We currently run on a Windows NT server using Remote Terminal Services. It has worked like a charm and is instrumental in our daily operations. Unfortunately, it is coming to the end of it’s useful life. Our outsourced IT department has informed us that we should replace the system during the year. They are recommending that we go to their cloud computing system. We’re not sure.
Cloud Computing: Advantages and Disadvantages
Cloud computing seems all the rage right now. We have had our own local cloud computing system for the past six years. Now they are asking us to consider going to a “regional” cloud system. Google would like us to consider their “national” cloud system. I’m not sure I want our financial information floating around. Furthermore, what do we do if they go out of business or mess up our information. (Think ATT sidekick!).
The cloud computing advantages as I see them are: access from anywhere, secure backup, redundant systems in the event of national disasters, and limited upfront investment. The disadvantages of cloud computer are: control, security, and control. (Did I mention control?)
We have a client that is using a national cloud computing accounting system. The annual fee came up for renewal and the company demanded immediate payment. They would not finance the system like they had in the past. Our client was stuck. Also, the bill came due December 15. Not a good cutoff date.
As information has become more valuable and instrumental in our ability to service our clients I am not comfortable in outsourcing our servers. What are your thoughts? I would like to hear from anyone who has had any experience with cloud computing.
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