Cloud-Based Software 101
Strikeworks is a Los Angeles IT company, specializing in managed IT support services, cyber security and cloud computing resources, encompassing all technological aspects of your business. Cloud based services are software or applications hosted on the vendor’s server on the customer’s behalf, and available remotely. They offer reliability and flexibility, performance and scalability. Read on for a discussion about cloud-based services to help your business evolve and grow.
The costs involved in building and maintaining IT infrastructure continue to rise. Intuitive user interface designs and transformative technology are driving the transition to cloud-based services. Cloud services are internet provided IT resources via private or public clouds, or a hybrid combination of both. Vendors provide all uptime for cloud-based services, so customers can access and utilize them at any time.
Let’s discuss the difference between cloud-based services, web services, and hosted solutions. A web service is an application program interface, which provides data that applications consume. A cloud-based service offers remote resources as a service for users. Cloud services provide access to server infrastructure managed by the cloud provider for data access and storage, scalability, system upgrades and security. Web services provide developers with different methods to integrate an application over the internet, allowing data sharing without needing access to systems beyond the company’s firewall.
Hosted solutions include a company purchasing a solution in-house; and being responsible for its maintenance. The company maintains physical control over backup processes, with critical information remaining in-house, as opposed to with a third-party provider. This can be cost effective for small to medium sized businesses, as they don’t need an internet connection to access data.
Another choice for hosted solutions is a third-party host, offering a level of uptime guaranteed in the contract. Third party providers offer disaster recovery, and cost savings as the off-site provider hosts and maintains the hardware. Utilizing a third-party hosted solution requires forfeiting some level of data control, which could be risky if data gets lost, stolen, corrupted, or deleted.
Companies who buy and maintain in-house solutions require investments in hardware and infrastructure, dedicated IT support and adequate server rack space. There is no uptime or recovery time guarantee, and data may be more susceptible to loss in the event of a disaster. As a company grows, more power must be added to an existing machine, so that vertical scaling may be challenging. As there is no backup server, the viability of an application is tied to a single location.
A fully digital platform provides enterprise grade technology without the capital expense. Maintenance and support costs associated with in-house staff are drastically reduced. Depending upon business requirements and personal preference, an entire infrastructure or just parts of it can be moved online. Converting to online operations is the only way to keep current, effectively scale infrastructure, and maximize potential.
A major concern with moving from legacy IT systems to cloud-based services is integration of new technology. This can be difficult, expensive, and is time consuming. Another issue with cloud-based services is data security. Storing important and sensitive data on the cloud may not always be the best solution for highly regulated companies. There also may be hidden fees with cloud migration, including IT staff training, data storage and access.
It is important for companies to be honest with their expectations when dealing with vendors of cloud-based services, and important for vendors to define their policies regarding disaster recovery and backup processes. If you are in need of IT consulting or support, infrastructure or cybersecurity, reach out to us. We’re here to help!