Is 2017 going to be ‘The Year of the Cloud’?
What is the cloud?
Typically, the data and applications on your desktop are stored and accessed from your computer’s hard-drive. The cloud enables you to access and store this same information via the internet. In order to store all of these applications and data on the internet, ‘data centres’ are constructed.
These data centres consist of large groups of servers with specialized connections to spread data processes across them. Cloud centres utilize virtualization techniques to ensure accessing your data in the cloud is as seamless as accessing it from your hard-drive. Unlike many IT support companies, Southbank-IT hosts our own data centre in London.
Why does my business need the cloud?
The cloud has caught the interest of many small-medium enterprises already; there are a multitude of benefits. Firstly, for many SME’s there is simply not the time or resources to maintain their own servers, software, storage and back-ups. When businesses convert to the cloud they are able to adapt their services as their business grows. For example, if a user needs more space to store their files they can simply expand their storage allowance in the cloud, previously they would need to purchase a new hard drive and transfer their files over. If your business needs flexibility, then your business needs the cloud.
Secondly, the cloud gives many businesses peace of mind when it comes to disaster recovery. Storing your data on-site is a sufficient business model until disaster strikes. How long can your users last without email if your office is hit with flooding? If your back-ups are stored on site, what happens if your personal server is infected with malicious software? The cloud gives you a new level of business continuity.
The cloud in 2017
It’s no surprise that more and more SME’s will continue to adopt the cloud in 2017. The places we work are changing. More and more businesses are seeking a ‘hybrid workplace’ which enables their users to access their company’s data from any location; home, office or Pret A Manger. 2017 will see the cloud play a larger role in our changing workplace.
The growing threat of cyber-attacks will see more and more SME’s considering the cloud as part of their disaster recovery plan. 2016 proved that no business is safe, as large scale corporations such as Yahoo!, Dropbox and LinkedIn saw some of the larges leaks of personal information to date. With the cloud, all your data is backed up securely in one place. This enables you forget about dealing with cybersecurity threats and focus on business growth.
Cloud technology is continuing to evolve, cloud centres are able to hold more data and at a better price. 2017 will see Cloud centres become a fundamental part of every businesses infrastructure. As businesses grow, the notion of ‘on-demand data’ will become the norm as companies can simply purchase more data from the cloud for their users. Access and flexibility of data will become fundamental to the growth of businesses in 2017.
Is my business ready?
Yes, 2016 was the year of the cloud, and 2017 will be too! Your business is ready to enter the cloud in 2017. Don’t wait until 2018 to realise the potential of cloud computing.
There are many cloud service providers that offer you rigid service packages for your business, but if you require a bespoke cloud service, tailored to the requirements of your business then you need Southbank-IT. Find out more about our cloud services here.
How can we offer such flexibility? With our own datacentre located in London we are able to offer fully customizable services with a dedicated team to quickly and easily adjust the cloud solution to suit your needs.
Call us on 020 7036 3830 for advice on our cloud services, or Download our Brochure