Riverbank It management

There is plenty of hype around cloud computing, but are companies actually doing it? Many large firms are apparently holding back from making a drastic change to their IT systems, preferring to wait until others have gone before them and made their mistakes. Many smaller businesses are hesitant about making their entire business dependent on a single Internet connection. They are also worried about security – why would they place their intellectual property in an environment where they have little or no control?

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing delivers an entire business’s IT via the Internet. Drivers pushing companies towards cloud computing include the need to reduce capital expenditure and the desire to cut out complex IT installations from their offices. There is an undeniable attraction in never having to buy another server, and instead just paying a single monthly fee for a guaranteed IT service.

Others companies might adopt cloud computing for the flexibility it offers. If they have a seasonal or variable business it makes a lot of sense to use a service that can be turned up and down as required.

Why you might avoid cloud computing

You might decide not to go for cloud computing because you cannot risk having your company’s vital data in other people’s hands. It is still a major step to be the one who decides to shut down the office servers and place everything in the hands of a new supplier. Standards are emerging and trust is building, and I guess that soon we will be as trusting about cloud computing as we are about Internet banking or Internet shopping.

A major issue in the small business arena is the Internet connection. Unlike major corporates many small businesses are dependent on a single connection to the Internet. If that fails, business stops. You might well decide that now is not the time to bet your entire business on a single phone line.

So how do you decide? Here are two options:

Option 1
Book a free IT clinic with Riverbank. We will help you assess the advantages and disadvantages of moving your business into the cloud. You will come out of it with an understanding of the technology and a way forward for your business.

Option 2
Attend a Riverbank Cloud Computing workshop. This interactive workshop provides plenty of opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas in a small group of like-minded business owners and managers. No technical knowledge is required.

Contact us now on our usual number (01844 278036) or e-mail cloudcomputing@riverbank.co.uk.