What Is Cloud Computing?

Essentially, a is the use of hardware and software to access remote servers through the internet. These servers can host, manage, and store data as well as software that let you work with your data. Instead of storing your data and working on software that’s installed on your PC or Mac, you access everything from the cloud. You basically turn hardware-based data processes into services.

The key to using cloud computing is to have solid IT infrastructure. You may think that investing in good computers and a stable internet connection is too expensive and that you can just stick to rigs that merely function, but you’re mistaken. If you store your data at your location and rely on your own software, you might end up paying more for software licenses, data storage options, and security for your files.

What the cloud can do

What services and applications can you expect to be included in your cloud? For starters, you can get email, messaging, spreadsheet, word processing, presentation, desktop publishing and even phone services. Chances are, you already have an email account, and that means you’ve already used the cloud. You log in to your email remotely from any computer or device that has a browser or app. The app accesses the cloud and your email account. So you see, your cloud experience is going to be just like that. You access an account from any computer or device and work with your data and services.

What you pay for

What you pay cloud computing service providers every month goes to the shared usage of the service provider’s network, servers and applications. You may think that a monthly fee to access your data and applications is too much, but think of the alternative. You have to buy storage and software licenses for a whole suite of applications for each computer you plan to use for work. Although you only pay for it one time, your expenses for each computer is multiplied by how many units you have. It’s quite the investment.

Conversely, cloud computing only asks you to pay for their interfacing software and a monthly fee that all your workstations can access. That’s right, only one fee for all your computers. You don’t need separate monthly upkeeps for your PCs. In fact, your service provider probably doesn’t even keep track of how many computers you authorize to access your data and services.

Why it’s worth it

So why should you change up to cloud computing services for your computers? Take a look at the following:

1. Work remotely.
2. Lower hardware expenses.
3. Gives you data security.
4. Cut back expenses for software licenses.
5. Save on space, since you don’t have to buy storage devices.
6. Diminish IT support costs.