Cloud computing is something that confuses a lot of users, so before we go on to talk about why people think it sucks, let’s first provide a quick definition.
“Cloud computing is the process of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data. Instead of accessing files, software and even your desktop from your computer’s hard drive, you access them over the internet.”
Does cloud computing really suck or are people failing to understand how they can use it beneficially?
Cloud computing is not the first technology to raise concerns from users, nor will it be the last. As with every piece of technology people tend to talk more about the negatives than the positives, which often results in others coming to the conclusion that it ‘sucks’ and should never be used before they have even had time to try it themselves.
But is it safe? What happens if I lose my data (“in a cloud”)? How do I contact people in the cloud? These are just some of the common concerns surrounding cloud computing. Luckily for you, we’re here to straighten out some of the myths regarding this actually, rather wonderful technology.
Your data can get deleted
One of the main concerns people have about cloud computing is that they will lose all control of their data because it will no longer be stored on their hard drives. But just because you store your data in the cloud, it doesn’t mean it is going to be deleted or lost by the host.
Choose Green Cloud Hosting and you’ll never have to worry about losing your data and files again. All of your data will be triple backed up across our three UK data centres. This means that even if one of them is burnt to the ground, you will still be able to operate carefree because your data will remain nice and safe.
We will store your data on our secure servers in our data centres that are monitored by IT staff and security workers.
Cloud computing isn’t secure
Time and time again we hear people saying ‘cloud computing isn’t secure’ and ‘it’ll leave you vulnerable to hacking’ but this just isn’t true. Our cloud computing solutions are actually more secure than traditional desktop solutions. All of your data will be stored and processed on our secure servers in data centres that are protected and monitored by our staff and security.
In order to access your data you will have to enter a username and password, so not any old hacker will be able to get in. Even if for some reason they managed it, all of your data is completely encrypted so it can’t be read, erased or corrupted in any way.
All of our cloud computing solutions benefit from enterprise security.
Cloud vendors lock you into lengthy contracts
Another reason why cloud computing sucks? Because vendors lock you into lengthy contracts that you can’t get out of, even if you are unhappy with the service.
Again this is not at all true, at least not here at Green Cloud Hosting. We provide flexible cloud computing contracts that are designed to give users freedom of choice. We even provide thirty day free trials of all our cloud computing solutions, so that customers can see if they like what we have to offer, before they spend any money.
As well as providing flexible contracts, we also give you the option to pay as you go. This means you can use our services as and when you need to. If you decide that you no longer want to use our services, you can simply cancel them in real time.
Of course it’s highly unlikely that you will want to swap to a different cloud provider once you have tried Green Cloud Hosting. Unlike other providers, we give you the option to increase or decrease your cloud computing solutions as your business needs change. Our services are completely scalable and tailored to the individual needs and requirements of your business.
Cloud vendors do not provide enough support
Many companies believe that once they have handed over their money to cloud vendors they will be left to fend for themselves and won’t be able to contact a ‘real’ person. Whilst this might be the case with some cloud vendors, it certainly isn’t true of Green Cloud Hosting.
We provide comprehensive support including migration assistance and expert advice to those that require it. We also have a team of friendly cloud hosting experts on hand to provide support when you need it. You can contact us by email, live chat or if you want to talk to a ‘real’ person, you can just give us a call and we’ll even promise to speak in plain English!
The benefits of cloud computing
Now we’ve straightened out some of the myths regarding cloud computing and can firmly say it doesn’t ‘suck,’ let’s talk about some of the benefits of cloud computing and why it is so great.
Reduce your costs
Businesses can significantly reduce their costs by moving their IT infrastructures to the cloud. Outsourcing the management of their IT systems to a third party provider like Green Cloud Hosting will mean that they can avoid employing expensive in-house IT experts. Instead you’ll just pay a small monthly fee and it will cover both the cloud computing solutions and any support you require.
Access to the latest software and hardware
With cloud computing, you’ll always have access to the latest software and hardware. There will be no need to worry about buying multiple software licenses, as your software will be provided as a service through the cloud. This can significantly help to reduce your costs and gives SMEs the chance to use the latest software and hardware, which may have previously been out of their price range.
24/7 cloud access from anywhere
One of the great things about storing your files, software and hardware in the cloud is that you can access it from any location, using any device. As long as you have your username and password and a secure internet connection, you will be able to access the information and applications you need.
Room to grow
With our cloud computing solutions, there is always room for businesses to grow. We provide scalable solutions that allow businesses to continue providing high levels of output and achieve great efficiency, whether they scale up or down.
Conclusion
If you have been considering the pros and cons of cloud computing, we hope that we have provided you with enough information to show you that it most definitely doesn’t suck! If you want something that sucks, well try a lollipop instead!
About us
Green Cloud Hosting are a leading UK Cloud Solutions Provider headquartered in Manchester, UK. We deliver our Cloud based solutions to over 250 organisations both in the UK and worldwide that require highly stable, secure and reliable Cloud services.
If you would like any more information about our cloud computing solutions or to discuss your unique needs and requirements simply give us a call on 0800 019 3878.
Image credits: perspec_photo88, penguincakes and perspec_photo88
