Powerful Cloud Computing Solutions
One of the biggest trends to hit the business world in recent years is the use of cloud computing. However, unlike other trends that quickly come and go, cloud computing has staying power due to the value that it provides to many different industries.
Some of the biggest advantages associated with cloud computing include:
- extremely cost-effective method for boosting technology resources
- opportunity to increase operations capabilities in response to business expansion
- replaces some areas of IT environment, reducing need for management services
- provides quick and easy access to data and essential applications for staff
Before you take the plunge into cloud computing, it is important to know what can be put into the cloud and the type of security required to safeguard your data. It also helps to have an understanding of the different types of clouds available for secure business use.
IT Operations in the Cloud
While there are some things that should not go into cloud computing, there is an extensive list of things that are totally appropriate for use in a cloud service. Today it is possible to put things like software, hardware, and even some of your company's most important IT operations into the cloud.
- SOFTWARE - Perhaps the most popular way to use cloud computing is to utilize cloud-based software applications. Many different providers now host their applications via cloud computing as a method of improving the quality, reliability, and accuracy of the programs that they provide to their clients. Whether you need office productivity programs, customer relationship management software, or applications to help create graphics and other marketing designs, you can gain access to it all through the cloud. You can even put applications that you already own in the cloud, including proprietary software that is used by multiple employees across different locations. Synivate can help you choose the best applications for your company to use with cloud computing that would benefit efficiency and productivity across the board.
- HARDWARE - It might sound ridiculous to include hardware in cloud computing, but many businesses are now placing their entire IT infrastructure in the cloud. There are many reasons to do this, but the most common is to facilitate the ability to quickly adapt to a growing and changing business structure, without having to constantly invest in storage devices, networking equipment, and servers. Depending on your unique situation, you might not want to put the whole infrastructure into cloud computing, just key components that would benefit from this service. Most companies choose to store and share files via the cloud instead of purchasing an in-house file server, as a means of saving both time and money.
- IT OPERATIONS - In addition to software and hardware, the third most common thing that companies will put into cloud computing is crucial IT operations. Instead of having to back up all of your essential data, you can hire a company like Synivate to perform daily or real-time data backups for you, storing copies via cloud storage and at our facility. It can be difficult to decide what to put in the cloud, especially if security is a concern. The best way to achieve the most effective results from cloud computing is to take advantage of the knowledge and experience available through the innovative technology solutions at Synivate.
Options for Cloud Computing
Once you decide what you want to put into cloud computing, the next step is to choose which type of cloud computing is right for your business. When it comes down to it there are three primary types of clouds to choose from, which include public, private, and hybrid. The type that you choose should have the security and options available to meet the specific needs and requirements of your business model. Synivate will work with you and your team to make an informed decision about cloud computing to provide you with the best return on your investment.
- PUBLIC - The most commonly used clouds for consumer cloud computer include Google Drive, Drop Box, and Amazon Drive. Some are free, while others cost a small monthly or annual fee to use. Even if you are a member and pay a premium to use these services, they are still considered to be public clouds. The definition of a public cloud is a provider that utilizes the same hardware to provide cloud computing services to all of its customers. That means that you are sharing storage devices, servers, and networking equipment with the thousands of other subscribers of these services. The provider manages the IT resources that are offered, whether you are storing photos, videos, software applications, or utilizing the backup service. They also maintain the hardware that is used to deliver these services to their customers. Public cloud computing services are extremely flexible, allowing you to increase storage space quickly and effectively, as needed.
- PRIVATE - Most businesses rely on private cloud computing services. The term private is used to describe the use of dedicated hardware and software that is not being shared by any other clients within the organization. You can either purchase your own private cloud or you can lease a private cloud from a professional provider, such as Synivate. The hardware used to deliver the cloud computing services will either be located on-site at your facility or off-site at the provider's location. The location of the cloud determines who is responsible for management and maintenance of the cloud. The primary benefit to choosing private over public is security, which is key to many different industries. Whether you require more security as part of government regulations or because you simply want to safeguard your company data, private cloud computing provides you with more control and better security.
- HYBRID - One of the most common misconceptions about hybrid cloud computing is where the servers are located. While some think that hybrid means keeping IT operations in-house at your office, while connecting to a public cloud for application and data sharing, it actually refers to a system that includes the use of both private and public clouds for its IT environment. While the clouds are designed to operate independently of one another, they are able to communicate to increase portability of data and applications. Hybrid cloud computing is extremely easy to customize, allowing companies more latitude to grow and expand their business as they see fit.
Cloud Computing Security
The next phase is vital to the success of your use of cloud computing. Unfortunately, many companies overlook the important step of adding security to cloud computing. When it comes to safeguarding company data and access to proprietary applications, increased security options are required to provide better control over IT operations. Depending on the industry that you serve, there many also be government regulations regarding security that demand a specific level of encryption.
You may also want additional security provided for certain areas of your company's data files, such as financial, client, and human resources records. Some situations may make it advantageous to receive report logs regarding employee access to specific files or maintain communications archives for all staff. It is possible to achieve this through the power of cloud computing. Our team will work directly with you and your team to determine which security options are best for your unique situation to help you achieve your goals and needs.
Making the Best Choice for Business
When it comes to cloud computing there is no one single solution for every business. It is important to identify your needs and make smart decisions based upon what you want to put into the cloud and the amount of security or encryption is required. Having options is a good thing, but it can sometimes be confusing. We will match your needs for software, hardware, IT operations, and security, as well as your plans for growth in the future. You can trust Synivate to help you navigate those options to find the best cloud computing solution for your business that will be integrated seamlessly into your existing IT environment.
Contact Synivate today and receive a complimentary development consultation that will help you to get the most out of your cloud computing experience and maximize your results.