Many businesses are following recent trends and considering moving some or all of their computing systems to the cloud in 2019. This makes sense of course, but there are certain issues with cloud computing all business owners should make sure they have considered before taking the plunge.
1. Migration
One reason some business owners give for not moving to cloud computing is the belief that migration from premises-based computing to the cloud is difficult.
Microsoft Office 365 and Sharepoint are easy to install, but migration requires careful planning to minimise disruption. One route is for businesses is to do the process gradually, adding cloud-based services one at a time, although using a specialist consultancy like WM Reply would be the recommended avenue for larger organisations.
2. Bandwidth
In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of devices that need an internet connection. As well as computers, tablets, phones and printers, many businesses have remote controlled heating systems and lights that are controlled via the internet. Every computer, tablet or phone that uses cloud computing needs to upload and download lots of data.
One trend for 2019 is the ‘Internet of Things’ which is the use of more and more devices that connect to a network in order to send data to each other. If most devices are connected wirelessly, all this data can use so much bandwidth that data speeds are throttled.
Some businesses solve this by storing some data on-premises and some in the cloud. WM Reply can address this issue for a business by making sure that its internet connection can handle the data transfer needs. For many small to medium businesses, this will not be an issue.
3. Multicloud
There are many cloud storage providers, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google and IBM. Many companies do not stick with one provider, but use several. It has been predicted that 70% of all enterprises will have a multicloud approach in 2019, sharing their data storage needs among several suppliers.
4. Hybrid clouds
There is no rule that says that all data must be stored on the Cloud or stored on premises. Some businesses use a private on-premises server for sensitive and confidential information and the cloud for less sensitive data. Some business owners are concerned about the privacy of data on cloud servers.
If your business has crucial and critical information, discuss your security needs with us at WM Reply and we will recommend the best solution to protect your information.
5. Flexibility
All the other four issues – migration, bandwidth, multicloud and hybrid cloud, highlight the need for flexibility. There is no one solution that fits all businesses. Depending on the size of business, security issues and the type of business operation, different cloud computing solutions suit different situations.
For a cloud computing strategy suitable for your business, talk to us at WM Reply. We will create the best solution for your business needs. We can show you how cloud computing with Microsoft Sharepoint and Office 365 can make the running of your business more organised and efficient.