While the use of cloud storage and related cloud systems may have begun as a curiosity in the online world well over a decade ago, it has evolved well beyond that point in today’s day and age. The use of cloud-based strategies is now common among numerous businesses and industries, and it offers benefits in areas ranging from basic organizational efficiency all the way to cost savings and more.
At Elevated Networks, cloud storage and other cloud systems are just some of the numerous managed IT and IT infrastructure solutions we’re happy to offer to business clients throughout Utah. What is a cloud-based approach, what are some of the key benefits of this approach, and what else do you need to know if you’ve yet to really capitalize on all the cloud has to offer? Here’s a basic rundown.
Defining a Cloud-Based IT Strategy
Firstly, for those who are new to the topic, it’s important to understand that a cloud-based IT strategy involves using online resources to store and manage data. Cloud-based IT solutions are offered by third-party providers, meaning they exist outside of your local network and can be accessed anywhere there is an internet connection.
And while the cloud typically won’t be the only way you manage and store data (more on this in just a bit), the cloud-based approach is one where it is definitely the primary focus. The cloud will be the main system used for these needs, while others will serve as backups or secondary options.
Benefits of Cloud Solutions
So why use a cloud-based system over more traditional methods? For starters, the cost savings. IT services and infrastructure can be expensive to manage in-house, but when you outsource these functions to a cloud provider, you free up your own time and resources for other tasks. Plus, with the right provider, you get access to much more storage than your own internal system could ever provide.
Additionally, there’s the security benefits of using a cloud-based approach. With encrypted data and secure online systems, you can ensure that your company’s sensitive information is properly protected from outside threats. And because these clouds are managed by professionals who are well-versed in platform security, you can rest easy knowing that your data is safe and secure.
Furthermore, scalability is a major feature of cloud-based IT solutions. This means you can easily increase or decrease your storage needs as needed, without a huge investment in more hardware and software.
Another big area here is disaster recovery, which is a major component of cloud-based strategies. In the unfortunate event of an emergency or data loss, you can use the cloud to easily and quickly recover this data from anywhere at any time.
Finally, there’s the ease of use factor. With a cloud-based system, users don’t need to be tech experts in order to use the system. This makes it much easier for business owners to get up and running quickly without having to do a lot of technical training or research.
Other Backups Are Important
As we alluded to above, while the cloud-based approach has become by far the most common for today’s businesses, it’s vital to remember that it isn’t the only way to manage and store data. It’s important to complement a cloud-based system with other methods of backup, such as physical storage systems like external hard drives or flash drives.
These backups are important because they offer an additional layer of protection in the case of an emergency such as data loss or power outages. Ask any cybersecurity or IT professional, and they’ll tell you: No matter how robust your cloud system is (and today’s are pretty excellent), it’s always good to have contingency plans in place.
We wanted to place a specific highlight on the importance of physical backups for many businesses, as it’s something that is often overlooked or underestimated. Having these backups in place can ensure your business keeps running smoothly and securely even when the cloud fails you.
Tips on Implementing a Cloud-Based Strategy
If your business has mostly been relying on other systems for data storage and management, you may be wondering how exactly to go about implementing a cloud-based strategy. The answer is simple: Start by researching your options.
There are numerous cloud providers out there today, all with varying offerings when it comes to features and costs. You’ll want to do your due diligence here and read up on the various providers before making the jump.
Once you’ve settled on a provider, the next step is to get your data in order and prepared for the transition. In some cases, you may need to perform an audit of your current systems to ensure everything is up-to-date and ready for the switch. This can also be a good time to update any passwords or security measures.
Finally, when you’re ready to make the switch to the cloud, test it first with a few basic operations and backups. This will help ensure that everything is working as intended before you go all-in on the new system. Once you feel confident that everything is good to go, you can begin making the switch.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the advantages of using a cloud-based system are numerous. From improved security to scalability and ease of use, there are plenty of reasons why businesses should consider making the switch. That said, it’s important to remember that physical backups are still essential for most companies, so make sure you have these in order as well. And for more on this or any of our managed IT solutions, speak to our team at Elevated Networks today!
