Monthly Archives: June 2018

The Business Benefits of Cloud Computing

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In little more than a decade, cloud computing has changed from a cutting-edge technology to a well-established part of the IT function in many businesses. Cloud computing offers the benefits of cost savings and access to new technology. Read on about what cloud computing can do for your business, as well as what to consider before migrating to the cloud.

The Growth of Cloud Computing

According to a report published by CompTIA in 2018, 81% of companies say that operating in the cloud has had at least a moderate, if not outstanding, effect on their automation efforts. Even though the hype over cloud computing has decreased, this mode of computing is still a key feature of IT planning in most companies. The IDC expects that cloud spending will reach $162 billion dollars by 2020. And more and more IT spending in companies is cloud-based.

The Benefits of Cloud Computing

A key benefit of Cloud Computing is providing new tools companies can use to grow their business. One such tool is desktop as a service (DaaS), a utility often included in Cloud services. Other commonly used applications are VoIP, Call Center and Cloud backup of data. Since companies can move their data and more routine operations like VoIP, call center and data backup to the cloud, they can focus on strategies for long-term growth and explore new prospects for business growth. For IT workers, the prospect of job loss lessens, since they can learn new skills and expand their roles. Finally, migrating to the cloud can help reduce costs by changing capital expense—perhaps in the form of aging infrastructure—to operating expense. But even with all the benefits of cloud computing, certain factors need to be considered before migration.

What to Consider Before Choosing the Cloud

When your company is considering migrating to the cloud, first consider whether public or private cloud is right for your business. If your company is subject to regulations such as HIPAA, a private cloud solution may be right for you. If you are migrating to a public or hybrid cloud, ask the potential provider about the security of their datacenter. Also consider, data centers near reliable power grids are the least vulnerable. If you have employees working remotely, make sure they know proper security procedures. Other options for your company may be using virtual desktop for applications or software-as-a-service to get life out of aging infrastructure.

To learn about the benefits of moving to the cloud as well as what to consider when choosing a cloud service provider, contact your technology advisor today.

Is Patch Policy Part of Your Data Protection Plan?

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Data security needs to operate on more than one front. Not only does your network need to keep data secure, it needs to respond to threats both inside and outside the business. There are numerous protections, including current anti-malware and anti-virus software and operating system patches, to keep your network stable and secure. Read on to find out how operating system patch policy can be part of your data-protection plan.

The Role of Operating System Patches

Operating system patches are updates that help maintain the stability and security of your network. These updates come out on a regular basis and are needed to keep systems working. Typically, operating system patches are frequently available, although older operating systems past end of life may no longer have patches. Windows 7 and Windows server 2008 are next up for end of life in January of 2020. Some are vital to your mission-critical systems and must be accessed immediately, while others may pertain to less-vulnerable systems, and can be postponed.

How a Service-Level Agreement Can Help Protect Your Data

Instead of trying to choose which operating system patches need to be installed now, let your managed service provider take over. Draw up a service level agreement that specifies what services the managed service provider can take care of, including backup, data recovery, network security updates, and operating system patches. Keeping your systems—including operating system patches—current helps protect your data and prevent downtime. The MSP can detect and resolve many problems remotely, outside of business hours.  Problems can be solved before they result in downtime for your business, and a reputable IT business can help to prevent a potentially expensive problem before it even starts.

Your network is only as strong as its most vulnerable point. Talk to your technology advisor today about how a service plan, including current operating system patches, can help keep your business running smoothly.