Cloud Technology...Where's the Value?

     Whenever technology is under consideration the first question that is asked or should be asked is, where is the value for me? When looking at Cloud Solutions to assign a value it can be a bit of a challenge. There is no hardware to write off, the software that is utilized is the same software that is used on a physical device, and finally what about my data, or the security of my data? Looking at these three factors that can make up a network there is value or Cloud Value in all areas.
     First, when looking at the hardware aspect of cloud computing there is huge value. A start up company with limited capital can invest in Cloud Solutions to allow users to work remotely from their homes reducing rent or construction costs and thus allocate those funds to an area where revenues can be generated. If users are using their own computers to access the company Cloud structure then infrastructure costs are going to lower as providing everyone with a computer is not required immediately, further stretching those venture capital funds that were awarded. Hardware is starting to become full of Cloud Value. The value grows from there when you look at the costs associated with building an infrastructure to support the human capital and the software capital that most major tech firms require, the Cloud Value soars. Hiring staff is easier, Cloud Solutions allow a company to throttle the requirements to match the output. Need more memory, allocate it. Need more virtual desktops to match employees, allocate it. Need more processing capabilities, allocate it. With the flexibility that can be achieved with Cloud Solutions, finding Cloud Value is easy.
         If a Cloud Solution is utilizing the same software that I have on my physical machine why not just continue to do what we have always done? The easiest play in business is to become complacent, but it is not always the safest. Imagine if Columbus had agreed with everyone else that the world was flat and at some point you would sail over the edge, where would we be now? Or Edison not finding a filament that would burn long enough or bright enough to produce the light bulb? Took him 99 tries to find the right combination. Business is no different, if you do not evolve then you will be passed over. Taking this from the aspect of an IT admin. Deploying software updates or versions can take days if not weeks to get everyone on the same version and updated. Then comes the responsibility of bug fixes and pushing that those patches out, then the issues of capability, then the issues of a computer crashing, and from there the responsibilities snow ball until at your IT staff is completely consumed with maintaining the course rather then improving the infrastructure. Where's the value in that? The value is in the Cloud. Imagine pushing out a new software suite in hours rather than weeks, repairing a computer crash in seconds rather than order new hardware, test a new code patch in a virtual environment before pushing it to everyone in the company? Now we can see the value, or the Cloud Value.
     Where is the security? In today's environment it is difficult to let your data be out of sight. With a virtual environment this idea of security can be a huge issue for many companies. If my data is not on my network or my network is all virtual then how do I protect that data? Cloud environments that are built with security in mind. Encrypted lines, meeting both FDIC and HIPPA regulations are industry standard. So if your own network does not have this as a function of your company utilizing a Cloud network will provide your company the necessary support for your needs. Value added with heighten security adds value to your infrastructure. Going back to the first Cloud Value, if you have employees accessing your Cloud network how do you protect your data from falling into the wrong hands either by theft or by simply leaving your data in a bar down the street from your office? Since nothing is on the physical machine if a laptop or cell phone gets left behind there is no information stored on that device to lose. User access accounts can be created for every individual at every level. There is no need to have an open network, cloud infrastructures add value by allowing users to have access to only the items they need to have access to. Cloud Value at every level.
     So if you find yourself asking where the value is in Cloud Solutions and whether there is value for your company the answer is YES! Cloud technology is the evolution of technology and should be in every discussion your company has about your infrastructure, and as the movement grows there will be more advancements to the infrastructure made. Looking at  the Cloud Value for your company you may surprise yourself with how valuable the cloud can be.

How does your company utilize the cloud and where do you see Cloud Value? Continue the discussion below.