What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a new way to approach your IT services.  It is "hot" now, but like many new IT concepts, two questions about Cloud Computing don't always get answered:  What is it? and Why should I care?  Cloud Computing is moving your computing infrastructure onto the internet ("the Cloud"), instead of inside your business.  Some practical examples of this might include:

• Instead of a local E-mail Server, use a Cloud Hosted E-mail Service
• Insetad of Tape/CD/DVD Backup, store your backup data on Cloud Servers

As to "Why should I care?", I have 5 reasons.  5 ways you can save by using Cloud Computing.

1. Save Money

Cloud Computing is largely about the economy of scale.  By moving services to the Cloud, you are able to leverage that advantage for yourself.  Use fewer servers -- consolidate 6 separate servers into one system within the Cloud.  Use less electricity -- wether you have one in-house server or twenty, they're all on all the time, running electricity bills up.

By using the Cloud, you can cut your costs and save money.

2. Save Data

An inherrent feature of good Cloud Computing is that it is not succeptible to local data interruptions. When your data is stored locally, and backed up locally, you can't be sure about its safety.  By moving your data to the Cloud, you're ensuring that it will be safe and secure.  For example, whith our office data backup solution, your data is kept in multiple geographic locations, and is encrypted during transmission and storage.

By using the Cloud, you can ensure that your data is safe and secure.

3. Save Time

Make yourself more productive!  Sometimes, it just isn't possible to get into the office.  Maybe You need to look after a sick child, or wait for that 6 hour Cable Repair "window".  In the past, that meant no work could get done.  A full Cloud Computing solution means that you have the freedom to work from wherever you like.  You can be more productive with the time you have, so you can spend more time with family and friends.

By using the Cloud, you can be more efficient with your time.

4. Save Downtime

By moving systems to the Cloud, you have the ability to take advantage of secure, redundant systems, with multiple failsafes and security. All this means that your systems are much less likely to go down.  If your local internet is down, your Cloud based services still work.  Your email stays up.  You can work remotely.  If your business gets featured on the internet, and your web site gets several million hits in an hour, a Cloud solution will handle it seamlessly.

By using the Cloud, your systems can be more reliable.

5. Save Trees

All of the above savings mean less resource use.  Fewer servers, less electricity, less time wasted, less commuting.  All of these savings are good for your wallet, and they're also good for the environment.  Saving the environment may not be in all of our Business' Vision Statements, but if we can have all of the above, and reduce our environmental impact, that's one more thing we can be happy about.

By using the Cloud, you can be more responsible about the environment.

What Can I Do Now?

If you're already working with us to meet your Technology needs, you may already be using Cloud Computing!  We have Cloud Based solutions for E-Mail, Backup, Web Sites, Servers, and Software Solutions.

If we aren't yet helping you meet your needs or if there's more we can do for you, please contact me.  I'd be happy to work with you to find out the best Cloud solution to meet your needs.