Cloud computing is a relatively new trend in the IT world. Firms are moving their applications and software to the cloud because this is thought to be the economical thing to do. We say it is the economical thing to do primarily because these businesses are looking for ways to cut down on their operation cost.
If your business has been relying on traditional IT infrastructure to deliver the much-needed IT support services, you might be tempted to join the rest of business owners who are embracing cloud computing. If you have been contemplating a shift from traditional IT to a cloud-based platform, you should read on to see the difference between the two and find out the benefits that will accrue to your firm for taking such a move.
Traditional IT Infrastructure
A traditional IT infrastructure comprises of various pieces of hardware owned by a firm which are connected to a network through a remote server. A firm having this type of IT infrastructure
has to purchase all the hardware, hire IT staff and pay rent for the space that the IT department will occupy plus the space that will be occupied by the servers. Employees working for the firm will be able to access apps and stored data by logging in at their workstations. The IT department will be tasked with the responsibility of updating the software and upgrading the servers to ensure that they perform optimally. If an upgrade is needed in order to increase the capacity of the servers to handle increased traffic, the firm will have to incur some additional costs by purchasing the hardware and software needed to execute the upgrade. Traditional IT infrastructures are ideal for organizations that need a customized system that is dedicated to deliver in line with the goals of the firm.
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Cloud Computing
Cloud computing varies markedly from traditional IT infrastructure in that all servers, apps, networks, and software are hosted in the cloud. The cloud is off the premises and it constitutes of a real-time virtual environment which a firm can rent space in and have all their IT resources hosted there. Cloud computing enables firms to cut down their expenditure on it. Here are the main differences between cloud hosting and traditional IT infrastructure:
i. Resilience and Elasticity
In cloud computing, the software and apps are hosted and distributed across a number of servers meaning that if one of the servers fails, the others will be able to continue to function as usual and that there will be no data loss. Servers have better computing power and they also offer expandable storage space. On the other hand, traditional IT systems cannot promise uninterrupted server performance. They are susceptible to downtime and as thus they can hinder workplace productivity.ii. Ability to Automate
Cloud hosting can easily be automated by the cloud service provider. If you run an accounting firm for nonprofit organizations, you can rely on the cloud to run your accounting system and streamline the process of how to fund accounting for nonprofit organizations. By so doing, you will be able to give access to your clients to access their accounts remotely from the servers. Traditional IT systems must be managed on site and it is impossible to access it remotely.iii. Flexible and scalable
The resources used in cloud computing can be scaled up or down depending on demand. The virtual space in a cloud computer has unlimited storage space and if need be, more server resources can be allocated to the firm on request. This ability to scale up and down enables firms to save during off-peak periods and have sufficient server resources during peak periods. This is not the case for traditional IT systems whose cost cannot be varied based on the website traffic.Parting Shot
As seen from the three key differences discussed above, it is clear that cloud computing promises more benefits that traditional IT infrastructure. If you are still using traditional IT systems, it is time to shift to the cloud. Consider shifting today.By 
Kevin Faber |
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Kevin Faber is the CEO of Silver Summit Capital. He graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. in Business/Managerial Economics. In his free time, Kevin is usually watching basketball or kicking back and reading a good book. | |
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