What is Cloud Computing?
“Companies of just about any shape and size are adjusting to the now advancing, new technology of Cloud Computing. Industry experts predict that the shift towards cloud computer will continue to get bigger and advance even more in the years to come.”
Said someone in about 2010. Ten years on, and whilst the Cloud has gone mainstream there are many businesses that are failing to take advantage of it. From only using a small amount of features, not investing in security through to legacy business applications – the excuses are there, but time is running out. It’s becoming harder than ever to justify the big capital expenditure required to run all of your servers on premise.
But first…
What is Cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a mixture of virtual servers (in the cloud) providing flexible services, applications, storage and infrastructure for multiple clients over the internet. Simply put it’s the on-demand availability of computer system resources such as data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without the need of active management by the user.
The benefits of Cloud Computing
Working with data in the cloud can have an enormous benefit to all types of businesses. And if used appropriately and to its full range, there are some great advantages of using this technology; such as
- Cost-Efficient
- Almost Unlimited Storage
- Backup and Recovery
- Automatic Software Integration
- Easy Access to Information
- Quick Deployment
Cost-Efficient
Cloud computing is generally the best cost-efficient mode to use, maintain and upgrade. Companies that use the long-established desktop software find they outlay a lot in terms of their finance costs. Then, once you add in the licensing fees for multiple users it all adds up. Therefore, proving to be very expensive for the business concerned. In contrast the cloud, is available at much cheaper rates and can importantly reduce a business’s IT expenses. In addition, there are many pay-as-you-go, and other scalable payment options available. In other words, it helps company’s reduce monies spent on interest payments.
Almost Unlimited Storage
There is no need to stress over running out of storage when it comes to storing your information. In the cloud services give you almost unlimited storage capacity, when it comes to storing your information.
Backup and Recovery
The process of backup and recovery is made so much simpler when using cloud computing in contrast to the traditional methods of data storage. Firstly, all your data is being stored in the cloud. Secondly, backing up and restoring information is easier than storing the same on a physical device. In addition, the handling of any recovery of information can be done by any competent cloud service providers.
Automatic Software Integration
In the cloud, software integration is usually something that occurs automatically. In other words, you don’t need to customise and combine your applications. It can take care of itself. In addition, and with great ease, cloud computing allows you to customise your options. Therefore, allowing you the freedom to choose those services and software applications that are best- suited to your business needs.
Easy Access to Information
Furthermore, you can access your information from anywhere and at any-time, just as long as there’s an internet connection and your registered in the cloud. To clarify, this feature allows you gain access from any geographic location and across any time zone.
Quick Deployment
Above all, once you take up cloud computing, your entire system can be fully operational in just a matter of a minutes. It has this unique benefit of a quick deployment but of course this subject to the exact type of technology that you need.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
As mentioned, there are many benefits of taking up the now advancing, new technology of Cloud Computing. Cloud computing also has its disadvantages; such as
- Technical Issues
- Security in the Cloud
- Prone to Attack
Technical Issues
The cloud technology is not immune to outages and other technical issues. The easy access to information anywhere anytime will need a very good Internet connection to be logged onto the server at all times. In other words, you need to expect some network and connectivity problems. Likewise, even the best cloud service providers of run into issues of outages and other technical at times.
Security in the Cloud
Take up of the cloud technology requires surrendering all your company’s sensitive information to a third-party cloud service provider. As a result, it could put your company security at risk. Importantly, you need to screen potential service providers, for the most reliable and one who will keep your information totally secure.
Prone to Attack
As you are probably aware, nothing on the Internet is completely secure. Storing information in the cloud could expose you to external hack attacks and threats.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to take up cloud computing. Above all, the technology can prove to be a great asset to your company, with its enormous benefits, again if used appropriately and to its full range.
Turn on the security code in your myGov account
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- Impersonating the ATO or myGov is a common trick used by scammers – threatening people to pay fake tax debts or hand over personal details to receive a ‘refund’.
- Always manually type https://my.gov.au/ into your internet browser to log into your official myGov account to check your tax, lodge your return, and verify if you owe a debt or are due a refund. Do not click any links in emails or text messages, as these could be malicious links.
- Check your tax affairs at any time by calling the ATO on 13 28 61 or contacting your tax agent.
Always check your tax through ATO online services via myGov – and manually type the URL into your browser https://my.gov.au
Scammers often impersonate the @atogovau in emails, text messages, phone calls and over messaging services or social media. The best way to avoid falling victim is to ignore these approaches and only log into your myGov account to check if you owe a debt or are due a refund.
For more advice head to https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/taxtime19
