The program is moving to the cloud. This is a common saying in many small, medium and large businesses in Phoenix. Many businesses like the ease and accessibility of cloud computing. So they decide to move their on-premise software to the cloud.
Cloud computing allows users to access software on any computer in any location. This is made possible with the use of data centers. All software and data is in storage in the data center until a user starts their cloud computing. Then it is accessible through the Internet and is accessible anywhere that has an Internet connection. The storage centers can be close by, in another state or even stored internationally. The data can even be stored in several places in the world but appear as they are part of one accessible place. Location is unimportant though since it is available whenever and wherever a user starts the program.
Different types of cloud options
There are four types of cloud resources depending on the need, the type of business and program.
- Public Cloud is open to the public through a subscription or account. It offers services and shared resources to the public. QuickBooks, EMR systems, Microsoft 365 and the GSuite are all examples of a public cloud. BlueKey IT assists each of its clients in using and managing these services.
- Private Cloud isn’t shared and its resources are used by one business. BlueKey offers a private cloud computing option to its clients by offering a hosted server. This offers clients the benefits of a company server without worrying about updating the hardware, server maintenance or a crisis on site.
- Hybrid Cloud is part private and part public depending on the need. BlueKey IT offers off-site backups to all of its clients as part of a monthly agreement. Off-site backups are part of a hybrid cloud.
- Community Cloud is a cloud service that is shared among organizations and is most commonly used between governmental organizations.
What are the advantages?
The advantages are many as society is mobile and global. The ability to access cloud computing resources whenever and wherever an employee is doing business is critical. Doctors and Dentists can access and input patient information at the clinic, at home or on the road. The days of a medical professional being chained to the files in an office have passed as may Electronic Medical Records (EMR) programs are in the cloud and can be accessed anywhere. QuickBooks and other finance software is also held in the cloud to make it easy for CPA and Accountants to access client data securely. Any questions clients may have about their accounts can be answered quickly and issues solved from anywhere in the world.
Cost
The type of program and cloud resources used will determine the cost of the cloud computing service. A hosted server has the advantage of being charged per user or by the amount of data. This is advantageous for companies that are growing and want the hardware to grow with them. As the company grows, the resources it pays for also grows versus paying for it up front. It avoids the cost of new hardware every 5-7 years, offers the security of a data center and can be paid each month. Since it is part of private cloud computing, it can be more expensive overtime than an on-premise option.
Public cloud computing can be less expensive though. Programs like Microsoft 365 and Google’s GSuite allow users to access email, files and collaboration software anywhere. Monthly subscription fees include any updates so no new software needs to be in the budget. With frequent updates, cloud users do not have to go through migrations from one version to the next. They also experience changes slowly so the learning curve is shorter. Security, management and usability are also easier to achieve in the admin portal in a public cloud computing solution.
Administrator Access and Control for the Cloud
Another advantage of cloud computing is administrator access. Administrator accounts have dashboards that allow the admin or owner to see the analytics about the use of the program. It also grants or reverses staff access easily when hiring and firing employees. One of the biggest threats to a company’s data is a disgruntled, fired employee. If a fired employee is unhappy with cloud software, his/her account can be deleted or access can be denied instantaneously. Without the cloud, the software and data could be on the employee’s computer in a remote location. All data could be compromised or lost if the employee doesn’t comply with termination procedures. With the cloud, it does not matter where the employee or computer are located, access can be terminated.
Security
Data centers where cloud companies store data have many security protocols in place for security. The data center protects the data with systems in place that only allow a few personnel on site who have to go through clearance. It has precautions in place for weather, temperature, fire and water damage as well. It also keeps hardware and software updated for security and speed. Data centers also encrypt data using AES-256 which keeps data secure in transit. AES-256 along with physical security are keys to keeping data secure.
What are the Disadvantages?
The disadvantages are few but large files can be cumbersome in the cloud. So Architects and Engineers may not choose to use the cloud for their AutoCad files. The servers in the cloud are not in the same building so any files need to upload and download. Large files can take a long time to complete this process depending on Internet speeds. There are ways to only work on parts of the files or only make changes to the file once it is in the cloud so it can work for some though. Many in these fields choose an on-site server instead and utilize the cloud for Office programs or Google Apps.
Why Choose Cloud Backups?
Since data centers have such great security and damage mitigation, it is a great choice for companies who choose to have their backups in the cloud. Fire, water and theft are all threats to on-site systems. If a crisis were to occur, restoring the off-site data can keep downtime to a minimum. Keeping Return to Operation (RTO) times to a minimum after a crisis allows businesses to lower costs and get back to revenue generating work quickly. Having the security of off-site backups gives business owners the peace of mind since off-site backups allow operating systems, software, data and configurations to be back up and running quickly.
Cloud Tech Support
BlueKey IT is a great resource for companies that use cloud computing. Cloud software usually comes with tech support but it can be hard to understand as it interacts with the company network. Business owners and office managers can find themselves in the middle of a situation where the cloud support blames the network. These issues can take many hours or never find a fix. Instead the TeamBlue works with the cloud tech support to solve issues by talking the same tech language with the support technicians. This service saves staff members time and frustration. It solves problems quickly without interrupting staff from working.
Working Remotely
BlueKey works with many clients that have employees who remotely access the on-site server, hosted server or cloud software. The TeamBlue supports employees whether they are in the office or off-site. From setting up employees to work remotely using the cloud or other tech tools like the Internet, printers, software or operating systems in the remote location, the team resolves tech issues. With the right support, working in the cloud can be very similar to working in the office.
The Best Cloud Computing Solution
Business owners are experts in their field. BlueKey IT Services works alongside them as their Chief Technology Officer with recommendations for cloud computing solutions or on-premise software. Since BlueKey works with many different types of companies, the team can bring the knowledge of what works in different situations. These recommendations allow the business owners to concentrate on their mission. Then it makes that mission easier to achieve with the best tech tools available.
The cloud is a great option for many companies. BlueKey IT can assist with setting up new cloud programs, mitigating issues with the system, offering hosted private cloud servers and cloud backups. So when a company owner contemplates moving to the cloud, the TeamBlue is there to assist in the decision making process, rolling out the cloud software, hosted server or cloud backup and supporting the company if any issues arise when using it. Considering moving to the cloud? Give BlueKey IT Services a call!
