Cloud computing solutions are becoming more and more popular everyday and yet industry experts say that the potential for cloud computing services is exponential. While more and more people are opting to use the internet based services for the support of business processes, it is vital that any business should first counterbalance the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. After carefully weighing cloud computing pros and cons, the business can make an informed decision to use the services of the cloud.
Pros of Cloud Computing
When you store data in the cloud, you can access it from anywhere and at anytime. Anyone who has access through the use of a password can be able to access it. This makes the storage of information through cloud computing very collaborative and if you want to share information through a network, this is easily achievable.
It is advantageous for businesses to use cloud computing services because of scalability factors. When you use a cloud application, you can scale it higher when your business grows and when you don’t have too much need for it, you can scale it lower. You can do this without having to worry about the need for any upgrades of hardware.
Cloud computing makes the issues of compatibility disappear and regardless of whichever system you use, you don’t have to worry about this. It is now even possible to access data in the cloud using mobile devices depending on the type of service one uses.
Cloud computing is inexpensive and there are no upfront costs associate with it. You don’t have to invest in any software but instead, you pay a subscription fee on a determined period of time.
It is also advantageous to use cloud computing services because of the degree of security that’s maintained by vendors in comparison to small business owners. Lastly, it is quite easy to integrate cloud applications and users can easily add additionally required functions if they want to.
Cons of Cloud Computing
Most people have expressed concerns regarding the security of cloud computing services. Such concerns are related to the loss of data or the risk of intrusion into information stored over the cloud by an outsider. While this might be a major concern, the degree of security offered by cloud computing is usually at a higher level as compared to what an individual or a small business can offer.
Another disadvantage that many people look at when looking at cloud computing companies is cost. Cloud computing has no upfront costs. However, when you consider that you have to make payments through subscriptions, the costs involved might be higher than making a one time purchase of the kind of solutions that you require.
When you consider cloud computing pros and cons, the pros definitely ought to weigh the cons given the fact that cloud computing is a great business tool. Businesses must however consider the facts and look at their options and determine which one between cloud computing pros and cons are on the weightier side.