If convenience is the main reason companies switch to cloud services, cost may be an even bigger incentive.
According to cloud computing expert Ben Kepes, using cloud services saved between 20 and 30 percent on overall IT costs compared to companies with internal IT infrastructure. It greatly reduces — and sometimes even eliminates — capital expense associated with in-house infrastructure, such as power, heating, cooling and hardware. As a business grows, the cloud allows it to accommodate growth or reduction needs. Scalability in an onsite infrastructure, though, is costly.
Using the cloud also is better for a business’ IT department. Members of the IT team spend less time maintaining the hardware and software infrastructure. Since most cloud providers offer support 24/7, companies aren’t required to have in-house staff members on call to fix the issues. Also, downtime is reduced significantly.
Simply put, the cloud acts as blinders for the IT department, allowing employees to focus more on developing their company’s core business.
But what does this mean for the security of data stored in the cloud?
Most cloud providers meet the highest security regulations, including HIPAA, SAS70, SSAE16 and PCI DSS. (Each of these represents policies that work to ensure online security.) If a given cloud service meets these stipulations, it likely provides far more security than most businesses provide with an in-house infrastructure.
Cloud security should be a collaborative effort between the cloud provider and user. Just as providers have a responsibility to build secure technologies, users should ensure security in the aspects of the cloud they control. Strong passwords, and employee training and screening, are essential to keeping data secure in the cloud.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/technology/2013/10/strategies-the-cloud-is-everywhere–.html?page=2