Should we be moving to cloud-based IT systems
There are two iterations of the modern business right now – the one utilises the power of the cloud, and the other will have to soon, or possibly face stagnation in the market.
At Strategix, though, we hold a slight bias toward the implementation of the cloud with business processes across the board, and we preach its advantages all the time. It’s mostly, though, because we use cloud IT solutions every day and we’ve borne witness to what it can do for the processes and operational structure of any business.
But we also admit that, like with most computerised and automated systems now designed to plug directly into existing programmes in a seamless way, to make them better, faster and more accurate, there may be some gaps when it comes to cloud IT. So, in the interest of full disclosure and a more balanced article, we’re going to be talking about the pros of integrating cloud IT solutions with your business structure, but also some of the cons.
Cloud IT solutions – Has the future of business IT and processes arrived?
There’s no doubt that cloud-based IT systems have a lot of advantages. They’re more affordable, more scalable, and more flexible than traditional on-premises systems. But there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of cloud-based systems to help you decide if making the move is right for your business.
The pros of cloud-based systems
- Cloud-based systems are more affordable than on-premises systems. Because you don’t have to invest in costly hardware and software upfront, they can be a great option for small businesses or businesses with limited budgets.
- Cloud-based systems are more scalable than on-premises systems. If your business grows, you can easily add more users or storage without having to make a significant investment in new hardware.
- Cloud-based systems are more flexible than on-premises systems. With on-premises systems, you’re usually locked into a particular vendor or platform. But with cloud-based systems, you can easily switch between providers or change your plan if your needs change.
The cons of cloud-based systems
- Cloud-based systems can be less reliable than on-premises systems. Because they rely on the internet, they can be subject to outages or slowdowns if your internet connection is not strong enough.
- Cloud-based systems can be less secure than on-premises systems. Because your data is stored offsite, it can be more vulnerable to hacking or data breaches.
- Cloud-based systems can be less private than on-premises systems. If you’re storing sensitive data in the cloud, you may have concerns about who has access to it and how it’s being used.
Questions to ask yourself before making the move
So, should you move to a cloud-based system? It depends. If you’re looking for a more affordable, scalable, and flexible solution, then the answer is probably yes. But if you’re concerned about reliability, security, or privacy, then you may want to stay with an on-premises system. The best way to decide is to ask yourself some key questions:
What are my budget constraints?
Cloud IT solutions can be customised to suit your business, but you’ll obviously have to know what you can spend. So, establish your cloud IT solutions budget before you determine what plug-ins you’ll need to handle your processes right.
How important is scalability?
As mentioned, cloud IT solutions can scale as your business does – both up and down. So, if you need an infrastructure that’s entirely agile, the cloud should be your go-to.
How important is reliability?
The fallibility of the human being is a given – mistakes happen, and if your systems are even relatively complicated, but still manual, they can happen more often. Cloud-based IT systems help to bring customisable levels of automation to your processes and can help reduce error significantly.
How important is privacy?
As mentioned, these systems store data in the cloud. So, while there are measures to make this an entirely secure feature, it will also depend on the level of privacy your business requires you to maintain.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be in a better position to make a decision about whether cloud IT solutions are right for your business. And if you need more information, Strategix can help – we’ve partnered with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Business Central, for a range of features and capabilities that will make your business better.
It’s a brave new business world – contact us now and we’ll show you why we can justify our bias for the ground-breaking system of cloud IT.
Business,
Simplified.
- CONTACT US
- TOP ARTICLES
