Many different companies all over the world are now using cloud-based software, regardless of their size. Several businesses decided to migrate to the cloud to allow their companies to grow further.
Many experts believe that the trend to move to cloud computing would only increase in the coming years.
One-third of Australia’s business sector use cloud-based systems, 85% use cloud computing software services, and 60% use the cloud for storage purposes. On a global basis, it is foreseen that 83% of enterprise workloads will be in the cloud by 2020.
To better understand why many businesses are turning to the cloud instead of their traditional systems, one must know the various advantages of cloud computing as well as their disadvantages.
ADVANTAGES OF CLOUD-BASED SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
Cost-Efficient
Cloud computing is arguably the most cost-efficient computing solution there is. Compared to the traditional computing solutions reliant on software, businesses can save a lot more from the cloud than others.
There is also no cost in infrastructure since your computing solution would be dependent on your cloud service provider. There is no need to invest in more hardware or infrastructure when using cloud-based systems which would otherwise include servers, ISP connections, network devices, storage, and software.
Cloud users can go for a one-time payment, pay-as-you-go, or other payment options available, making it reasonable for various companies to invest in them.
Huge Storage
Most cloud services provide a free, secure, and large storage space to store your company’s valuable information. Should you exhaust your storage space, you can opt to purchase a plan that would allow you to save more files.
Several cloud service providers have been able to store files amounting to around 100 petabytes or 100 million gigabytes. Amazon is speculated to have been able to store about 900 petabytes worth of information.
Backup and Recovery
Losing data on a physical device can be difficult for people but being able to back up the files in the cloud means it is much easier to retrieve copies of them. All you need is to regularly backup all your data in case your original copy is accidentally deleted or lost due to hard drive crashes or other situations that would result in data loss.
Most cloud service providers are capable enough to handle such data recovery, which would then keep you from worrying about having a hard time retrieving them.
Automatic Software Integration
Software integration usually occurs automatically when it comes to cloud-based systems. Automatic integration and updates would make it hassle-free for users to use the system.
Users also won’t need to conduct manual updates with their software, letting them use the latest features of the software without any worries.
Accessibility
A business that uses cloud-based systems would enable both business owners and employees to access the cloud anywhere as long as they are connected to the internet. This feature is essential for businesses that wish to spread its influence to different countries as business travellers can have access to their company’s files remotely, especially when needed unexpectedly.
DISADVANTAGES OF CLOUD-BASED SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
There may be a large number of benefits attributed to cloud computing, but there are also disadvantages to it.
Technical Issues
Technical problems can limit one’s access to the cloud, negating the advantage of being able to retrieve files from it anywhere in the world. Such technical issues include power outages, problems with the device you’re using to access the cloud, and slow internet connection.
Should you run into such problems, you would not be able to access your files.
Security in the Cloud
The cloud has a major issue in the form of security and privacy risks. Since the company’s data is stored on the internet, hackers will also be able to access it, resulting in security breaches including data loss, data leakage, and account hijacking.
Because of the security risk, some businesses hesitate to move to cloud-based systems and instead use traditional systems, even legacy systems.
Cloud users can reduce security risks by securing sensitive information with strong passwords, firewalls, data encryption, and role-based access control measures.
Conclusion
Using the cloud has its advantages and disadvantages and, as long as the company is sufficiently equipped, one can use it without having to worry about the problems associated with cloud-based systems.
Bizprac is an industry-specific cloud-based software that would transform your construction business in every way as it features a range of capabilities including estimation, job management, and accounting.
Bizprac also has a digital storage space that can accommodate large amounts of data that you can monitor. Users can also control who has access to such data. Contact us today to learn more about Bizprac and our construction management software.
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