The term Cloud Computing stands for data centres available to several users over the Internet. A few years ago, IT organizations were sceptical regarding utilizing cloud computing technology as part of their IT strategy. However, there is no doubt in their minds today as they are devising strategies to leverage it as per their business requirements.
Adopting cloud computing technology can significantly influence business growth by reducing expenditure on resources and making processes more efficient. For a better understanding of this concept, here are the significant advantages of cloud computing technology:
Cloud hosting saves money
Adopting new technology is often expensive but this is where cloud computing technology shines. Since everything is hosted on the service provider’s server, one doesn’t need to invest in any kind of hardware or data centre. It can save the money that would otherwise have been spent on maintenance.
Built-in scalability
In one’s own data centre, to increase computing capacity, one needs to buy, install and configure a new server. While that may seem well and good, two scenarios require consideration. Firstly, if the increased capacity is required only for a limited time, the amount of money invested in those resources will pretty much go to waste. Secondly, if the demand comes unexpectedly, will it be possible to get the server up and running in time?
With cloud computing, such scenarios don’t arise because scalability comes built-in. If a sudden surge in traffic is experienced and demands extra resources, one can instantly increase the computing capacity. Scaling down after the traffic subsides can also be achieved with ease. Cloud provides increased agility and cost-effective resourcing which is essential for business growth.
Advantage over competitors
Since almost no time is wasted for the applications to go online, it gives a massive strategic advantage over one’s competitors who haven’t adopted cloud computing technology yet.
No downtime
Since businesses are dependent on applications for running crucial operations, downtime can cause serious losses. If the server fails, the entire business might come to a screeching halt, and getting back online can often be a tedious process.
However, with cloud computing, there are almost zero risks of facing downtime. Since the clients are hosted on virtual machines, they can be transferred from one place to another within the clustered server quickly. The cloud’s hyper-converged design protects businesses from all sorts of malfunctions including hard disk and server failure.
Faster performance
Cloud computing offers high-performance servers with state-of-the-art technologies including powerful CPUs and super-fast SSD drives. Also, clients’ requests are routed in a way that maximizes speed and capacity utilization. If one server experiences a heavy load, it can be easily transferred to other servers in the cluster. It ensures that no server suffers from performance issues.
New apps can run quicker than before
Getting new applications to run smoothly was a herculean task before cloud computing. Cloud-based applications, however, have significantly reduced the time required for successful execution. Since a large number of cloud-based applications can be used instantly after signup, one can start leveraging the power of AI and ML applications as soon as they migrate to the cloud.
Better security
An organization’s data is safer on the cloud than on the servers. Cloud service providers have to comply with several strict security regulations to safeguard their clients’ data. They do so by utilizing robust firewall technologies loaded with intrusion prevention systems and in-flow virus protection. They are adept at identifying and isolating threats before they can reach your server.
Brings flexibility to the table
Cloud computing brings a great deal of flexibility to the table. Since it is internet-based, the employees can access files from anywhere, which enables remote working. Businesses that migrated to the cloud had a relatively easier time switching to the remote working model during the pandemic. Also, by enabling remote working, cloud computing offers the option to reduce infrastructural expenses.
Conclusion
Cloud computing technology provides several benefits to businesses. It’s affordable, flexible, capable of saving time and money, secure, and highly efficient. All in all, cloud computing contributes significantly to growth.
[The author of the article is Abhishek Agarwal, President – Judge India (Global Delivery) at The Judge Group]
