Cloud computing is the increasingly popular method of running applications remotely. Instead of hosting software internally on hardware owned by your company under the cloud computing model you have an outside firm manage both the application and hardware infrastructure – theoretically saving significant overhead costs in the process.
However cloud computing may not be for everyone. An article in PC Magazine outlines 5 key considerations to the use of the cloud:
1. Does the cost benefit justify the disruption — Aka – will you save enough for it to be worthwhile?
2. Do you applications require specific hardware or speed of delivery?
3. How much capacity will you use?
4. Are data regulations and security hurdles too high to overcome?
5. When SHOULDN’T you use cloud computing (Hint: When confidentiality and speed are overriding issues).
The article is a short read and may serve as a good primer for anyone considering a move to the cloud.
