What is Cloud Computing?

What is Cloud Computing?

The term Cloud Computing is everywhere these days. Trains, buses, TV advertisements, and newspapers.

But what is Cloud Computing?

Basically, cloud computing is uploading information on a central computer hosted by a software company via the internet and is password protected. This means users can access the information from anywhere with an internet connection. All that is required is a username and password.

The most common forms of cloud computing are Google Drive and iCloud which are online data storage services.

Why is cloud computing more prevalent today?

Now that computer processing power and more importantly computer storage has grown exponentially it has become viable for smaller players to get involved in the cloud.

8 Benefits of Cloud Computing

• You or your staff can access vital information from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Design Studios can work on projects together in real time.
• You and your accountant can view your business accounts at any time.
• You can view invoices to and from clients anywhere.
• It enables you to cut down on meetings, emails, and phone calls.
• Everyone in the sales team knows conversations that have been had with clients.
• Note-taking and calendars can be shared between computers.
• Generally speaking, they are a subscription-based model with many offering a free subscription for small accounts that begin to charge once you increase the use of the software.

What are the issues with Cloud Computing?

• Security; like with most things internet-related, computer passwords need to be carefully stored so people can’t access your private information.
• They are subscription-based so you have to continue the subscription in order to keep the data.
• Ensuring continuality of service is vital especially if another company buys out your provider.
• There may be issues of ownership and copyright as you are sending your information to a third party – read the terms and conditions if possible.
• Hacking attacks; we’ve seen it with Sony, Nintendo, Google, Zoom, and countless others.
• Make sure you upload information through a secure connection- not the airport terminal’s wireless.
• Do your homework first; you wouldn’t trust your sensitive data with just anyone. Make sure the company has a good reputation. This might not be so important if you’re using a program like a note-taker so you remember your shopping list. However, if you are storing sensitive data ensure it’s a reputable company.
• Make sure the companies store your information on servers that are in countries that abide by copyright rules and regulations.
• If the internet is down so is your business.

Some of the Cloud computing products we use at We Push Buttons:

• DropBox – file-sharing software for large projects like web design
•  Highrise – CRM customer relationship manager
•  myOws – online copyright protection
•  Evernote – note-taking software
•  Gmail – email account, web analytics, books

Personally, I use the cloud for all my non-critical information. I ask myself if someone hacked into any of these accounts, will it expose my client’s vital information or my business’s in any way?

At this stage, I’m still not convinced that the cloud is the solution for your mission-critical information. There are simply too many issues arising from third parties storing your information on THEIR computers and not yours.

There are massive benefits for collaboration and data storage costs but you really need to think about the ramifications of trusting a third party with all your company files, intellectual property and emails.

What Cloud Computing Products do you Use?