Thanks to Cloud Computing technology, you can store your data and information in a virtual space that you can access at any time and place. Ideal for small businesses.
Operate from the cloud or have a local server: Although each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, you must consider four important points before making the final decision for your business.
1) Ease of Implementation
When we speak of a local server, we refer to a computer specially designed to process programs and distribute information to the other computers connected to it. Being a physical computer, implementing it takes time and space. In addition, it requires the hand of a professional, since it is not only about installing the hardware, but also about placing the appropriate software.
For its part, the implementation of a server in the cloud is practically immediate. You do not need physical media or go to IT professionals, since you can enjoy your storage and online resources from the moment you subscribe to the service.
2) Growth Opportunities
Every company seeks to grow and everything within it must aim for that end, including the server.
When this is local, accommodating it to the new needs of your business will have an additional cost, since you will need to expand it with more components or buy another server with which you can provide your new services.
In the case of cloud servers, scalability is one of its main benefits and is reflected in each of the plans for this service. These accompany your company and are accommodated according to the growth stage it is in. By not requiring a particular team, the expense to move from one plan to another is not as drastic on your finances.
3) Consider the Investment
And since we’re talking about costs, let’s see how much they differ between a cloud server and a local one.
The infrastructure of the latter is more complex and requires several components, such as the security system, cables, router, switches, cooling system, among others. But you have to consider not only that, but also the fact that you will be consuming electricity 24 hours a day, so you will need a powerful Internet service and a staff to keep all the parts in good condition.
However, in the case of a Cloud Computing server, the expenses are reduced to the monthly plan that you decide to hire. It already includes the software, the necessary storage disks and the Internet service. In addition, companies specialized in this type of service provide comprehensive technical support, always at your disposal.
4) Safety and Maintenance
If we consider that the server you select will be the brain of your business, delving into these two points will be very important to make a wise decision.
On the one hand, it is believed that by having an antivirus, a dedicated server (another way of calling the premises ) will be fully protected. If you consider that the information will be protected, yes, it will be, but it is not the only security measure you must take. You also need to properly maintain the computers, update the software, set up a domain for the correct administration of permissions, install the professional operating system on all network stations, have a defined backup policy and, above all, have With the help of an IT professional, with whom you can centralize all the incidents of this local network.
On the other hand, a server in the cloud is much more secure, as it supports the encryption of all your data, both those that are in transit and those that are stored. In addition, being connected to the network, you will always be up-to-date with the latest versions of security protocols. As for backup copies, it is not necessary to be aware of them, since they are created automatically and you can review them from anywhere, so losing your company’s data will be practically impossible.
