Branded Three Diagonal Stripes Graphic - Dynamic Networks Group
Is Cloud Computing For Me? - Dynamic Networks Group

What do we mean when we say "cloud computing"?

“The cloud” can at times feel a little overwhelming and even ominous for the uninitiated but all it really is, is a method of storing and accessing data, programs and applications over the internet instead of through your computer’s hard drive. So, when we say “cloud”, we really just mean “internet”. In the end though, just like any other IT solutions or IT systems, it’s important to choose the right type of cloud computing for your business and that’s where we can help.
Branded Dotted Block Graphic - Dynamic Networks Group

Hybrid clouds – right for growing businesses & fast paced industries

Hybrid clouds are often referred to as “the best of both worlds” because hybrid clouds combine the on-premises infrastructure of private clouds with Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) benefits of public clouds. That means data, software and applications can be moved between the private and public clouds as needed.

Businesses using this type of cloud solution are able to adapt and change as needed, whether that’s due to growth, finances or any other business critical factor. It is also secure, controllable and customisable, so it can mould perfectly to suit business needs, requirements and even legalities.

Flexible Slinky - Dynamic Networks
Branded Dotted Block Graphic - Dynamic Networks Group

Public clouds – right for young businesses & small IT teams

Out of all the different types of cloud-based solutions, public clouds are by far the most common method of handling cloud computing. The resources or in other words the computers and servers needed to support the cloud environment are owned and managed by a third-party cloud services provider like Microsoft of Amazon Web Services to name just two examples.

The reason public cloud solutions are so popular is because all the hardware, software and other key infrastructure needed, are owned and managed by the provider, ultimately making a cheaper cloud solution for the majority of businesses. Not only does it avoid the initial upfront costs of buying all this hardware, but it also removes any maintenance costs as well. Instead businesses can effectively pay as they go.

Pink Piggy Bank - Dynamic Networks
Branded Dotted Block Graphic - Dynamic Networks Group

Private clouds – right for businesses where security is mission critical

A private cloud as the name suggests is private, in the sense that all the cloud computing resources are owned and or used exclusively by a single business. Whatever the physical location of the infrastructure, the private cloud is always maintained on a private network and the hardware and software is dedicated to just one business. This has the advantage of giving businesses with private clouds greater flexibility and security than other types of cloud solution, because no one is sharing the resources meaning it can be more tightly controlled and better customised.
 
Banham Padlock for Security - Dynamic Networks

The four main ways cloud computing
can benefit your business…

 
Choice and flexibility
  • There are different cloud choices depending on what you need.
  • The cloud delivers scalability, so your expenditure is balanced overtime, costing you more at peak times and less at quiet times.
 
Money and manpower
  • You don’t need to invest in capital expenditure for you own servers and hardware so you have reduced up-front costs and reliable budgeting.
  • Embracing the cloud can free up your staff because there’s no need for them to check backups or monitor and maintain hardware.
  • Data can be cost-effectively sorted over long periods of time.
 
Efficiency and accuracy
  • You can analyse backed up data to understand risks and challenges around dormant data, storage growth and data classification.
  • Collaboration is easier because documents can be shared across multiple locations and time zones.
  • The cloud can improve upon and solve issues that come with old business processes.
  • Data storage is more efficient thanks to de-duplication technologies
  • Cloud based systems can streamline the archival process, reducing costs and human error.
  • You can centralise your data management and eliminate separate legacy systems and workflows.
  • A cloud storage model can increase visibility into existing business data.
 
Security & storage
  • Your business data is no longer tied down by device, improving security and giving you on-demand access.
  • Your data can be fully encrypted both in transit and at rest.
  • Replicated virtual machines can be pushed to any global location, significantly improving on your business productivity.
  • Data in the cloud is always at hand for data mining and any legal or compliance needs.