The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2011 defined cloud computing as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.
I like to think of it as the ability to use the power of other computers and their software, via the internet or networks, without the need to own them. They are a service for you to use.
Cloud computing is not for everyone, but in our company’s situation this could be a very beneficial option. A cloud is designed for the purpose of remotely provisioning scalable and measure IT resources.
Let’s take a look at how it would benefit our company.
Security
As you know, just last year we had to pay out $25,000 in ransom to get control of all of our files. Not only did it cost us money for the ransom, but it also cost us a week of downtime and the loss of confidence in our customers and suppliers as their information may have been breached. Moving our systems into the cloud would provide a major boost in the security of our data. Using a service such as Amazon Web Services would totally eliminate ransomware just by the fact that we would have backup copies available immediately. Other AWS tools include Identity Access and Management, Transport Layer Security Certificates for use against Distributed Denial of Service attacks and other harmful traffic against applications.
Scalability
Since our company does approximately 40% of our business in the fourth quarter, having enough computer storage and execution capability to handle that will require additional servers to be purchased later this year. Unfortunately, about 40% of that computer resource is being wasted the rest of the year. If we were able to transition to the cloud, we would be able to purchase fourth quarter storage and machine usage for just that quarter. And should marketing decide to do the “Summer Fling Sale,” we could just purchase enough computer capacity for the event.
Cost
With the ability to purchase only the services you need when you need them, there are no excess costs with having to buy enough server power to handle your busiest times. I’ll get more into the costs later.
Based on the previous three benefits alone, I highly recommend that we start the process of transitioning to the cloud.