Increasingly businesses are turning the cloud when the time comes to update or renew their systems. This has a number of immediate advantages, infrastructure costs are reduced and software testing services as well as everyday users can access the software from anywhere. What do you need to take into account when considering a move to the cloud?
Why the cloud?
Cloud computing essentially means placing your systems in rented space on a system operated by a service provider. It’s grown in popularity in recent years such that demand for the large scale systems needed to run it is increasing. Immediate advantages for business are a reduction in infrastructure costs and the flexibility to operate from anywhere. You will find that Mortgage Advisor Gloucester businesses such as https://www.palmermortgages.co.uk/mortgages/ will often use cloud software so that they can access mortgage information regardless of whether they are meeting their clients in their offices or in the comfort of their own homes.
Many people think of the cloud in terms of off-the shelf systems like Google Docs or Office 365; however it’s possible to run bespoke systems in the cloud too. This involves renting space to create a virtual machine on which to run anything you want. Obviously it’s important to ensure that your software will work correctly in a virtual environment so you’ll need to test this thoroughly.
Of course someone else has the responsibility of backing up data and keeping it secure. However, you shouldn’t take this for granted: check carefully what you’re getting for your money and put in place additional measures if required.
Scalability
One of the big advantages of the cloud is that as your business grows you can easily scale up your computing to cope. There’s minimal delay in bringing extra provision online as you don’t have to wait for new hardware to be delivered, installed and configured.
If you take on extra staff all you need to provide are basic desktop systems to allow them to access the cloud so there’s a cost saving there too. You will of course need to ensure that your network and your internet connection can cope with the amount of traffic and speeds required. It’s important to consider what happens in the event of a problem too. If all of your systems are in the cloud and you lose your connection it could have a severe financial impact. It’s vital to have a fallback position, perhaps by allowing staff to access cloud systems from home if they can’t work from the office.