12 Reasons to Consider Cloud Computing for Your Business

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Maybe you’ve heard all the talk about href="http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-hosting-guides/shared-vps-dedicated-cloud-hosting/">cloud computing on forums, blogs and other online businesses you subscribe to. Now you’re all curious about what this is technology is. Cloud computing is a technological breakthrough and an Internet marketing term where people can use desired, upscale software without the need for any specialized hardware to run it.

Cloud computing is often marketed as a service for both online and offline businesses, as well as for personal use. If you have a Gmail account, you then have experienced cloud computing first hand. The gist of cloud marketing is that the end user is allowed to use specially developed technology, huge storage and other software without having to know how the system works and where the server is. The end user does not have to install any hardware or software to gain access to the specialized services of cloud computing. The end user just needs to connect to a cloud. Everything else is then provided for. It is just is.

Cloud computing is a potential tool for businesses everywhere as it can make the interaction between business and consumer require less effort and time. Since majority of the market is online, cloud computing is a practical technology that can bring your business closer to your customers. This technology allows your business to gather feedback, customer information, transaction history, business inquiries, distribution of marketing surveys and promotions easier.

Here are twelve more reasons to consider cloud computing for your business this 2012.

1. High Availability

Businesses seeking to adapt this technology are allowed to inquire and purchase from Cloud Platform Providers. With online titan providers such as Windows Azure and Google Marketplace, signing up for this service can be made anytime, anywhere and on any device that has an Internet connection.

2. Network Security

Cloud platforms are made up of layers and layers of servers, to make sure that there will always be an available server running to process and store data. With these network of servers, data and information are stored and backed up in different sources, making this network more reliable and safe in terms of storing your data without corrupting it in case of a server failure.  In a dedicated server, information and data are stored exclusively on one machine. In the event of a server breakdown, there is a higher risk of data corruption to your master backup. The damage would be irreversible should this happen.

3. Accessible Data

Data storage and access has never been more convenient as cloud computing systems have their own server where file transfer from server to end user is no longer necessary. With the advent of smart phones and tablets, cloud computing has put data mobilization on a new level of convenience. As long as you have an Internet-ready device, you may access and copy files from your cloud computing server.

4. Cost Effective

Most businesses have already adapted to the cloud program because it is practical and not expensive to implement onto business systems. You only pay for what you get, no additional expenses needed to incur. Since there is no need for hardware and software to run cloud programs, this can cut huge costs on a company’s software expenses.

5. Reduced IT Labor Costs

In the event of a server lag in private companies, their in-house IT specialists will scramble to get things done and running smoothly as soon as possible. IT work is a sophisticated technical task in which private companies must employ to keep their systems under control. With cloud computing systems, the business eliminates the need for IT maintenance work because the cloud has its own troubleshooters. The company can then make their IT workers focus more in other aspects of the business.

6. Worldwide Clientele

Cloud computing is a uniform worldwide service, available to every part of the globe that has an internet connection.  This makes an integrated network of users all around the world where the trends of economy and information can be fore-casted and communicated with convenience. This makes business transactions and communications more uniform and easy to use, wherever you are located.

7. Improved Productivity

With cloud computing services, data storage is automated and regulated. There is absolutely no need to compete for bandwidth anymore, such as the case of traditional hosting. Since most host servers are shared, users must bear with slow performance and limited bandwidth. With cloud hosting, you get faster performance and bigger data storage, thereby increasing productivity and traffic accommodation since every factor in the virtual server is working at optimal point in comparison to traditional hosting.

8. Quick Communication

Cloud computing systems have enhanced communication between business to business or business to consumer by having its own database, revolving and updating in real time. And as of the mid year of 2011, more and more businesses are adapting to cloud systems, thereby creating a new network communication line amongst companies, consumers and clients.

9. Multi-User Access

With cloud computing services, employees, employers, clients and authorized consumers are allowed to gain access to data and other specialized, developed programs all at the same time. Cloud computing utilizes synchronicity to make its technology more accessible and simple enough to make its end users not having to read a complete manual on how to operate the system.

10. No File Transfers

Having its own data storage, an end user can simply access the file remotely on the server, there is no file transfer needed. Such as in Gmail, where you can play music files straight from the email message. Downloading is optional, instant access to data is made possible.

11. Risk Free

Cloud computing is risk free when it comes to making sure that your backups are free from getting corrupted and with regards to keeping your costs minimal for your hosting services. The former is resolved by the cloud’s network of servers, as discussed in number 7. The latter deals with keeping you free from the risk of paying for what you don’t use. In cloud computing, you pay for what you need. Say, if your site accommodates heavy traffic on a seasonal basis, you’ll need to pay for upgraded performance and bandwidth during peak seasons. Once traffic mellows down, you can opt to downgrade and start paying less again. However, if you do not confirm your downgrade, you will still have to pay for the added performance you don’t use. Cloud computing is risk free in a sense that you can let go what you don’t need immediately, it sets you free from binding contracts and requirements. And since cloud computing has its own IT people upgrading and troubleshooting its own servers, you are free from bugs and glitches.

12. Response Rate

Cloud computing services currently is the leading technology when it comes to the quickest response rates. This technology has less glitches than that of privately developed software. A cloud platform’s architecture is intensely researched and developed by their respective providers, making sure that the systems are easy to implement and not interfering with data transfers to keep relaying of information quick.

If your business aims to make it this year, cloud computing is a feasible choice. With cloud computing, your business can give your market a more interactive and direct experience than that of traditional methods. Giving your consumers a quick response can build great customer relationships and loyalty. Businesses, manufacturers and suppliers all have new network architecture thanks to this new innovation that will shape how business is done online.

Page 25 – Web Hosting Secret Revealed

15 Reasons to Fear Cloud Computing

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Sidenote by Jerry: At this point of writing, we are pretty sure the Cloud Computing technology is here to stay. But, is title="Cloud Hosting Services" href="http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-hosting-guides/a-brief-on-cloud-hosting/">Cloud here to replace conventional IT solution (such as, a dedicated hosting server)? What might goes wrong with Cloud? Ron Woodall wrote this guest post in response to Nikko Marasigan’s recent “href="http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.com/web-hosting-knowledge/12-reasons-to-consider-cloud-computing-for-your-business/">12 Reasons To Consider Cloud Computing For Your Business“. This article is very practical, very informative, and hence, very helpful for those who are are considering the “cloud-option”.

Let’s get started!

15 Reasons to Fear Cloud Computing

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1. Hardware and Infrastructure

In the world of computing and whenever you deal with a service provider, you still have to maintain your own hardware and infrastructure. That means that your machines, cabling, routing and even servers will have to be maintained and upgraded as hardware improves.

However, should the cloud provider upgrade the software, it is possible that his upgrade may not be compatible with your hardware. That means that you’ll have to upgrade your plant and equipment in order to use the updated software. Should you rent the plant and equipment from the cloud provider be prepared for a healthy monthly payment. He’s buying software licenses for decreasing prices based on volume. Hardware is a cash or lease deal and there’s a finite discount level that no one can go below, and he’s going to make a profit even on a minimum price. Figure you’ll pay full retail when all is said and done.

2. Network Security

I run a simple network. I have a few hubs and a pair of redundant servers and I backup my data routinely. The larger the organization, the larger the copy of exactly the same thing. Worried about network security? Stay on top of your IT department. Think you need fewer people? Who’s providing support and to what degree? Figure your hardware security will require half the person years and software support the other half.

There’s a lot to be said for in house support – timeliness and a broad range of support from brains to screws. Do spot checks periodically and make sure your people are testing their philosophy in the lab every day. Don’t allow changes without thorough testing and a dog and pony demonstration. The dog and pony is critical. My experience is that no matter how robust, Finagle’s Law or Murphy’s Law will prevail. Besides, the life of a network administrator is like a soldier: 99.9% total boredom and 0.1% sheer unmitigated terror. You want to see proof that they’re ready for the terror – your employees or your cloud provider’s.

3. Specialized Support

Do you think your cloud provider is going to be providing the kind of support that your organization needs? Figure word processing support won’t include assistance with automated document creation and archiving which is an application that runs with WordPerfect. Very few cloud providers will even know what it is let alone how it works. They will offer a document archiving system but you’ll have to adjust your filing systems to the program’s constraints and it doesn’t address document production, quality control and standardized look and feel.

4. Data Security

Worried about data security? I hate to be a party pooper but there’s this thing out there called “the sniffer” which allows me or anyone else for that matter, to connect to an internet line and literally watch data go by. I can capture all of the data and selectively reconstruct information from one terminal or a block of terminals or a whole organization. Consider that between you and your cloud provider someone like me will have a sniffer. Encrypting your communications? No problem. Computers are getting more powerful every day. Security is already measured in terms of the amount of time it takes to decrypt a message.

5. Blackouts?

I remember in the days of mini computers and centralized processing we used to complain that computer manufacturers had shares in coffee and tobacco companies. Delays got so bad that we could go for a smoke and come back just in time to catch the computer as it returned to normal. Figure that every device between you and your data is a potential point of failure. Considering that cloud computing is software and data combined – be prepared for blackouts. Don’t expect that your cloud provider is the only source of failure. Every piece of plant and equipment between you and him is a potential point of failure. What is your fallback in case of a black out? Don’t forget to document the blackouts and demand adjustments on the bill, and ultimately, penalties for any blackout.

6. Update philosophy

When you purchase a piece of software you intend it to meet a specific purpose in your organization. You don’t need to change your software if your purpose doesn’t change. I purchased a copy of WordPerfect Suite 8. (WordPerfect Office X5 is the current version.) This has met my requirements exactly since I bought it. I never intended to create movies or write music or paint pictures on a computer. I still don’t. Consider most corporate users are just like me. There will be a few people who require special equipment but they’ll need it even if the cloud provider takes over.

The major selling point of cloud providers is to “reduce licensing and update costs” when in reality, most software doesn’t need updating. Accounting software – find one that works and stick with it. Don’t update unless there are major flaws. Word Processing – it doesn’t take the latest and greatest to write letters or documents. Specific function programs i.e. graphics programs for the art department – for 1 or 2 people in your organization and those licenses will always be expensive, from you or the cloud provider.

7. Data Compatibility

Ensured data compatibility. In days gone by, data generated with one program was seldom compatible with the data format of another program.

This was most prevalent in database programs and some spreadsheets. Accounting programs were a particular nightmare and potentially, still are. These differences, typically, were by design to ensure a captive clientele. Try converting a WordPerfect file to a Microsoft Word file. The characters may get across but don’t expect the format or structure to get across. Word is not that sophisticated.

8. Maintaining Existing Software

There’s also the problem where the cloud provider won’t support your traditional software. You may end up having to use their’s. Who’s going to cover the conversion costs. Who’s going to train your staff on the new software? Is the new software as functional and cost effective as the old? If you have developed applications based on the old software, who’s going to covert those applications over to the new software?

9. Data Ownership

Exercising data ownership could be a problem in the future. When your contract is up for renewal how much will they charge you to get your data back? What’s worse, try to ensure that he doesn’t retain a copy of your data and offer it out to the highest bidder. Will your cloud provider give you a period of grace to move your data off and onto your own hardware?

10. Divorce Clause

When that data comes back and you find that the integrity of the data is suspect, who’s going to pay to “clean up” the data and render it useful again? What if you expected the data to be in a totally usable format and it comes back comma-delimited or some impossible to convert format?

11. Renting philosophy

Remember, when you rent something, you’re giving someone permission to keep their hand permanently in your pocket. The longer it stays there, the harder it is to get rid of the leech. When the cloud provider decides to increase his prices and you’re stuck in the contract, do you have a ceiling on price increases based on a maximum amount over what period? Also, figure your contract to be iron clad – for the vendor. From the moment you sign on the dotted line, you are under his control. Then, try to move your data when the contract is complete. The bold print may be cost effective but what about the fine print? Remember, when you leased that car and when you returned it you paid a lot more than the original value of the car. Remember the distance penalties – so much you ended up having to buy a new car at a grossly inflated price?

12. Data Confidentiality

So, the question remains open, what about confidentiality and security of your information from prying eyes or disgruntled employees of the cloud provider? When you introduce a layer into your organization and that layer is outside of your control, be prepared to have it come back and bite you.

13. Data Availability

So, the next consideration is availability. I carry around my data on ever smaller memory chips. Now, it’s a 16GB microSD chip. I can carry it in my wallet – well, actually I carry it in my camera case along with my old 8.1 megapixel camera and the chips that go into the camera. When I get around to purchasing the latest and greatest of cameras, I’ll have the appropriate memory chips do dual duty. Like many people I too have a portable, so me and my data and my computing power are never very far apart. Got too much data? I worked on an examination of data stored in a top secret storage facility. The most common “top secret” documents were grocery lists for things the wives wanted brought home at the end of the day. Vet your storage. Yup it costs but you’d be surprised at the garbage we “hoard”.

14. Tail wagging the Dog

Here’s one of the worst conditions I’ve ever encountered. An organization signed a deal with a cloud provider without checking the fine print. It was found out later that the IT manager became a salesman for the cloud provider. The organization was expected to change its operating procedures and corporate culture to match the philosophy dictated by the provider. The provider even provided courses (at extra cost) to “teach” the employees to think the way the provider expected them to. The organization declared bankruptcy to get out from under the cloud provider.

15. Greed

Have you created a business that is successful with good short and medium term growth? When you give away control of your information, you’re giving someone less scrupulous than yourself the keys to your organization. Figure your numbers may start going down when all indications are that they’re going up. Someone might be fiddling with the numbers. A common source of bankruptcy is when the trusted accountant absconds with the funds. Make sure you keep an independent set of books.

Bottom Line: Be Caution With Cloud Computing

Are these worse-case scenarios? Probably not. After all, I’m only talking from experience and I haven’t experienced everything. What I’m proposing is that you be prudent and cautious. An organization is created by someone wanting to get rich. Make sure it is not at your expense.

About the author: Ron Woodall

Ron is part of the third generation of computer users and the first generation of personal computer users. His generation created the internet. He is the author of the Compendium of HTML Elements. The Compendium documents the HyperText Markup Language from its early roots to recent standards. It also serves to test browsers and ensure that their implementation of an element is consistent with standards. It is interesting to note that it is easier to learn to code HTML than it is to learn the tools of cloud computing. HTML is also a minimalist vehicle requiring only a few tags to produce a personal website yet provides substantial richness to support some of the largest and most complex websites. HTML is also more efficient than server-side equivalents and only requires organization. The Compendium It is based on the premise of removing elitism and greed from website creation.

Page 25 – Web Hosting Secret Revealed

Web Hosting News Update: Google’s Quantum Computing, Hybrid Cloud Backup and Celebrity Photo Hacking

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Keeping up-to-date with the latest hosting industry news can help you have a website that covers any back-end needs as well as front-end preferences from your visitors. While we can’t cover all the news at one time here at WHSR, we will try to keep you up-to-date on the latest advances, security concerns and research.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computers gain their power from atoms to complete tasks.

If your thirst for more speed and more memory has not yet been quenched, then you’ll be happy to hear that Google has announced plans to build quantum information processors at its artificial intelligence lab. The project is called “href="https://plus.google.com/+QuantumAILab/posts/UcWGvc9Y6dU" target="_blank">Hardware Initiative”. The possibilities for this initiative are endless. Not only might we see faster computers that run a bit differently than today’s models in the near future, but the impact will eventually trickle down to Internet servers as faster, more powerful computers work from the back-end of web hosting companies.

Hybrid Cloud Backup

If your company uses a hybrid cloud, or you back up any of your data (website or otherwise) on a cloud-based system, then you’ll be interested to hear that iDrive, the online backup storage provider, recently released an upgrade that allows users to back up data not only off their local drives but also to href="http://myhostnews.com/2014/09/online-backup-provider-idrive-launches-hybrid-cloud-backup-functionality" target="_blank">backup data in the cloud. While your server may provide a restore option, it is always smart to have another backup available. Files can get corrupted and then you’ll be in serious trouble if you don’t have important data stored. The hybrid backup feature allows website owners to back up SQL, Exchange, Sharepoint and Oracle data.

To learn more, check out Jerry’s recent article:  href="http://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-tools/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cloud-storage/">Everything you need to know about Cloud Storage.

Internet Slowdown Day

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