Cloud computing has now been around for a while now but many people still don’t know what the term means. Having files in the cloud simply means that those files are located on someone else’s server and you access them through the Internet.
How do you determine if Cloud Computing is the right choice for you?
What are the Pros?
- The files can be accessed from anywhere you have Internet, which means you have the flexibility to work and collaborate from wherever you are and have access to the most recent version of the file.
- Collaboration can be easier. For example, teammates can share files without having to exchange flash drives or other devices.
What are the Cons?
- Since you are accessing your files via the Internet, your Internet speed directly impacts the speed with which you can work on these files.
- If your Internet goes down you won’t be able to access your files at all.
- Files are less secure than they would be in an on-premises device such as a server or a computer. If your Cloud host is hacked, you are also affected.
Backups are still important.
Simply because you have files in the cloud does not mean you have a backup. A backup is created by a software program that copies everything on your computer – Windows or other operating system, your applications and your files—to another location. A backup also contains your software settings and computer configurations. If you have a good backup, restoring your files and settings can be relatively quick in the case that your hard drive isn’t functioning properly or you’ve dropped coffee into your computer for example. Imagine the time it would take to reinstall all of your applications and apply all of the settings again!
We can help you evaluate your Cloud computing options so you can make the most of the Pros and mitigate the Cons. Contact us today!