We often get asked if it’s worth it to store data in the cloud and what many people don’t realize is that they’re likely already doing it. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and even social media sites, are all versions of the cloud. If you’re saving information on a computer that’s not your own, you’re saving in the cloud.
What’s the cloud?
Last year my laptop decided it was taking an extended vacation and stopped working, forcing me to the big box store for a new one. The salesperson asked me if I was a gamer. Nerd? Yes. Gamer? No. I told him I needed internet access and ability to save documents but the bulk of my work is saved in the cloud with services like Google Drive and Dropbox. It was a pretty simple sale because I needed a fairly basic computer.
Understanding how you use a computer and where you store data is important especially when purchasing new computers or building a server network for your business.
Whether the servers are stored in your friend’s spare room, a place called Google or Apple, or a network in your own office, you’re saving in a cloud. We just didn’t call it that until Apple introduced the iCloud. While the concept wasn’t new, the marketing changed how we think about storing information.
Why You Should Understand the Cloud
As an attorney, doctor, or financial services professional, you’re tasked with keeping vital and private information about clients and prospects. That information may even be subject to governmental or industry regulations, making it necessary to understand the cloud – how and where data is stored.
The cloud offers and option that may be less costly for your practice because it eliminates the need for servers and the cost of keeping a server room at a steady temperature. All of that is now the responsibility of someone else. The problem with this is that you give up control of what happens on those servers and it’s an important consideration.
In May 2017, Dropbox experienced an outage meaning users couldn’t access their documents. They simply had to wait for the gods of Dropbox to restore data. That’s the trade-off of paying a small fee for cloud services versus the cost of hosting a local server network. If you’re willing to take the risk, and many businesses are, then cloud computing is perfect for your practice.
If you’re an attorney, doctor, or financial professional, there are clouds designed specifically with your industry in mind. At IT Ninjas, we understand the value of secure data and are dedicated to keeping our clients safe from hackers. Contact us today to learn more!
