As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, businesses require flexibility and adaptable technology solutions to survive the numerous challenges presented to them. On-demand consumable services such as cloud computing help companies deliver on promises of the future; connecting employees in ways not previously possible – quickly, securely, and from almost anywhere. The adaptability and usage-based capabilities enabled by cloud computing also provide a cost-effective data solution that is quickly replacing legacy and outdated systems.
Gartner predicts that the public cloud market will reach $362 billion by 2022, evidence that companies of all sizes, spanning diverse industries, are adopting various flavors of cloud solutions for business enablement.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing in essence are virtual, third-party hosted servers or compute infrastructure. Rather than managing or storing data in on-premise servers or personal computers, cloud computing stores data remotely, accessible from nearly any internet connection. In the public cloud service model, companies share the physical hardware needed to deploy various computing applications over the internet. Cloud service customers pay for storage or bandwidth instead of investing in the hardware and software itself.
Alternatively, many companies adopt a hybrid solution, reducing sole reliability on public cloud services by designing a hybrid IT strategy to meet a business’ specific requirements more securely. With hybrid cloud solutions, companies employ a strategic mixture of public cloud, private cloud, and on-premise solutions to meet diverse needs. Such an approach can allow for companies to increase speed and efficiency for certain actions while retaining control of sensitive information that can be kept more secure through on-premise solutions. Regardless of which combination of cloud service models is implemented, cloud computing in all of its various flavors offers many benefits.
Cloud computing offers flexibility
Through cloud technologies, companies can rely on flexibility to meet their needs. Depending on their security requirements, companies can choose to utilize a private cloud, public cloud, or a hybrid of technology solutions. Rather than devoting large amounts of time or money to developing IT infrastructure, companies can rely on cloud service providers to maintain the necessary infrastructure.
Cloud computing also makes it easy for companies to scale depending on storage or usage requirements. As workloads fluctuate, companies can invest in additional storage space in the cloud, rather than expanding existing on-premise solutions which are often both more cumbersome and more expensive.
Ease of Access
Cloud computing offers companies a convenient solution to challenges imposed by COVID-19. As offices around the world closed, cloud technologies empowered employees to seamlessly access data from anywhere as they transitioned to remote work serving a strategic business continuity solution. Through the cloud, employees can collaborate in real-time, regardless of their physical location. This offers the ability to access cloud systems through mobile devices, further increasing accessibility. As remote working becomes the “new normal” in a post-COVID world, cloud technologies will continue to support the rapidly changing nature of working environments.
Cloud Security
Cloud service providers (CSPs) are constantly monitoring security and mitigating potential risks. Rather than spending significant resources to do this in-house, companies can rely on CSPs to protect data stored within cloud environments. As data is transferred between networks, it is encrypted, making it less vulnerable to hackers or unauthorized access. Additionally, as security updates occur, companies have access to the latest software patches instantaneously, rather than rely on manual updates to outdated software.
Cost savings in cloud computing
In addition to the flexibility and on-demand benefits of cloud solutions, many cloud services are pay-as-you-go, meaning that companies only pay for what they need, like storage space. Some companies worry about paying for features they don’t use, and with this model, they can easily discontinue if features are not suiting their needs. Plus, companies save time on processes that they use cloud technologies for, saving them time and money in the long run.
Implementing Cloud Computing
Answering complex questions of cloud computing implementation, hybrid colocation data centers simplify the process of adopting hybrid cloud technologies. With privately-owned IT equipment in a third-party data center, companies benefit from reduced offloading costs and complexities of managing IT systems while maintaining superior security. Simplifying the colocation partner process, Data Foundry offers optimal location, carrier neutrality, and connectivity while providing high-touch service.
Data Foundry puts customers first with 24/7/365 support, comprehensive care, world-class infrastructure, expert IT management, and upkeep services. Experts facilitate hybrid cloud solutions with on-site data storage and connections to the cloud.
To learn how Data Foundry can assist with hybrid cloud strategies and digital transformation, schedule a tour here or click here for a quick quote.
