Cloud computing is nothing new, but in recent years, the term has been bandied around in the world of business computing more and more. Cloud computing refers to using the online world for a large portion of computing power, storing data and using Web-based applications. In fact, most of us already use some form of cloud computing every day, such as Web-based email, social networking and free online storage.
In the business world, it is also steadily becoming more popular, with a greater number of self storage companies relying on it and with good reason too. Using the cloud to fulfill the majority of a company’s information technology needs has many advantages, although it is also not without its drawbacks.
Improved Mobility
Today, both our personal and working lives are becoming ever more influenced by the virtual world. No longer do people exclusively access the Web by the stationary desktop computer; people now use the internet while on the move as well. Cloud computing greatly increases your business’s mobility.
Since cloud computing refers to using the Web for performing most, if not all, business-related IT tasks. It is not reliant on physical location and all that is required is a reliable and sufficiently fast internet connection. A basic example of cloud computing which is available for free to anyone, both home and businesses included, is the many services offered by Google. In addition to Web-based email, Google offers online storage, an entirely Web-based word processor and spreadsheet application and much more.
For businesses, there are a huge and constantly expanding range of cloud computing services available which provide Web-based bookkeeping, data storage, file sharing, office productivity and more. Instead of having to stay working with one computer or connected to the same corporate network, businesses can make a great deal of their operations completely location-independent.
Computers also come in many different forms with a practically never-ending range of possible configurations, but Web-based applications do not pay much attention to this. You can access your cloud computing applications and services from almost any device connected to the internet. It doesn’t matter if it’s running Windows, Linux, OS X or even if it’s a smartphone or tablet computer.
Saving Money
Cloud computing also saves money. It provides both software and hardware without needing to have everything stored and operating locally. To use Web-based applications, you generally don’t need to install anything on the local computer and you can access them using any modern browser. This greatly decreases the number of costly man hours it takes to deploy and upgrade systems. If, for example, your self storage company is upgrading ten computers to a more recent edition of Microsoft Office, the task can easily take an entire day or even two. If you are using Web-based office applications, the provider will take care of all upgrades automatically.
Some cloud computing services allow you to access better hardware. This is known as hardware as a service or HaaS. For example, if your self storage business requires enormous amounts of data storage and processing power, there are cloud computing services which can take a great deal of the workload off your hands rather than having to have all of the expensive hardware yourself.
Decreased Risk
Cloud computing services are largely independent from on-site hardware and software. This means that they are supported by their suppliers and, when things go wrong, the problem is usually their responsibility and not the fault of your own company’s hardware or software.
Online backup services also present a major advantage of cloud computing. Having your company’s on-site data storage devices failing, ultimately leading to loss of crucial data, can be a financial disaster for any company. Fortunately, using the cloud for backing up things like essential corporate data, self storage customer information and bookkeeping records adds an entirely new layer of security. With online backup services, your data will usually be stored on multiple servers around the world. Even if there is a complete failure of all data storage in your business, everything can safely be backed up on remote servers.
Disadvantages
Cloud computing is not perfect and, for many types of businesses, it is not suitable to rely on entirely. With cloud computing, you are essentially placing a great deal of responsibility with someone else, albeit with the aforementioned advantages. This is why it is extremely important to carry out your research with time and care when it comes to finding suitable cloud computing services. There are plenty of reputable companies and Web-based software for a wide variety of businesses, but there are also those which are plagued by poor reliability and, even worse, inadequate security standards.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing provides an excellent opportunity for smaller self storage businesses with lower-budget IT departments. The move to cloud computing should not be rushed into, however. The best approach is to start by moving just one or two of your business’s applications over to the Web.
If you’d like to learn more about how cloud computing could help your self storage business feel free to reach out to StorageAlly for a free consultation today.
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