CLOUD COMPUTING : Benefits

Using Virtual Servers located in secure data centres has a range of benefits over maintaining your own local server.

These include:

Reliability and Redundancy

Server is monitored to avoid downtime
Server infrastructure is proactively replaced as and when needed
Server functionality is supported as part of your monthly subscription (access fee)
Full redundancy and disaster recovery systems in place – always available

Flexibility and Functionality

Tried and tested server solution functionality
Use tablets like the iPad to link via wireless
Access your server home or from other offices
Increase or decrease your user accounts as required and only ever pay for what you need

Security and Scalability

Data centre protects server from fire, flood, theft and power surges/outages
Enterprise level firewall protects server from unwanted external access
Server includes virus/malware protection and web filtering
Data is backed up and replicated externally to ensure it is kept safe
You get the server capacity you need right now...but have the flexibility to increase or decrease capacity (RAM, Hard Drive etc)

Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness

No server hardware in the office to worry about
No server failures that reduce productivity
Extend the life of PCs as can be used for V-Server access
Paying by the month means no up-front hardware or Windows software costs
Server support is included in the monthly subscription fees
Power bill and carbon output is reduced

Ultimately cloud computing means that you can outsource your server hardware, software, maintenance and replacement to IT professionals all for a simple monthly fee that is appropriate to your usage and size.