficient, cheaper for annual budgets, and better for the environment; definitely a winning combination.
Far fewer glitches or hardware issues to contend with
Aside from the higher levels of cross-communication and integration that cloud computing allows between users, applications, and services, there are usually not too many “issues” that need dealing with. This is to say that cloud providers or data center management are responsible for ensuring operation in a cloud computing scheme / setup. At the same time, various incompatibility issues and upgrade routines are more easily dealt with in a scenario where cloud computing is involved.
Cloud computing is a big time saver
Part of the problem with running an advanced business model which is heavily reliant on computer systems is that the systems themselves take quite a while to setup, and can be an absolute chore to maintain. Given that most businesses have an “ASAP attitude” concerning nearly every facet of their operation, every lost second means a potential loss of profit(s). For example, if all the big decisions hinge upon the ability of IT to deliver complex services inside and outside the business, you have to build an incredible and virtually indestructible IT department. Needless to say, this isn’t always possible; luckily however, cloud computing offers a better than suitable alternative which can also be extremely affordable at the same time.
Up-to-date technology with more potential for customization
How is your business supposed to stay competitive if all new technological implementations are a hassle? With the release of every new nifty business-angled application comes the inevitable (and required) learning curve, and we’re not just talking about the users here, we’re also talking about the IT professionals implementing them. It’s pretty simple actually; you buy a new service or app with the goal of using it to directly boost sales, for instance. Aside from the difficulty of actually deploying this application over a traditional IT infrastructure, you have issue of customization. Often times, stock software gets the job done, but lacks the style, flair, and even function that a business requires to really service their customers. Through cloud computing, virtually any piece of software can be deployed as a service and more easily customized.
What does it take to bring cloud computing to your business, you ask?
First off, implementing a cloud computing infrastructure in place of your current IT construct isn’t as complex or impossible as it might sound. Often times, the best solution for most businesses is to take things slowly and attempt hybrid cloud integration, first. What this essentially entails is bringing individual cloud services to your current IT setup via a cloud provider. Then, over time, you can begin migrating your legacy software and applications over to the cloud with the goal of fully transitioning at some point in the future. In this way, you get to access the cloud computing benefits almost immediately, but without the risk, expenditure or hassle of a full-on cloud transition. Likewise, with a slower transition, you have much less risk that a significant event will halt your operations.
But before you can even begin contemplating a move to cloud computing or integrating these types of a la carte services, you’ll need to get your current IT employees trained and certified (in cloud computing). This is actually a very simple, quick and inexpensive process as there are some dynamite online (e-learning) programs out there for cloud computing which are very effective. In addition to the effectiveness of these programs, they are also often presented at discounted rates for groups, so the more the merrier. By having your entire IT department attain their cloud computing certification you will not only be investing in the future of your business and its technologies, but also helping them to further their own individual career objectives (definitely a “win-win” situation).