Technology and Games

by Michigan Municipal League (MML)

The concept of cloud computing is very simple, but due to common misuse of the term, many people misunderstand what it is. Many people believe that you use cloud computing to store your files on a cloud computer that is accessible through the internet. This is similar to backing up your computer on an external hard drive, except that you can access your files from anywhere.

While this is one way that you can use cloud computing, it can actually be far more useful. Cloud computing systems can actually be entire computers that you can access from anywhere. When you use cloud computing, not only do you not take up memory on your computer with programs and files, but you can access your data from anywhere that has an internet connection.

There are many advantages in utilizing this kind of service. By having your applications and databases accessible through a cloud, you can now access your or your company’s data almost anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. With cloud computing, you can now work on your project proposals, check your investment portfolios, examine your company’s inventory level, and check the company’s financial transaction everywhere. You can do it all in your car, in your house, in a coffee shop, with your laptop, your desktop, or even your mobile phone.

You also don’t have to take care of your own server or hard drives. With cloud computing you don’t have to worry about keeping your servers at the correct temperature and humidity or whether they will get stolen from your office. Most cloud computing providers have very secure facilities that have redundant internet and power.

They have professionals monitoring your systems 24/7 and some even offer to transfer your system for free. After making arrangements with a company, they will simply charge you a monthly cloud storage fee and you’re good to go.

Some cloud computing companies even offer colocation hosting. Colocation hosts offer you a way to continue business uninterrupted through power outages, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events that may disrupt your business. Not only are all of your files accessible through the internet, but you will have a space to work within their secure facility. Since colocation hosts have redundant power and internet as well as high security, you can be sure that your business can continue to run through any unexpected events.

It is very important to research companies that offer these services thoroughly. You want to make sure that they have redundant power and internet and that their facility is secure. Your data is an important part of your business that can be devastating to lose, so make sure that you put it in the right hands.

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