Over the last decade or so, cloud networking technologies have transformed the fortunes of businesses big and small around the world and helped streamline processes and reduce costs. However, while most people are relatively familiar with the term ‘the cloud’, perhaps fewer understand what the cloud is and how it works.
If you’ve heard that cloud networking can change how you work and are looking to migrate your company to cloud services but aren’t quite sure that involves, below is some overview information that might help.
What is cloud networking?
In essence, the term ‘the cloud’ simply refers to remote computing services that are delivered to a client, usually over the internet and normally on a pay-as-you-go structure. These services can encompass anything from storage solutions to providing processing power or running software. As these tasks are handled remotely on hugely powerful machines, it removes the burden from the device you might be using locally.
Popular examples of cloud services you probably use already
While you might not realize it, it’s very likely you already frequently use multiple cloud services. For example, if you have a Gmail, Spotify, Netflix, or Google Photos account, you’ve already benefitted from the tremendous power of cloud networking. None of these platforms would be possible without high levels of cloud computing integration.
What could cloud services bring to my company
There are numerous advantages to cloud computing and while different companies benefit in different ways, below are just a few ways the tech could streamline how you work:
Bulletproof security: Cybercrime is a massive problem and a constant threat for firms globally to the point that it’s estimated that 60% of all small companies that suffer a data breach go bust within six months of the attack. However, with a cloud networking provider that runs zero trust solutions, you’ll have industry-grade protection provided by skilled computer technicians. While no system could purport to be 100% safe, this is still far better than trying to run your own internal IT services.
Access to tech that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive: Setting up a traditional IT network was massively expensive – often prohibitively so, particularly for smaller firms. However, with a cloud service provider, you can gain access to powerful machines that would previously have been the preserve of much larger, much richer firms. This helps level the playing field between you and your rivals and will help give you a competitive advantage.
Make remote working a reality: Because cloud networks store your files and software remotely, they can be accessed anywhere your team can find an internet connection.
Easily and quickly scale your service provision: Your company’s IT requirements likely vary from month to month (if not even week to week). This constant ebb and flow of demand used to be a constant headache for network engineers that would find themselves needing to upgrade or downgrade services, often just for short periods and frequently resulting in equipment that lay dormant for long periods. However, with a cloud provider, upscaling or downscaling is easy as making a quick call to your service provider.
