Business Mantra: Faridabad
Cloud computing the frequently heard word these days. What actually Cloud computing is? What are its benefits and how to use it? These are some of the common questions for which everyone requires answer. Let me answer them through this article.
Cloud computing refers to storage of important and useful business data in secure data centers secured by password that can be easily accessed by authorized users through internet browsers. There is no need to carry hard drives and bulky files now. Just work with the internet wherever required through PC’s, laptops, mobile devices etc. The only requirement is internet connection. That’s why Cloud computing can be interchangeably be used with Web-Based-Computing. Some of the popular clouds computing service providers are Amazon, AT&T, Enomaly, Google, Microsoft etc.
There are many advantages attached to usage of Cloud computing. Let me share with you some of them:
- Unlimited number of users can use the Cloud without impacting its performance which providers which provides for unlimited storage and pay per use option makes it affordable for business houses.
- Cloud has sort out the problem of space, money and security as there is no need to buy expensive external storage devices. No need to preserve physical files which also cuts use of office space earlier required to keep records and files. Also, hard disks and pen drives can be looked into by unauthorized users. This problem is also solved by the Cloud.
- Information is not located at one place it can be located from anywhere by employees and they can access information which they are authorized to. This is called “Role Based Access Control” which can be easily put up in the Cloud helping to safeguard client’s private and confidential data from intruders.
- Accounting data back-up and recovery is part of Cloud computing software. Cloud therefore has been a priority for business houses since last 2-3 years.
There are different types of Clouds like public, private and personal Clouds.
- Public Cloud includes Facebook, Google which can be used by public at large.
- Private Cloud is used by companies to store their business related data. Files can be shared as well.
- Personal Cloud like “Onedrive” by Microsoft (there are many more) is used for uploading personal information like photographs, documents, music etc. by individuals and the possibility that they are synchronized with smartphones, Ipads has increased its number of users.
Regular updates are also available and there is no need to purchase them i.e. there is no requirement of extra expenditure as they are done automatically by service providers which means technology is commensurate with the developments with reduced implementation costs. With the introduction of cloud computing workload is reduced and professionals can concentrate on their core activities of tax planning, consultancy services, financial advice on timely basis providing better services to their clients creating long lasting business relationships.
We have frequently heard this in our childhood that every coin has two faces similarly cloud has a problem of thresh hold limit after which the servers of the service provider responds slower than before but it is covered by the benefits it provides. One should move towards cloud computing but must consider the selection of reputed service provider wisely as there could be a risk of theft the confidential information. Select the service provider only if you are satisfied with the answers of all the queries and selection must be as per the requirements of the business.