What are the benefits of the Cloud
Cloud computing brings what is simultaneously a new and also an long-standing way of delivering software.
One of the big misconceptions about Cloud Computing is that the software is new and offers a totally different way of doing things. This is not true .The software still works for you, performing broadly the same functions for you. It is the way the software is provided to you that is different.
As an organisation considering any software, the same imperatives are there, and have to be answered by any system you look at: Will it do what I want? Will it improve my operational efficiency? Is it cost-effective?
The fundamental difference of Cloud computing over traditional systems will help to answer those questions. The Cloud will either help or hinder efficiency; it may be more cost effective precisely because it is in the Cloud. But it does not mean you should overlook the fundamental questions.
The benefits of being in the Cloud fall into one of three main areas:
Cost Efficiency
- No lock in
- Pay as you go
- No set up
- Little or no infrastructure layout
- Pay per use means no paying for hardware you don’t use
- All technology needed is already in your office
- Security is included
- Energy costs minimised
Agility
- Always up to date
- Automatically up-to-date version, no need to schedule implementations
- Upscale package instantly
- Remote working is inherent
- Data accessed centrally so work any time, any place
- Multi tenant means flexible
Focus
- Quick to put in place. Decide – implement – use
- One place
- Central server inspires collaborations
- Less implementation time = more strategy focus
- Virtually nil maintenance – focus on improving usage not tool
- Forget keeping things running, someone else does it
- Environmental impact minimised
- Less conflict between business and technical managers