Cloud computing, business benefits and risks
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When speaking of what is cloud computing, some people may think of file storage and synchronization services such as iCloud on iPhone and iPad or Google Drive on Android. The fact is that storage is only one part of cloud computing and there are more to discover about it. Generally, Microsoft Azure defined cloud computing as the delivery computer services, servers, storage databases, networking, software, analytics, intelligence and more over the Internet, offer faster innovation flexible resources and economies of scale. It can be seen that after everything came into a digital platform, the internet connected people and information from around the world together. It offers various benefits to a business enterprise as follows:
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Cost Reduction
Perhaps, the cost is one of the most significant interest for every business, benefits of using cloud computing will help a company reduce IT cost (infrastructure, software, and equipment). You may invest for other noteworthy factors rather than spend on hardware or licensing.
Scalability
IT things might sound problematic without expert staff. You might not be sure which system to use or how to install and process. Cloud computing service provider can help you find the right system for your business. For those businesses such as Startup or SME, cloud computing allows them to scale up or scale down the operation and storage depends on the situation.
Flexible
There is no question about that, it allows to set up a business system and you can access and connect to your business easier from everywhere. It is practical for multinational business as well when offices might be located in different countries. For example, cloud computing is beneficial in the airline industry, allows staff to deal with vast quantities of data globally in order to keep up with a customer and runs the operation.
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There are more benefits of cloud computing which not mention; however, cloud computing also comes with risks. On the flipside, as its more comfortable and faster because of the internet, thus it easier for an unwanted party to access that information. Security is always the most problematic issue mentioned concerned on cloud computing from every size business. Unfortunately, because everything is host and upload to the internet, hackers might use this spot to cause damage or to steal sensitive data from systems. For instance, in 2016, LinkedIn (business-focused social network) reported 6 million user passwords were stolen and posted for sale on the dark web by hackers. This showed us that unexpected event could also happen even with the big website.
In my personal opinion, the best cost of action to reduce security breaches is to invest in a well-secured system (robust data protection policies and compliance awareness) and staff. Because we do not know when will it happens, the faster of the development of technology means those hackers will have newer ways to hack as well. Always keep up with updated technology, make sure you know how to use it properly, and it will be safe.