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Cloud-based servers: Are they worth it? Cloud-based servers basically offer virtual and shared computer processing via the internet to manage and store data. Benefits of cloud-based servers If you have been asking yourself whether cloud-based servers are worth it or not! Here are some benefits to help you wrap your head around what they offer. Cost-effective The cloud offers you access to resources or data without large expenditures like the costs involved in the initial purchase, installation, and continual maintenance of an on-premises server. Those resources can then be allocated to more growth sections of the business like improving the quality of a product or working on new products. Scalability Cloud needs can be modified according to the changing demands of the business. For instance, you can upgrade when necessary so you do not pay for server space you don’t use or need. Flexibility Data can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. How reliable is using the cloud for connectivity, performance, and security? Cloud-based servers are generally quite reliable and any problems you may incur have viable solutions. Connectivity Remote connection is one of the most attractive features of using cloud-based servers. This is especially important for companies or businesses that heavily employ virtual workers. To access a cloud-based server, you must have an internet connection. That being said, in case your cloud service provider suffers a power outage or there is an error in the system. You will have no access to your resources, which can be quite costly if your business heavily depends on maximum connectivity like an e-commerce store. However, this should not deter you from using the cloud because such occurrences are pretty unlikely. And to give credit where it's due, cloud service providers have put in place defenses so their clients do not suffer from such instances. But if it is worrisome, you can combat it and reduce incidence downtime by using a hybrid system, which uses both the cloud and in-house server. Or perhaps even relying on multiple service providers. Performance Cloud-based servers often perform optimally but they can sometimes slow down. For example, when one virtual application or machine uses the majority of the shared resources on a single virtual architecture, it could affect performance for the other applications or machines hosted on the network. However, when talking about their services, the biggest cloud service providers often argue that this is simply a myth. The solution to a slow performance is figuring out the root cause and then fixing it. Security Many businesses are skeptical about cloud-based servers because they do not control the systems on which their data is stored. This is an even bigger conundrum for businesses and companies who handle sensitive information like financial data or health records. To combat this concern, you can choose to keep the more sensitive data on the in-house system and the less risky information on the cloud. But here’s the thing, cloud-based servers are usually built more securely than in-house systems. Cloud experts argue that the location of the data doesn’t really matter. It is the means of access which matters most. According to IBM – a renowned cloud service provider – most cloud security incidences are attributed to unsecured personal devices, weak passwords, misconfigured assets, and phishing. So often a security breach is hardly the cloud service providers fault. This means the vulnerability in cloud security is majorly attributed to the user so it is ultimately your responsibility to secure your data. Cloud-based servers also put in place redundancy safeguards to make sure your data can never be lost. They typically store at least 3 copies of each piece of data and all in different locations. In conclusion, the advantages of using the cloud outweigh any disadvantages, making it a feasible option for any company small, medium, or large sized.