How To Choose The Right Cloud Options For Your Business

The cloud has become popular in recent years and is currently the preferred solution for secured data storage and reliable computing power. There are several reasons why companies are shifting from traditional servers to the virtual cloud. These include better accessibility, security, management, and storage capacity – all for a lower cost.

Cloud services have been around since the early 2000s. And yet there are still people who are unfamiliar with the technology or what it is capable of. Companies likewise have little grasp of what cloud really is, or they expect too much from it.

If you’re planning to move some or all of your company’s data to the cloud, you should at least know its benefits and drawbacks – and which options are available to you.

The Benefits of Cloud Computing

One of the most appealing features of cloud computing is the fact that it promises a more streamlined approach towards managing data. It provides nearly unlimited storage, all without the need for a physical device.

Other benefits of the cloud include:

• Reduced costs due to the absence of physical servers
• Improved customer and client communications from 24/7 accessibility
• Better cybersecurity
• Increased productivity and work organization

However, cloud computing isn’t perfect. It also comes with drawbacks which have to be taken into consideration before you make the switch.

The Drawbacks of Cloud Services

Affordability is among the best features of the cloud. But it turns out this can also be one of its major disadvantages. Due to its cheap cost and the fact that most cloud systems are outsourced, you’d have to put up with some limitations.

The drawbacks of the cloud include:

• Fewer options available, especially for cheaper cloud computing plans
• Data caps and bandwidth allocation, which is a side effect of its shared user nature
• Potential risks for data theft and breaches of privacy, especially for unencrypted data
• A blurry line of legal protection and coverage

Types of Cloud Services

If you’re still keen on opting for a cloud service and migrating your data, there are three options available for you to choose from.

1. Public Cloud Solutions

Public cloud options are cheap, scalable, and fast. This is often the go-to option of small-scale to moderate-sized businesses, as well as companies that want to have an edge in the business.

The downside to public cloud systems is that there is no guarantee that it is 100% secure and foolproof. It is also prone to data capping and technical outages resulting in downtime.

2. Private Cloud Solutions

Private cloud systems fix the privacy and data security issues which public cloud simply cannot meet. They also offer the means to store larger amounts of data than the public cloud. Unfortunately, they tend to be pricier. They also can’t be scaled as efficiently as a public cloud.

3. Hybrid Cloud Solutions

This option offers the best of both worlds. Hybridized solutions allow users to access both a private network and a public cloud. Users get to choose which information is stored in which system, allowing for greater flexibility without compromising data security or the potential for growth and expansion.