Cloud computing is another name for storing data and applications remotely instead of on your premises. Although this system of online data storage has been in use for some time, it has gained increasing popularity in recent years.
Cloud computing is easy and convenient, potentially cutting IT costs and dramatically speeding up your operations. It renders financial sense in the corporate world by ensuring businesses do not need to spend heavily on data storage or server maintenance. However, when even giant institutes and big companies are having a significantly tough enough time keeping their users’ personal information safe and secure from cyber criminals and data breaches, how could the same be safe when it is stored in ‘the cloud?’
Despite the significant rise and popularity of public cloud platforms offered by Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services, hardly ten percent of the world’s data is stored in the cloud. Technology experts explore the cloud security issue and why it is still unsafe in many ways.
The Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
The critical idea of cloud computing is that one’s data and information are stored online, readily available, and accessible from any internet-ready device whenever needed. It is a clear idea that immensely tempts companies to seek ways to cut their data storage costs. Eventually, an online data storage facility seems like a feasible alternative to purchasing costly servers for data storage and retaining an IT expert to look after them.
Before you go for cloud computing, consider how certain disadvantages of cloud storage could affect your organization.
Possible Downtime
With cloud computing, your business depends on the reliability of your internet connection. Thus, when it is disconnected, eventually, you are inactive. It is similar when your business’s bookkeeping aspects are maintained on online software; you cannot access them offline. If your company has frequent internet connectivity issues, cloud computing may not be appropriate for your business.
Security Issues
Although you may find cloud platforms acceptable for your favorite music and public pictures, when a business stores their clients’ personal information on the cloud, the company could suffer a severe cyber security attack that can eventually widen the organization; this is because you do not have a concrete idea of where you are storing your data; thus, you do not know whether your data is secure or not. The primary level of data security is all about physically protecting the actual hardware that holds the data.
Likewise, an equally vital concern, especially for government institutes and the military, is that the employees who have access to all the data as part of their employment can also threaten the servers’ security. As an entrepreneur, you need to determine whether the security levels that a cloud data storage company provides can offset cloud computing’s significant security disadvantages.
Cost
To ensure you save money, you must diligently look at the details and pricing plans for each cloud application, considering future possible expansion. If your company does not need the latest, updated software versions annually, the desktop application can be a more affordable option in the long run. If your organization involves data migration, you must know that data transfers to the inbound cloud are free. However, outbound data transfers accompany monthly charges on a per GB basis.
Inflexibility
Another drawback of cloud computing is the inflexibility of some cloud apps. Some cloud vendors deliberately make it difficult, expensive, or even impossible for their customers to migrate from one cloud to another. Thus, do the necessary prior research and ensure you are switching to the cloud that offers optimal flexibility for now and in the future.
Customer Support
Although earlier cloud computing’s customer service was terrible, many vendors have improved it now. However, better customer service comes at a price. Even Google’s basic viz. silver, a support package for its cloud platforms, presently costs $150/month. Suppose your company requires an instant response to client support concerns. In that case, you must make sure that the cloud services vendor under consideration has several options available for necessary technical support, such as email, live chat, phone, user forums, and knowledge bases.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.