Cloud computing isn’t anything new. In fact, plenty of companies and individuals are in the midst of shifting most, if not all, their data to the cloud. However, this innovative concept has become even more important in light of this year’s coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of companies around the world are now requiring their employees to work from home to prevent the spread of the disease. Now, more than ever, is the time to rely on cloud technology to keep your business running smoothly.
What is the cloud?
In the simplest of terms, the cloud involves transferring data onto hardware in a remote physical location, which can then be accessed from any connected device via the internet. There are many types, be it public or private.
The public Cloud is the most commonly-used Cloud offering. This type of Cloud is where the service provider keeps and manages the infrastructure required to store and process data. The service is offered over the Internet. Systems engineers can log into a portal to administer the Cloud environment. Public Clouds are offered to everybody. Their infrastructure is used to store the data of multiple customers, likely on the same computer hardware.
Due to challenges with the public Cloud, an increasing number of organizations have created their own Cloud service—a private Cloud. This service is managed by the organization itself. It offers flexibility to the users, as well as eliminating the risks of exposing your data on the Internet.
However, a private Cloud isn’t without drawbacks of its own. Your organization has to manage the infrastructure required to support the Cloud. And the automation required to make it a “Cloud” also must be developed and managed.
Scalability is another issue. If you are using a public Cloud, you can simply request additional resources. With a private Cloud, scaling typically requires acquiring new hardware.
The cloud and remote work
Cloud computing has many applications, most of which are based on the fact that it can run your operations no matter where you are. Below are some things the cloud can do for your business while the world is in quarantine.
Access to storage
Data storage is one of the most common uses of cloud computing, but we can create unique cloud storage solutions for bigger organizations. With cloud storage, all your employees will have access to company files wherever they are. If you’re worried about privacy and such, don’t be. You can customize access for every individual who works on the platform. This means that people can and will have limited access, much like how it works in a traditional office setting.
Remote Collaboration
It’s possible to work together without seeing one another, and no technology is capable of executing this more than cloud computing. For instance, manufacturing may have slowed down, but designers are still busy at work creating new tech components in anticipation for when factories do reopen. Companies are now relying on team collaboration and PCB design cloud solutions as a way to innovate despite the pandemic. These tools store files within a centralized system with open access for everyone involved, allowing them to work on their tasks without needing to be present in person. Some cloud collaboration tools that businesses can look into include Skype, G Suite, Office 360, Prezi, and many more.
Disaster Recovery
Now that we’re in the midst of a global crisis, backups have become more important than ever. Luckily, as long as your data is uploaded to the cloud, there’s always a chance to recover it. This includes drastic circumstances like your main server going down or an employee’s computer breaking. As long as the main hardware is up and running, your data is safe.
Why stick to the cloud?
Even when this crisis is over, having most of your data in the cloud will be advantageous. For instance, relying on the cloud means your IT team spends less time after-hours/weekends updating and patching servers. It also means that you don’t have to wait for the selection, purchase, and shipping process to have access to new hardware. All in all, it’s incredibly good for reducing costs in the long-term.
This abrupt shift to remote work can be a shock to the system for some companies, but it’s an obstacle that can be overcome with the proper tools. So let the cloud help make things easier for you.
Piece exclusively written for logicalfront.com by Jyll Blodwen
