To mix my metaphors a tsunami of cloud computing coming towards us!
Cloud computing will undoubtedly be a massive change to the underlying computing architecture that we all use today.
Cloud computing driven by business, not just the IT industry
Usually the push comes almost exclusively from IT companies. IT companies drive changes in technology even though users are unwilling. This time, the impetus for IT change is coming from both users and the IT industry.
Both small businesses and users are interested in cloud computing as they mistakenly perceive it simplifies computing. it doesn’t
If anything, there’s a case to be made that locating applications and data on a variety of different servers away from users’ offices in different hosting centers is more complex.
IT support companies manage IT complexity
Cloud computing doesn’t reduce IT complexity, but it hides complexity from users, and computer users find it attractive.
I’ve talked to companies who think that because their servers aren’t in the office, everything will work perfectly all the time. That’s clearly not rational, but business users really want the server out of their office.
It has really surprised me how badly companies want to get rid of their server.
It misleads them into thinking that there is no complexity because they cannot see the servers.
Out of sight, out of mind!
Cloud computing is in the early adoption stage
We are still in its early adoption stage. As a result, it is not available “out of the box” and may not be as reliable or user friendly as users expect.
6 Questions That Determine If Cloud Computing Is Right For Your Business Right Now
- Is your Internet connection fast enough? If you use the cloud 100%, you will be able to access all your data and applications through the Internet. Is your connection fast enough for all that traffic?
- Is your Internet connection reliable enough? In some places the internet goes down from time to time. If you do, you will have lost all access to your data and applications. A backup internet line is recommended.
- Is the additional bandwidth affordable? With all that traffic coming through your Internet connection, you’ll usually need more Internet bandwidth. If you are forced to upgrade to a fiber line, is it affordable for the business?
- Are the users concentrated in one location or spread across many small locations? Cloud computing is ideal for a large number of small offices or remote users. With few users at each location, an expensive broadband link is not required. However, if you have a large number of users in a single location, you will need a large and expensive broadband connection.
- Will your apps work? Not all apps work on this type of architecture, so you should check with app providers first.
- Has his IT support Does the company have experience in cloud computing? Not all IT companies will. I suspect you won’t want to learn them at your expense! Cloud computing places additional demands on your IT support company’s remote access and communications technology knowledge. If they don’t have the experience, find one that does.
Cloud computing: if not now, when?
If after asking these 6 questions you decide it’s not right for your business, don’t give it up entirely. Just delay it.
The clouds move fast! A year from now, the IT climate may be better for you, so keep testing the temperature with the 6 questions.