Space is a resource that companies are
beginning to discover is very expensive. Establishing dedicated server farms
for huge amounts of data can either be too expensive for your company or is
something that will not even be maximized at all. Enter cloud
hosting.
What
Is Cloud Hosting?
Ever heard of the adage “divide and
conquer”? This is the principle of cloud hosting: spreading across more than
one server the resources needed to maintain your website. In doing so, the
number of downtimes and cases of server malfunctions is greatly reduced.
What
Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting?
Like all kinds of technology, cloud hosting
has its share of pros and cons. Read on and find out the yays and nays of this
service.
1 Accessibility
YAY
Once registered to the cloud, you can
easily gain access to your data from anywhere as long as there is an Internet
connection. This lets you get around restrictions brought about by time zones
and geographic locations.
NAY
Although easily accessible, the requirement
for Internet connectivity is a downside. Also, because of the ease of access,
concerns have been raised regarding the safety and privacy of data stored
remotely. Comingling of information with other organizations is a serious
security concern that can’t be taken lightly. In Singapore, security solutions have been one of
the top priority of companies with delicate information.
2. Bandwidth
YAY
Since all files are already in an
accessible remote server, you’ll no longer need to email whole heavy files. You
only need to send a web link through your email granting the recipient access
to the data needed.
NAY
Since cloud hosting is mostly a paid
service, there is normally an allowance for the amount of bandwidth that you
are provided for your files. Exceeding said limitations would incur significant
charges. There are providers who offer unlimited bandwidth. Take this into
consideration when choosing your cloud storage provider.
3. Cost
YAY
For small- or medium-sized businesses,
cloud storage can come at little or no cost at all. Aside for a minimum fee,
you’re all set to store your files online and access it remotely through the
Internet.
NAY
Although starting up with cloud hosting
bears almost no cost, the price over the years might increase and normally adds
up. This arrangement might look appealing at the beginning; however, as time
passes, it will hit you hard. This is especially true if your applications are
stored locally and the files you need are in the cloud. In that case, your
cloud hosting fees can add to your networking costs.
4. Security
YAY
In times of disaster or if your local
server gets corrupted by a virus, you can be confident that your files are
pretty safe in the cloud. Businesses usually use the cloud as their storage
back-up, sending copies of important files into the cloud for emergency access
through the Internet if ever the local copy gets compromised.
NAY
Since the cloud is on the Internet (and the
Internet is not completely secure), there is always a possibility of attack.
Secure a trustworthy provider to maximize the security of your files.
Still weighing the pros and cons of cloud
hosting? Study each factor before deciding on which of the many server
storage solutions available in the market you are confident to go with, and
prioritize your company’s security.
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