Should Businesses Move Into The Cloud?

Many more businesses are migrating their services, applications and platforms into the Cloud to increase their productivity, lower expenditure and reduce their IT costs. Companies that are not taking advantage of Cloud technology in today’s competitive business environment face more frequent and greater security risks, less flexibility and more difficulty to collaborate with colleagues and clients.

What does Cloud Migration Mean?

Cloud migration is a process which whereby all technological business processes and data are transferred to the Cloud domain. This entire process requires a considerable amount of planning and preparation, but can be implemented relatively easily with the assistance of a reputable and experienced IT service provider.

Each business has different requirements, and these will influence the extent of their migration to the Cloud which offers you a whole host of significant advantages. Requirements such as; data storage, file sharing, security, data recovery, as well as the different types of Cloud services on offer are all considerations that must be carefully investigated. Having a clear idea of what the company’s essential requirements are will ensure that the appointed IT service provider furnishes it with a customised and well-structured Cloud computing solution.

What is the Cloud?

In simple terms, the Cloud or Cloud Computing involves computing using the Internet. It is made up of numerous servers and data storage centres. These servers and data storage centres are located offsite and allow users to access applications through high-speed and heavily-encrypted connections.

Types of Cloud Services

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

This type of Cloud service is the most basic and is used for Internet-based access to storage and power. IaaS allows a business to rent the IT infrastructure it requires from a Cloud Server Provider, without having to invest considerable capital.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS quickly provides users with the tools that they need to build mobile or web applications over the Internet without having first to set up the required servers, networks, databases and storage.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers software applications over the Internet for easy access to applications on all devices at the same time.

Functions as a Service (FaaS)

FaaS avoids the complex building, launching and maintenance of applications, and allows users to develop, run and manage applications, as well as execute certain codes in response to specific events.

Benefits of Migrating to the Cloud

Increased Security

Sensitive data is stored offsite and, in the event of the theft of critical hardware, the data will always be accessible. Regular security updates also provide far more extensive control over user access to data.

Affordable Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery plans are extremely expensive, especially for small companies. Moving to the Cloud enables businesses to implement reliable and secure recovery solutions, ensuring critical business continuity.

Improved Flexibility

A company can quickly up or downscale its operations in response to the prevailing business or economic conditions.

Cost Savings

Companies don’t have the expensive of purchasing and maintaining onsite servers and other hardware.

Although Cloud migration is not without its risks, moving a business’s technology to the Cloud enables a company to become more competitive and agile. Credible Cloud hosting providers should be able to prove their successful Cloud migration projects. For professional IT assistance with a quick turnaround time please contact Westech, the preferred IT Company In South Africa.

You can read more about this article here on the Tech News Site TechCentral.