Cloud technology is becoming more essential for modern organizations with each passing day. A report by Gartner shows that cloud technology has transformed modern business in previously unimaginable ways. The report indicated that 75% of organizations using the cloud have a “cloud first” policy, which is a much higher figure than previous versions of the report indicated.
However, many businesses are still hesitant about taking their organization to the cloud. There are a plethora of benefits, but companies have to make sure that they store their data on the cloud properly.
What Are the Reasons Smart Businesses Are Shifting to the Cloud?
The cloud has become an increasingly popular option for businesses of all sizes to store data.
There are many reasons for this, which we will explore in this article. From increased security to lower costs, there are many benefits to storing data in the cloud.
You can’t ignore the benefits of moving to the cloud. Here are the reasons why your organization should consider storing data in the cloud:
1. Lower Costs
One of the biggest benefits of storing data in the cloud is that it can save your organization money. One study by Perle showed that 95% of respondents said that moving to the cloud would lower their operational and hardware installation costs.
With on-premises storage, you have to pay for the initial purchase and installation of hardware and software, as well as ongoing maintenance costs.
With cloud storage, you only pay for what you use, which can save your organization a significant amount of money over time.
2. Increased Security
Another benefit of storing data in the cloud is that it can actually be more secure than on-premises storage.
With on-premises storage, your data is only as secure as your physical location. If there is a fire or natural disaster, your data could be lost forever.
With cloud storage, your data is stored remotely and is backed up regularly, so you don’t have to worry about losing it if something happens to your physical location.
3. Access from Anywhere
One of the best things about storing data in the cloud is that you can access it from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
So no matter if you’re at work, at home, or on vacation, you can always get to your data when you need it. This is a great convenience for businesses that have employees who work remotely or travel often.
4. Scalability
Another advantage of using cloud storage is that it’s very scalable. As your business grows and needs more storage space, you can easily add more storage to your account without having to invest in new hardware or software.
This scalability is one of the main reasons why businesses choose to store data in the cloud instead of on-premises storage solutions.
5. Disaster Recovery
One final benefit of storing data in the cloud is that it allows for easy disaster recovery.
If something happens to your physical location such as a fire, you can rest assured knowing that your data is safe and sound in the cloud and can be quickly restored if necessary.
How Does Cloud Storage Work?
Whenever you upload a file to the cloud, it is stored on a remote server. This server can be located anywhere in the world and is usually owned by a large company, such as Google or Microsoft.
When you want to access your file, you simply log in to your cloud storage account and download it to your computer. Alternatively, you can view it directly in your browser if it’s a document or an image.
The main advantage of using cloud storage is that you can access your files from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and you can log in to your account and download or view whatever file you need.
This is perfect for business users who need to be able to work from anywhere or for students who need to be able to access their coursework from any computer.
Another advantage of cloud storage is that it makes sharing files with others very easy. Most cloud storage providers offer some kind of sharing feature that allows you to send a link to a file or folder to another person with just a few clicks.
This is much easier than emailing attachments back and forth or trying to keep track of who has which version of a shared document.
Where is Your Cloud Data Stored?
The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think. The thing about cloud managed services is that they are often spread out across multiple servers in multiple locations.
That’s because most cloud providers want to be able to offer their customers high availability, which means that if one server goes down, there are others that can pick up the slack.
So, does it matter where your cloud data is physically located? For the most part, no. However, there are some instances where it can make a difference.
For example, if you’re subject to certain regulations like HIPAA in the United States or GDPR in Europe you may need to store your data in a location that adheres to those regulations.
Additionally, if you’re concerned about data privacy, you may want to choose a provider that stores your data in a country with strong privacy laws.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing services can be divided into three broad categories:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS refers to cloud managed services that provide users with access to a virtualized environment.
This environment can be used to deploy and run applications, store data, and more. IaaS providers typically offer pay-as-you-go pricing models, which means that users only pay for the resources that they consume.
Some examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS refers to cloud-based services that provide users with access to a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications.
PaaS providers typically offer pre-configured development environments that include everything needed to build and deploy an application.
Some examples of PaaS providers include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku, and Microsoft Azure App Service.
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS refers to cloud-based software that is offered on a subscription basis. SaaS products are typically delivered over the internet and can be accessed by users from anywhere in the world.
Some examples of SaaS products include Google G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.
Take Advantage of the Many Benefits of Cloud Computing
There are many reasons why businesses choose to store data in the cloud instead of on-premises storage solutions such as lower costs, increased security, scalability, and disaster recovery but these are just a few of the most popular ones.
In today’s digital world, storing data in the cloud has become essential for businesses of all sizes and industries. If you’re not already doing so, now is the time to make the switch to cloud managed services!