Cloud computing - benefits and challenges

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is virtual space, where you can place any data. This applies to both private and company files, including:

• digital documents, for example employee personnel files or reports and statements;
• photographs and films, as well as multimedia presentations;
• spreadsheets with data on stakeholders, including customers;
• calendars and schedules;
• file backups.

In the cloud you can collect data in any format and any extension. It is also used to process and analyse data and edit files. It is a tool that will help you to run your company more efficiently, as it will lead to the optimisation of your business processes.

For whom is cloud computing a beneficial solution?

Cloud Computing is the ideal way to secure important data. This is why we recommend the cloud to anyone who cares about keeping confidential information in the right place.

The solution is particularly suitable for business owners, who want to ensure a smooth flow of information. This includes those who manage:

• online shops;
• portals operating on the web, for example news or entertainment;
• e-learning and social networking platforms;
• start-ups, i.e. start-ups.

Cloud computing is also a great option for public institutions, such as administrations, libraries or museums.

What are the advantages of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing generates benefits for both of a utilitarian as well as financial nature. Its use will allow you to streamline your business processes, as well as reduce the expenses incurred in collecting and processing data.

Lower costs of doing business

If you opt for Cloud Computing, your company's data management will cost significantly less than if you build your own infrastructure. Thanks to the cloud, you don't have to:

• set aside a separate room for the server room and purchase the necessary equipment, including disks for storing files;
• take care of the performance of the system by remembering to carry out regular maintenance;
• respond quickly in the event of a disaster by seeking specialists to restore the infrastructure to full capacity.

Under Cloud Computing, in return for a monthly fee, you will receive full support. It is the service provider's responsibility to ensure that stored files are always accessible, as well as to ensure that faults are resolved efficiently and that files are protected from unauthorised access. This allows you to focus on running your business and not lose valuable time in relation to data management.

Another important advantage of the cloud is that it will protect the data you have collected from damage or destruction. Even if your computer system crashes or is attacked by hackers, the data remains on the server and you can continue to use it. In this way, there is no risk that you will irretrievably lose extremely valuable information about your customers, for example.

Access to data from almost anywhere in the world

You can connect to the cloud via the Internet, using any device. It can be:

• a desktop or laptop computer;
• smartphone or tablet.

This gives you a broad perspective on data management. With Cloud Computing, you can conveniently view and process data when, for example, you work remotely or frequently move between different branches of the company. The solution is also ideal for project teams that operate in different parts of the world.

Flexibility in data management

There are different service delivery models available within the cloud, so you can choose one that fits your needs perfectly.

• SaaS consists of making certain functionalities available with the software;
• Iaas includes the provision of IT infrastructure, i.e. software and hardware;
• PaaS is a service in which the provider hands over an end-to-end working environment (platform).

Cloud Computing is the perfect solution for small, medium and large businesses alike. In the cloud, you can place exactly the amount of data you need. There is a huge amount of space at your disposal - up to several terabytes per user.

Another big advantage of Cloud Computing is that you can decide to increase your server space at any time. This may be needed, for example, if your company grows intensively and enters more markets, resulting in an influx of further data.

High level of data security

In the case of Cloud Computing, data security and privacy issues are particularly important. Providers use a variety of solutions in this area, for example:

• multi-level data encryption;
• firewalls;
• risk management and continuous monitoring of its level;
• identity and access management (IAM).

Cloud providers are furthermore obliged to ensure compliance with certain standards or laws. This is, for example, the RODO, the Data Protection Regulation.

When using Cloud Computing, you therefore do not have to worry about confidential data leaking out and being used by hackers to commit cybercrimes. This is very important from the point of view of protecting company-secret information. Cloud computing will effectively protect company data from cyber attacks, for example phishing, which could lead to identity theft.

What are the challenges of Cloud Computing?

Using the cloud is very convenient, but it can involve some difficulties or risks. To prevent them prematurely, pay particular attention to:

• possible unavailability of services caused, for example, by a power failure - you can protect yourself against this with an emergency power supply;
• potential dependence on a cloud provider as a result of the inability to migrate from one cloud to another;
• supplier liability in the face of cloud bankruptcy - What matters is who will take over the entity and whether services will continue to be provided.

In addition, major challenges are posed by security of stored data. This applies not only to their protection against hacker attacks or ensuring regulatory compliance, but also to the location of servers and how and when data is recovered after a disaster.

Cloud computing - examples of good practice when using Cloud Computing

When using Cloud Computing, it is a good idea to keep some safety rules, which will reduce the risk of data loss. These include:

• the use of multi-level authentication;
• communication encryption;
• securing company computers and phones with anti-virus software.

It is worth carrying out in the company training for employees, through which they will learn how to use the Cloud safely. During them, it can be emphasised, for example, that Cloud Computing should not be used on public internet networks, which generate a high risk of cyber attacks.

If your company uses cloud computing, it is worthwhile invest in proven security systems. They will create additional protection against cyber threats. One of the most effective is access control, The system can be used to monitor who is entering a company's premises, thereby protecting the premises and office buildings from unauthorised access. It is worth ordering such a system from an experienced and trusted partner, who will develop a solution perfectly tailored to your company's needs.