For small businesses cloud computing (AKA Infrastructure as a Service) is a fairly new delivery model of Information Technology Services. In a nutshell, it  enables using servers online to host your Applications, data, and content (i.e. email, document management, and database applications) . Cloud computing can be seen as a logical evolution in outsourcing IT services.

Advantages and Benefits

• Low upfront costs. You don’t need to invest huge amounts in your own servers. A good comparison is when you decide to lease a car as opposed to buying. The initial cost is low, but it adds up in the long run. You will still need IT service to develop, enable, configure, and support the infrastructure. However, initial Infrastructure investments are freed. 
• Easily Scale. you are able to increase computing capacity as you need it. No need to configure or purchase new hardware. Just pay for the extra capacity and it is enabled instantly.
• Easy Deployment: because cloud computing is a virtualized environment, it is easy to clone a pre-configured system and deploy it in a new environment. In essence, you get the advantages of virtualization without the huge initial investment.
• Failover Capability: failover capability is available typically at an extra cost. This allows for a more reliable and resilient network environment.

Disadvantages

• Integration: Not all applications are ready to reside on a cloud. Furthermore, moving applications to the cloud can demand the integration of existing local networks with cloud networks. 

• Loss of Control: This means no control over one of a businesses most precious assest: data. In some cases it is easy to export information. In others, it is nearly impossible to extract information from the cloud application.

• Security: security, privacy and compliancy is still difficult for cloud solutions. Especially for public cloud services. Physical location of hardware and software is unknown. Site inspections and audits are hard. Failure to compliance is a potential issue. (i.e. HIPAA, SOX, PCI, SAS 70 and audits).

Think you might benefit from Cloud Computing? Call Helpnet at 305-408-3072.