Why is Cloud Computing Growing?

Microsoft announced their new CEO, Satya Nadella, who replaces Steve Ballmer. Satya Nadella was the executive vice president of Microsoft’s cloud computing offerings for the previous seven months. Azure (Microsoft’s cloud offering) and Office 365 have seen their customers double in the last three months of 2013 compared to the end of 2012. Cloud offerings are going to be one of the biggest components to Microsoft’s business growth in the upcoming years.

Many business owners will be delighted to discover that several of the best cloud providers have intrinsic privacy protection built in, offering arguably even better security services than in-house servers, mitigating concerns arising from the threat of shaky security protocols in the cloud. Being a tried and tested technology now, businesses are using it more and more and trusting it with sensitive applications.

Many companies offer cloud firewalls with sophisticated intrusion detection software designed to deny service to any individual trying to access information without proper authorization.

Application security helps ensure that business communications are not being tampered with by hackers while simultaneously rejecting spyware and viruses before they can infiltrate the cloud network. Cloud protection is available immediately and is cheaper than an entire application testing program or expensive tools which check internal safety.

Pros of Cloud Computing

• Backups and disaster recovery are automated.
• Set up new hires faster, cheaper and easier.
• Use it without “owning” it. Just like renting, you live there but your landlord takes care of the maintenance.

Cons of Cloud Computing

• Business applications won’t work in the cloud. Typically these are on operating systems or applications that are no longer supported which we don’t see very often.
• Compliance Issues – HIPAA, SOX, GLB or the other regulations may require you to control and protect your data and certify that you know who can access it and how and where it’s stored. Look for cloud vendors with SAS 70 certification.

With enhanced security, flexibility, and large companies like Microsoft focusing on cloud services it is no wonder why cloud computing is growing in popularity.

Making an informed decision on what technologies are the best fit for your company is tough if you don’t have a reliable IT consulting firm by your side. CTI Technology can help you maximize operational efficiencies.