Cloud technology and agility are the newest business trends. Is this technology new? No. It has been in the market for over two decades, and despite data pointing to business efficiency, cost reduction, and competitive edge, a major portion of the business community operates without it.
What does Cloud Offer?
Experts saw the cloud as a way to achieve business continuity, but companies considered it a part of the future business expansion strategy. Early adopters were tech-savvy business segments and industry leaders who recognized the countless benefits of agile technology. This adoption increased their business efficiency, customer service, and overall profit, compelling others to consider it.
What are the Advantages of cloud computing technology?
Most leaders are now moving to the cloud, but if you still have certain inhibitions about it, here are some key benefits cloud computing offers that will add to your business profit and increase value.
- High-Speed Movement
- Automatic Updates and Integration
- Increased Efficiency and Cost Reduction
- Data Security
- Scalability
- Collaboration
- Mobility
- Disaster Recovery & Data Loss Prevention
1. High-Speed Movement
Cloud tech allows users to spin new specs in seconds, empowering businesses to develop and try new ideas without infrastructural and process limitations.
2. Automatic Updates and Integration
It is easy to test new products, software and deploy the same in a cloud environment without wasting too much time. It enables high velocity of product innovation, feature integration, and service add-ons. Cloud computing software also has common tools that make it easier to detect production issues, if any.
3. Increased Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Since third-party service providers maintain cloud infrastructure, companies need not spend money on maintenance and onsite hardware. This reduces hardware, facilities, utilities & infrastructure purchase or maintenance costs. Cloud also cuts costs related to downtime, thus increasing efficiency.
4. Data Security
One of the major business concerns is data security. Data breaches cost companies revenues, customer loyalty, and brand reputation. Cloud solved the issue of data security by providing advanced security features that guarantee secure data storage and handling. Features like granular permissions, access management, and implementation of baseline protections such as authentication, access control, and encryption reduce the attack surface. Other security add-ons also supplement these features to tighten data protection and security.
5. Scalability
Different businesses have different IT needs, and using the cloud enables businesses of different sizes & shapes to scale up/down departments and business efficiency accordingly. It is ideal for businesses with fluctuating needs or constant demand without increasing financial spending on infrastructural development. Agility also provides a competitive edge and scalability without infrastructural limitations, increasing overall business performance and profit.
6. Collaboration
Cloud tech is known for enabling collaboration between varied teams operating from different geographical locations and time zones. Teams can operate parallelly without interference, increasing transparency and reducing conflicts.
7. Mobility
Cloud computing technology can be accessed from any smart device, enhancing team and business mobility. Teams can not only operate from different locations but can also connect with clients & customers instantly.
8. Disaster Recovery & Data Loss Prevention
Loss of data in any situation can prove to be a business hazard. With constant data sync and availability at different cloud locations, data recovery in case of any natural disaster is easy. It also helps with data loss in human error or natural disaster scenarios.
What are the Disadvantages of cloud computing technology?
While we talk about the advantages of cloud computing, it comes with certain limitations. A few of them are listed below:
Limitations of cloud computing –
- Internet availability & connectivity
- Vendor lock-in
- Limited Control
- Security
1. Internet availability & connectivity
Cloud technology is internet dependent as every data is stored in the cloud, and access is possible through internet connectivity. There is no other way to operate cloud computing technologies.
2. Vendor lock-in
Vendor lock-in is also a major concern for cloud computing users. Changing vendors can be problematic as different vendors use different platforms and make data transfer an issue.
3. Limited control
Although vendors provide complete system access and data control to users, there is minimal control over function and execution in a cloud infrastructure as vendors completely manage it.
4. Security
Cloud technology is known for providing the best security but is not hackproof. Every data shared is stored in an external space and is managed by third-party service providers. This transfer and management of data make it prone to hacks.
Why Cloud Computing Is the Future
It is a fact that not every enterprise finds cloud trustworthy and is contemplating the need to switch. However, circumstances like Covid-19 proved the importance of cloud tech in the business segment globally. Today, cloud computing adoption is at its peak. Enterprises have understood the benefits of adopting cloud tech and agility and know that it is the only way as we advance.
While every technology comes with certain limitations, the advantages outweigh them. So yes, the cloud benefits advertised by cloud consulting providers may help your business a great deal in keeping your business afloat & reaching your target audience easily.
Further Reading:
- Why Cloud Cost Optimization Should Be A Business Priority
- The Growing Demand For Cloud Computing Professionals
- The Future Of Cloud Computing: Top 10 Trends CIOs Should Know
