Cloud computing: Is it transformational or trendy?

When it comes to the IT industry, in every few years a new trend emerges that becomes the next big thing in the area of technology. A concept that fits this description is cloud computing. But, before making the decision to opt for cloud computing, the user must understand the implications. Just like with other technologies, there are several advantages that can be reaped, but with the benefits, business risks should also be analyzed. 

When you make such an evaluation, it is extremely important that you keep your long term and short term needs in mind. In the recent years, most governments have forced all federal agencies to evaluate cloud computing to find out if cloud can benefit every agency. With such a push, it is expected for cloud computing to grow tremendously over the next years.

There are numerous advantages that cloud has gained. Cloud computing has been built upon the notion of economies of scale. One of the greatest things about the cloud concept is the prospective cost-savings advantages that can be gained especially by small businesses, startups and even large companies.

Cloud computing helps in getting rid of the high up-front cost that most companies usually are unable to afford, permitting for "infinite" on-demand resources, and offers the capacity to pay for resources as and when needed. It also gets rid of the need for highly trained personnel and special facilities dedicated to IT and requirement to upgrade software and hardware continually as company requirements change.

The main concerns that are inherent in cloud computing are privacy, security, cost and reliability. Security is certainly one of the most common reasons that organizations avoid moving to cloud. However, overall, cloud computing has the potential to transform the way companies handle their IT needs. With the government sectors evaluating its potential, cloud certainly has a very bright future ahead. However, it is important to choose a provider wisely.

Managed cloud security or on premise security: which is better?

Most businesses depend on cloud for managing risks and costs because it needs less up-front investment when it comes to software, hardware and licensing. Companies that are reluctant about trusting cloud-managed security normally believe that because of its dependence on the Internet, it is more vulnerable to virus attacks. However, the truth is, cloud proves to be more efficient in comparison to on premise security because of so many reasons.

When it comes to fee, security which is cloud-based offers an enterprise the freedom of a relatively low and fixed subscription cost which sets a predictable budget. When it comes to on premise security, there is the expense of hardware, administrative costs, licensing, and several other expenses.

The speed and cost of initial deployment is more favorable towards the cloud. Cloud demands comparatively lesser details for protecting web and email traffic, while on-premise requires important software and hardware installations with proper configurations. Moreover, the capital costs of licenses, server management will be far more than subscription costs of a cloud-service provider.

Business that make use of cloud security will have to pay a lot less in administrative costs as regular maintenance and tasks are handled by the cloud provider. On-site security necessitates daily administrative tasks including server maintenance and monitoring during downtimes, and the monitoring of every single security function. All these will require a potentially expensive dedicated IT staff for proper execution. Moreover, businesses with several mobile users will experience much sharper costs with security which is on-premise.

When it comes to scalability, cloud-security provides a lot more flexibility. The provider offering the cloud can grant the extra infrastructure and resources required for expansion. Scaling up with on-site security necessitates extra licensing and hardware, as well as right guesses pertaining to future needs that could limit future flexibility.

Cloud security usually surpasses anything that is available on-site, given the enterprise makes use of a competent and reputable provider. A capable provider can monitor constantly and update security as and when required.