Most of the big companies are looking for all possible ways to streamline their business through latest technological innovations such as cloud computing, so that they can shift their service from a dedicated server to cloud-based setup, wherein they’re not dependent on a single machine. Online cloud-based service helps in streamlining business operations, and minimizing dependency upon a single server. But, just like everything else in the world, there are several pros as well as a few cons associated with it. So, it’s time to take a look at various advantages and disadvantages of using Cloud as a Service.
Reasons Behind the Popularity
Cloud computing technology is adapted by organizations of all shapes and sizes; it helps a company grow and develop with complete flexibility.
It’s the best approach to adding capabilities or enhancing capacity while running the business, without actually investing on licensing tools, training new workers, upgrading your infrastructure. It’s a pay-per-use, subscription-based service that offers real-time scalability too.
It’s used by many firms for plenty of purposes ranging from storage services to fully-developed applications. The new SaaS model offered by Salesforce.com helps IT managers concentrate on core business areas rather than being distracted by IT issues. Most of the companies prefer the cloud-based services, on account of their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
Top Merits of Cloud Services
Cost Efficiency: One of the main reasons that large companies have accepted this technology is cost efficiency. Be it in terms of use, upgrade or maintenance, it’s always worth investing on cloud computing. Traditional PCs costs a lot and installing separate licensed version of tools/software adds up to the expenses as well.
In contrast, cloud is a way cheaper that reduces such expenses. The pay-as-you-go model makes it affordable for small to midsize firms. It lowers the monthly cost, paperwork and investment on hardware as well as IT staff too.
Unlimited Storage: You don’t need extra space to store the information on the cloud and hence you do not have to worry about increasing the current storage space. You can move data on the cloud, without really depending upon just one provider.
Recovery and Backup: Due to the fact that data is stored in cloud, restoring and backing up is much easier. Moreover, providers are so competent to handle the recovery that it makes the whole procedure of recovery and backup becomes simpler and easier over traditional data storage methods.
Automatic Integration: The process of software integration happens automatically, which implies that you don’t have to take additional tools integrate and personalize your services as per your need. You can choose those apps and services that best suit your requirements, and you can even access and retrieve data easily – all that you need is high-speed internet connection!
Few Downsides
Though there are plenty of benefits associated with the cloud services, they’ve got a few demerits too, which are listed below.
Technical and Security Issues: Though it allows for easy access, this technology is prone to technical issues; you could come across outage problem, though you’ve kept up it with high standards of maintenance. There could be connectivity and network problem at times. It’s vulnerable to security threats that could put your data to potential risk.
Future Prospects
It’s the new wave of technology for governments, companies, and individuals alike. It has become foundation for new business models and innovation and there will be major improvements in near future. However, like all the other technologies, it offers plenty of superb benefits, accompanied by very few downsides. And, if you’re a hosting provider, offering Cloud as a Service can be a great idea to say the least.