What is Cloud Computing?In recent times there has been a lot of talk about the benefits of cloud computing for streamlining your data management systems so I have given a brief overview below. Cloud computing manages data as well as software and hardware needs using internet-based resources. Emails, documents, business applications and customer information can be stored online, "in the cloud". This means they can be accessed with a web browser or internet connection from a PC or mobile device anywhere in the world. With cloud computing you can scale down your IT infrastructure, or use cloud computing as a standalone solution. This will help you to reduce software and hardware costs and reduce IT support costs and requirements, while giving you the assurance of secure and reliable back-ups. The main benefits of cloud computing are increased performance; availability of latest software versions; and better sharing of data. PCs are faster because the software is stored elsewhere and not on the PC so you won't need expensive, high-performance IT equipment. Greater compatibility between operating systems is another advantage: windows-based computers can easily talk to Macs and Windows to Linux. There are also fewer maintenance issues because there's less equipment to worry about. There are a few disadvantages to cloud computing, the main ones being risk of loss of data, and issues with data security. Another issue is the constant need for an internet connection in order to use software applications. You may also find that low-speed connections do not work well with cloud computing. Using web-based software can cause applications to run slower than usual. The reason being that every aspect of the programme being used to produce the document has to be transmitted back and forth to the cloud computers. Before committing to a cloud computing service provider, consider data protection issues. Understand how your data will be protected and the methods used by the service provider to maximise security. You should also know to what extend the service provider will take responsibility for lost data, and your legal obligations in the event of lost data. You should assess your service provider based on issues of business continuity. Find out what would happen if there was a security breach or a problem with service downtime: how would they ensure that your business continues to run? What back-up systems are in place? What can you expect in the way of financial compensation and support in the event of an incident.
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