Here at Reality Solutions, we are very much at the forefront of technology and have been using cloud computing for more years than we can remember now! However, there are still lots of businesses still using traditional IT methods, so we thought we would run through the pros and cons of each.
Every business needs secure, efficient IT infrastructure that is flexible enough to work for the individual business. Traditional IT infrastructure tends to rely on various physical servers to store data, along with other pieces of hardware. These tend to be stored on-site, and allow easy access for employees to access business data.
Cloud computing has evolved as a result of many issues that traditional computing caused. With regards to infrastructure, all servers and hardware are located off-premises and are accessible digitally from anywhere in the world. Data is stored securely in the cloud, removing the need for purchasing expensive hardware.
As you have probably guessed, traditional IT infrastructure relies on the hardware installed on site, which means that when you begin to run out of either storage space or processing power, you will need to purchase another server. Again, if you are growing your business and hiring more staff, you’ll need to buy more equipment and software licenses too.
With cloud computing, there is the potential for unlimited storage space & resources, providing ultimate flexibility for businesses. Cloud computing is a much better solution for new businesses at the start of their journey, as it allows for easy growth.
You may think that having data stored on the cloud can be easily accessible by everyone and not safe, but that is actually not the case. By working with a cloud hosting provider, such as Reality Solutions, ensuring a high level of security is their (or our) responsibility. Data loss should not be a concern, as all of your data will be backed up across various servers in the network.
The main concern with traditional IT systems is that data is stored at the business premises. This means that it is more liable to accidental damage (fire or flooding), and it can be difficult to carry out a complete backup without pausing business operations. It is entirely the responsibility of the business to keep this data safe & secure with traditional IT infrastructure.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Cost is at the forefront of every business owner’s minds, so how does cloud computing compare to traditional IT? With traditional methods, you will have to pay upfront for servers and hardware, which can be very costly depending on the size of your business. It is worth noting that hardware does depreciate over time too, and may need replacing further down the line which can be an added expense you hadn’t factored in.
With cloud computing, the hosting and maintenance costs will be paid to the third-party provider you have chosen to look after your hosting, and this is usually a monthly fee which you can budget for in advance. With this option, it means you won’t have to hire an internal IT team to look after the hardware, which reduces costs significantly. You will also only pay for the storage space you need, so it works out as being more cost-effective.
If you would like more information on Reality Cloud, our very own cloud hosting system then please get in touch with the team today. We can make the transition from traditional to cloud computing nice and smooth, leaving you with nothing to worry about. Call us today on 01482 828000.
*This article contains general information in order to assist all of our customers and is meant for guidance only – there are no guarantees that the information we provide will be suitable for your particular needs. If you require specific assistance, we recommend that you seek professional guidance on your individual circumstances. Reality Solutions are in no way responsible for any loss or damage arising from any information contained within our articles.