1. What is the Cloud?

The cloud is virtual and therefore does not require any hardware of your own to deliver a service. Cloud technology can deliver that service to you, without having to install anything or have it on a server at your business. This is something that you can access remotely, or via the Internet through your web browser. Offsite, secure third-party data centers can 

manage all your cloud data, so you can access it at your convenience.

  1. Is Cloud Technology Better?

Cloud-based services are often attractive because the hardware of the system is managed by the cloud service provider. Many companies over the past decade have moved much of their data and services to cloud-based as pricing for such services have reduced. However, cloud options can have drawbacks.

  • Cost: The convenience of having the cloud service provider manage the solution can come at a premium, especially cloud solutions that are still emerging. Generally, the more mature the cloud solution the lower the cost as more users leverage the solution. For some applications, onsite solutions can cost much less than the cloud alternative.
  • Security: When choosing a cloud-based solution you are also adopting their cloud security measures. Some cloud solutions like Office 365 have robust security protocols, however, some may not. For various business reasons, some cloud-based solutions do not have robust security protocols. In a recent survey of 1,200 global organizations, 83% wrongly assumed cloud firms are responsible for data protection. Additional 69% thought they could transfer all responsibility for data protection, privacy, and compliance to the provider.

Are you concerned about the security of your company’s information? Click Here to schedule a consultation with a Ray Morgan Company Virtual Chief Information Office (vCIO).

  1. You May Already be Using the Cloud

Are you using Gmail? Amazon Music? A Kindle? Dropbox? These are all cloud services that store the data you access. All you have to do is log in to their servers to get what you need. If you use an Apple iPhone or iPad, then you're familiar with the iCloud service, the cloud technology that allows you to sync and upload your photos and contacts.

  1. Why Use the Cloud?

The cloud is convenient for accessing and backing up data no matter where you go. With it, you can access servers anywhere, rather than just locally from your office. This allows you to perform your job duties at home and on the go! There is no need to carry around (and risk losing) USB drives with sensitive information on them. If you lose that USB drive, then your files are gone forever. If you back them up to the cloud or store them there, however, you can easily retrieve that data.

  1. Why is the Term “Cloud” Used?

There is both a literal and figurative meaning here. Have you ever laid down in the grass, and looked up at the clouds in the sky? Oh, look, an elephant! A boat! Oh nice, a dinosaur! But the person next to you may not see the same shapes. They may see a sandwich, a skyscraper or an airplane in the clouds instead. The possibilities are almost endless, and not everyone has the same vision. Cloud technology is similar, offering a plethora of possibilities to help support and scale your business when internet available. Also, clouds are generally always above us. Just head on up and grab whatever you need on-demand. The sky is always accessible.

So, you can store and access files in the Cloud. You can use cloud-hosted applications, like Gmail and GoogleDocs. Finally, the cloud gives you access to your data anywhere with a network connection. This all sounds great, right? It is, but as with anything on the Internet, these services need to be used responsibly. Is your IT services provider helping to manage this?

You’re on a deadline and a client is getting antsy, or you’re putting the finishing touches on a sales presentation. Suddenly, a vital piece of technology goes haywire. What do you do? Call the software maker? The hardware manufacturer? Do you try Google for an answer?

Assistance Is Just a Phone Call Away

Located in the U.S. and staffed by knowledgeable and well-trained IT customer-care specialists, our IT Help Desk is ready and available to quickly address your needs. Whether it’s a device, a software issue, or a problem with your network, our team will work with you until a solution is found. From the moment your call is answered, you’ll know you’ve got the right person on the line and that you’re our top priority.

So go ahead. Put your frustrations on hold … and bring your technical problems to us!

Let our help desk experts handle your technology questions.

We’ve Got IT Covered

Our Help Desk Support Includes:

  • PC and network troubleshooting
  • Handheld device configuration and troubleshooting
  • Popular applications for business
  • Administrative tasks
  • Software installations
  • Virus/spyware removal
  • File/folder restores

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