Cloud Computing

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What is Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product.

• In cloud computing, you do not purchase the server or software but rather use shared resources, hardware, software, and information and pay on an as-needed or per use basis.

Why Cloud Computing?

• It is sold on Demand• It is elastic – allowing a

user to have as much or as little service as they want at any given time.

• Centralizing Updates for Software as a Service

• Reliable AND Accessible

• Increased Collaboration• Easy to Setup and Get

Running • Consolidation of

numerous servers• Upgrades to hardware

can be done virtually, eliminating down time

Different Types of Cloud Computing

• The Public Cloud– A Network Infrastructure

accessible by the public (anyone on the internet).

– The infrastructure is owned by the organization selling cloud services.

• The Private Cloud– A Network Infrastructure

that is developed solely for a single organization.

– It may be managed by the organization or a third party.

– It may exist on site or in a data center.

Who uses cloud computing? We all Do!

• Gmail / Hotmail• Skype• YouTube• Vimeo• Sound Cloud • Dropbox

Advantages of Cloud Computing for Small Organizations

• Lower Initial Investment – No Equipment Needed

Beyond what you have

• Easier to Manage– No Power Requirements

or Space Considerations

• Pay as you Go – There are typically no

major capital expenses involved

• Scalability – Cloud computing can be

scaled to match the demand

• Deploy Faster– It is much quicker to be up

and running (minutes versus days)

• Device Independent– Web based software does

not require a PC or a MAC, just a browser.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing for Small Organizations

• Downtime is Not Controllable – You are at the mercy of the data

center and their issues– Scheduled Downtime (upgrades,

routine maintenance) – Unscheduled Downtime

(outages do occur)

• Security Issues– You are turning your data about

your business to a third party and entrusting them to keep it safe.

• Data Loss– Hardware failures, outages,

improper backup procedures, hackers, and rogue employees exist.

• Speed and Performance– Applications which are not

optimized for the web or web based may result in slower performance.

• Lack of Features– Although improving, there are

still somethings that cannot be done on a web based platform (i.e. autocad, LOB apps)

• Customization– Most web based applications

are not customized to your needs, they are a one size fits all.

Most Common Cloud Computing Options for Small Organizations

• Collaboration Software– Content Management– CRM

• Spam Filtering– Offsite Benefits

• Accounting and Project Management– Quickbooks Online– Harvest

• Cloud Backup (not necessarily Cloud Storage)

• Email – Benefit: No Server

Maintenance

• Simplified Office Applications

• Virtual Private Servers – File Storage– SharePoint

Contact Us for more info

Email: michael.drobnis@optfinITy.com Web: www.optfinITy.comPhone: 1-866-OPTFINITY Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mikedrobnisTwitter: www.twitter.com/optfinITyFacebook: www.facebook.com/optfinITySkype: OptfinITy

Michael H. DrobnisPresident, OptfinITy