Data Storage and Recovery Through Cloud Computing

For those that were already familiar with the advantages that cloud services and cloud computing in particular has to offer, it seems like these are a logical technological step. Doubtless they will cut costs by trimming IT overheads but there are many other advantages to the whole system from improved efficiency to greater security when it comes to the question of important data.
The main concern for any organisation is keeping data safe and for an IT manager, disaster recovery systems are vital to the smooth operation of business. The practice of cloud computing fits with this requirement perfectly as the risk of losing data is eradicated by using the 'cloud' or external server. Lengthy and complicated back up procedures become a thing of the past and data in turn becomes completely safe.
As an additional benefit, employees from within the company can access information more easily no matter where they are in the world. Irrespective of whether they are using a PC, laptop or mobile phone to access the internet, company information can be used provided that device is included in the network. With easy access, working becomes streamlined and much easier for the individual employee who doesn't have to pre load information onto their system.
Storing less data on a computer also makes that individual device more productive and reduces the risk of it slowing down or even crashing beyond repair. Heavy files and photographs can be stored on the external server making company equipment more efficient and less prone to issues further down the line.
Lost data is the biggest concern for any individual or organisation but cloud computing deals with all of these issues on a permanent basis. It reduces the need for members of the company to transport sensitive information around on a laptop or portable storage device and that in turn removes any risk of theft which has become more and more commonplace.
Overall, cloud computing provides an all round solution for businesses of all sizes and those that have begun to implement it are reporting advantages across their organisations with no down sides whatsoever.
The system is flexible and highly cost effective and the improved 'up time' alone makes a business run more efficiently. When you add in the additional benefit of security then this really is a revolutionary new form of outsourcing that has pluses for a business right across the board.
Next Connex specialise in bespoke data centre solutions, desktop virtualisation & cloud services for businesses throughout the UK, leading the way in the next generation of data storing and connectivity. For more information on the range of services available from Next Connex visit http://www.nextconnex.com/

Mobile Cloud Computing Changing the Face of Business

Apple has made much of iCloud's launch - and while it's easy to be wary of hype, Apple's past successes have made the world take notice of cloud services. So what does it herald for businesses?
iCloud embodies everything that Apple excels at: it's user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into Apple's product range. Microsoft's SkyDrive provides a similar service, yet despite being older, it may become just another challenger. However, like Google Android's open ethos in the mobile OS market, SkyDrive could become a more inclusive, business-friendly platform for data sharing than iCloud, which is likely to retain the 'barbed-wire fence' approach reminiscent of Apple's App Store, iTunes service and iPod digital media format.
Following typical technology trends, both iCloud and SkyDrive are set to be rapidly adopted by virtue of the wide compatibility of product ranges, from Apple's iPhone integration to the cross-platform flexibility of Microsoft's sprawling business and consumer product range. To this extent, according to a 2010 IBM survey, thanks to the success of iPhones, iPads, Windows Phone 7 and Google's Android operating system, cloud computing is on the cusp of mainstream domination. So, with mobile cloud computing set to explode in popularity, its advantages and challenges are more relevant than ever.
Advantageously, it enables cost-effective, flexible, on-the-go access, so staff will become more productive on the move, building relationships and sharing data online. Easy data manipulation via mobile devices will also allow businesses to react rapidly to customer demands. Furthermore, cloud computing will see businesses reduce costs by eliminating dedicated IT requirements and downtime on physical servers. And most importantly, the translation to mobile will make cloud computing's advantages more widely available.
Of course, it also carries its share of challenges. Foremost is security. Hosting sensitive data off-premises inevitably poses risks. Coupled with the problem of mobile device theft, many businesses are understandably reluctant. It remains to be seen what security measures will be taken, but once these are addressed, IBM found that 91% of businesses expect cloud services to become the dominant feature of IT.
Cloud computing can expect a huge surge in attention from consumers and businesses thanks to iCloud. The relentless drive for mobile innovation, alongside the launch of Google's ChromeBook, will further emphasise the clouds importance for business. However, businesses still need to adapt to survive. Cloud services mean IT is going mobile. It's those businesses that unlock its potential that will thrive.
Next Connex specialise in bespoke data centre solutions, desktop virtualisation & cloud services for businesses throughout the UK, leading the way in the next generation of data storing and connectivity. For more information on the range of services available from Next Connex visit http://www.nextconnex.com/