Cloud-based technology is here to stay, and while many businesses still use a hybrid of cloud and on-site technologies, it’s clear that more and more robust services are entering the technology landscape. Whether to use cloud-based computing technology or not comes down to several key factors. What are your business needs? Do you have stable internet connections? Will you be using only cloud technology or a hybrid model?
While there are more things to consider, it’s vital to look at the pros and cons and how they will impact your business and productivity if you switch to more cloud-based applications. Additionally, suppose you’re in an industry that interacts with the government, for instance. In that case, you may need CMMC security services to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements when you’re using cloud technology. Here are some of the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Pros:
Can Provide Affordable Options for Newer Businesses
Newer businesses can’t always buy software for everyone in the office. Leveraging cloud technology can provide more affordable solutions for computing software, data storage, and even VPN and phone systems. Newer businesses no longer need to build these systems from scratch but can instead take advantage of all the amazing technology available to them through the cloud.
Easily Scalable
Unlike systems in-house, cloud solutions are easily scalable. Often businesses purchase licenses for a certain number of employees. As the business grows, getting more cloud software for the newer employees is much simpler. Additionally, when it comes to storing data, as the storage needs increase, they can leverage the expertise of data storage facilities off-site instead of needing to create complex data systems in-house. This also creates better business continuity in the case of a catastrophic event in the business’s place of work.
Improves Collaboration
Editing documents using a cloud solution makes it much simpler to share ideas and make changes quickly and easily. Instead of wondering if you’re using the most current document version, many of these cloud solutions allow multiple people to make live edits. You can even go back to view previous versions of the same document. This improves collaboration so that whether you are in the office together or working remotely, you can share these files and create them together with ease.
Cons:
Additional Security Concerns
While cloud technology has become very secure over the years, there are still some concerns when it comes to specific types of data. It’s critical to find data centers and software that meet all the compliance and regulatory requirements for your business. For instance, finding data centers that meet all your needs can be tricky when working in certain industries. In addition, it’s important to ensure they offer the right security measures so that your data is safe.
Difficult to Upload Files
Storing everything in the cloud is fine when you have files that are only a few kilobytes. But when you are transferring very large files that are multiple gigabytes in size, this can be a problem. Graphic designers, marketers, and photographers often struggle because their file sizes are so large that using cloud-based technology becomes more cumbersome than helpful. Marry this with the work-from-home culture where home internet has limited bandwidths, and you have some serious problems.
Inflexible Agreements
Getting into contracts with cloud-based vendors can lead to some problems, especially when these agreements are not flexible at all. While it’s nice just to do everything they want, sometimes you need flexible contracts that you can speak into to ensure they are not storing your data in improper ways or that you get your needs met in a more specific way.
Lack of Software Ownership
Another issue with cloud technology is that you can only use it for as long as you have a subscription with them. There is no software ownership, and the moment you stop paying the monthly bill, you are cut off from access to the technology. While this is fine for some businesses, it presents problems for others. Additionally, many of these programs won’t even work very well without internet access.
While there are pros and cons to using cloud technology, the biggest determining factor for your business should be whether it meets the needs of your growing company or not. So, with these thoughts in mind, will you be making the switch to cloud technology any time soon?