Whether you know it or not, you are probably already using cloud computing for many of your daily tasks. If you have an e-reader, chances are most of your books and other documents are stored in a virtual cloud from which you can pull them, giving you instant access and no storage fees. If you use Google®, you are also taking part in the cloud revolution, as Google® is a large supporter and user of cloud technology. You may be considering a cloud-based host for your website. Is this a good idea, or is the technology too new to be trusted?
How long has Cloud technology been around?
Actually, cloud technology has been around for years. Linking multiple servers to increase bandwidth and decrease download time has always been a tactic of web hosters. With the advent of dedicated web servers, however, many companies found that having your own personal server was not all it was cracked up to be! Problems with a dedicated server meant problems for a company, and linking servers so that one could take over in the event it was needed began to seem like a great idea. However, most companies could not afford unlimited numbers of dedicated servers; this is where cloud technology came in. By linking up multiple servers to form a “cloud,” companies and clients were virtually unlimited in software access, download ability, and storage space.
So why should a business choose cloud computing over traditional dedicated servers?
There are several reasons. Cloud computing is not necessary for every business or application, but if you want flexibility and the opportunity to grow, there are numerous reasons to start and stay with cloud computing instead of traditional servers.
First, cloud computing offers the most flexibility of any type of server setup. If you have varied needs for support for your website or other applications, as most businesses do, cloud computing offers great news: you only pay for what you use. Instead of purchasing space on multiple servers which only gets used a few hours of the day or week, you can use the resources of a cloud only when you need them, and then shut them off when you do not. This is known as “scalability,” and is one of the best advantages of cloud systems.
Another reason to choose cloud computing is that users have instant access to all your applications, software, and other features on demand. If your website is attracting large numbers of clients, you do not want to wait until you hear complaints from customers about website inaccessibility before you decide to buy more server space or release more applications. With cloud servers, this is all done for you. You never have to physically manipulate your usage; the cloud does it for you.
A final advantage is that you only pay for the actual use of the cloud, not the potential use. This is a great boon to businesses which have highly varied web traffic or usage demands for their software. The “pay as you go” system utilized by cloud technology helps you trim your hardware bills considerably.
What are the disadvantages of Cloud web hosting?
Of course, cloud computing does have some disadvantages. Security is the largest challenge unless, like the government, you own your own cloud. If you are sharing cloud space with others, as is most likely the case, you will always have the slight chance that a security breach in one area can affect you and your business. Cloud companies are very aware of this disadvantage and take great care to maintain security; however, the possibility of security breaches is always present when you share hardware with another company.
How much is Cloud web hosting?
Cloud prices are falling even as we speak. Because of the success of the cloud concept, many companies are jumping on the cloud bandwagon, with a subsequent drop in cloud prices overall. A few years ago, cloud services which would have run $200 per month are now selling for less than $100. This drop in price does not usually indicate any decrease in service, but simply the effect of more competition. However, be very cautious when looking at cloud prices which may seem “too good to be true”—they probably are. Some companies cut severe corners with cloud service, accessibility, and security, which means those low prices are no great deal. Be sure to read carefully or discuss with the company’s agents exactly which services are offered, and how your data and software will be secured if you choose to use their company. Cloud computing can be the answer to all your internet problems if you choose your provider carefully!
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