Cloud computing is everywhere, but surprisingly few people understand exactly what it is, or the incredible power it has to continue to revolutionize our digital landscape. Whether or not you get the gist of cloud computing, there’s always more to learn. Here are five fun facts you probably don’t know, which may just make you want to scrap your own hard drives and move to a cloud-based solution.
1. It’s Not Actually a “Cloud”
One of the most interesting facts about cloud computing is that data storage doesn’t actually take place in some nebulous ether like many imagine it does. Cloud computing simply means that your data is stored on the Internet using remote servers, rather than being stored locally on your hard drive or company network. It’s your data stored in another location. This type of remote storage is like a cloud, however, in the sense that your data essentially follows you everywhere, enabling you to retrieve and use information anywhere in the world.
2. There Are Multiple Formats of Cloud Access
Depending on your business’s IT support needs, you can get many different types of cloud computing applications. You might, for example, choose a private solution, where your data is externally hosted on servers that are dedicated solely to your company. It can also be cost effective to share space with others, though, in which case you might want to go with community hosting. If you want to offer the public space on your servers, choose a public solution, or a hybrid of multiple types. If you aren’t ready to switch all of your storage and processes to the cloud, you can use cloud applications to gain some of the benefits, like Office 365.
3. The Cloud Is Safe
More than $1 trillion in IT spending will be directly or indirectly affected by the shift to cloud during the next five years (Gartner, 2016). The numbers today, thanks in large part to applications like Office 365, have surpassed previous expectations. This is because the cloud enables redundancy, simple data transfer and backups, so you’ll never lose information that’s important to you. It’s also far more secure than traditional storage and processing because it is safeguarded 24/7/365 by security experts that are up-to-date with the most recent threats.
4. Never Upgrade Again
No matter what type of device you use for work or play, when you use cloud-based solutions, you’ll never have to upgrade your outdated IT infrastructure and hardware to account for more storage space or software upgrades. Cloud computing companies take care of this for you, so you can focus on what really matters: getting work done, or having fun! It happens automatically in real-time, so you’re always up-to-date.
5. The Cloud Is the Way of the Future
The cloud is good for more than simply storing your data. The power of such technology is currently fueling all sorts of research angles. Intel, for instance, is looking into the ability of cloud technology to decode brainwaves for interaction with software, to cure cancer, to model water resource management and more. When you invest in the cloud, you not only make your data and your business safer, more accessible and easier to use, you pave the way for future technological developments that can help mankind. If you’re looking to a Unified Communications strategy or a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) work environment, the cloud is a first step. It enables a mobile workforce and that can help attract new talent.
Cloud computing also reduces server downtime, optimizes capital and helps with disaster recovery. Don’t miss your ticket to better and more effective IT solutions. Great Lakes Computer Corporation can help you implement all levels of cloud computing, from cloud-based applications to a complete cloud solution. Contact us to learn more.
