Cloud computing can help a business in multiple ways. The term refers to a form of virtual data storage and software access, where information is hosted over the Internet rather than through physical servers. This data is linked into remote servers, and is designed to provide mobile access to content and platforms through various payment schemes. The main benefits for business reside in the ability to save time and money, overcome software glitches, receive cutting edge applications, and make savings on electricity and power, while helping the environment. Businesses using cloud software can also be reassured about the kind of security measures offered against data loss and theft.

Time and Cost Saving

Businesses using cloud computing can save time on developing their own internal IT infrastructure by logging in and using different virtual spaces. Virtual offices and PA services are particularly useful for outsourcing much of the centralised duties of a business to the Internet. Using a cloud system also saves money by reducing the overall need to back up and expand IT spending across a company. Remote processing power similarly allows a business equipped with a suitable broadband connection to benefit from a more efficient system.

A More Stable System

Cloud computing is highly flexible, and can be customised to different business needs. Cloud systems are also less prone to glitches and multiple upgrades, and can be used as a gateway to different forms of software and applications. Mobile and other devices can similarly be tethered to remote networks to upgrade speed. As a result, businesses can upscale and downscale a cloud computing system according to their needs.

This process is achieved by paying for access to different virtual servers, and can mean that a business can gradually expand their usage as required by different tasks. Small businesses can particularly benefit from this flexibility, which enables the use of a broad virtual network to help deal with clients, while still keeping the core of an organisation fairly small. Business continuity can also be improved through regular back ups of data to remote servers.

Electricity and Power Savings

Access to a cloud system means that a business no longer has to worry about investing in their own data centre and servers, which tend to generate high electricity costs. Remote data centres, which are becoming increasingly focused around green technologies, are becoming the norm for businesses looking for a lot of power and data storage without having to spend significantly more on office space and bills. These green systems consequently allow businesses to make a greater contribution to environmental safety.

Security Reassurance

Businesses are understandably wary about letting a third party access confidential information through cloud technology, while the threat of a hack into a virtual server is also a worry. However, security is a key feature of cloud computing, with companies working to provide as much encryption and protection of data as possible to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Cloud computing companies are also subject to Data Protection Act compliance when it comes to handling sensitive materials.

Patrick Hegarty is an technophile working for Comms Express, and likes to share his latest findings with a growing community of online followers.