Smithfield-based cloud- and managed-services provider CAI Managed IT recently transitioned New Bedford scallop distributor Northern Wind over to the cloud. Before, the company had been updating its servers every few years, said Northern Wind CEO Ken Melanson. Frank Motta is CAI’s executive vice president.
PBN: What is the main benefit of cloud computing for businesses, in your view?
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MOTTA: Cost reduction, data security and business continuity … to name a few. Cloud computing is based on a subscription-pricing model, which means that companies only pay for the resources they need. Since there is no expensive computer server to purchase, the monthly subscription fee can be treated as a planned, predictable and budgeted operating expense. Additionally, the monthly fee for cloud computing typically includes automatic server operating system security patches, updated anti-virus signatures and top-of-the-line threat detection and remediation.
No more worrying about power requirements, space considerations, software updates, local power outages, hardware failures, off-site backups and server warranty-maintenance fees. Cloud servers are fully managed 24/7 and protected by a full-time, highly experienced Network Operating Center team … apps and data can only be accessed over a secure connection. All data, files and apps hosted in the cloud are seamlessly and automatically replicated to any number of remote data centers [in case] one area experiences a power outage or catastrophic failure.
PBN: What do you say to company leaders who may have cybersecurity concerns about their materials being located in the cloud?
MOTTA: Our experience is that the cloud is a more-secure solution vis-à-vis an on-premises server. That’s not to say that the cloud is risk-free. The most common hacks associated with cloud services is unprotected user passwords, so employee education is essential.
Cloud vendors also implement dual-authentication schemes, which require users to access their cloud-based apps using both their password and a unique, one-time code provided via text or email. In addition, all data in the cloud is encrypted … useless to hackers without the encryption key.
PBN: Are there any business industries that would not benefit from cloud computing, based on the markets they serve?
MOTTA: There are certain instances, for example engineering and architectural firms with large and complex [computer-aided design] files or highly confidential information where a hybrid cloud utilizing both remote and on-premises devices makes sense. For most other organizations, though … the cloud can reduce internal [information technology] resources and the time spent managing them. Instead of relying on additional hardware and software and people to manage and secure it, organizations can take advantage of cloud flexibility, scalability, security, availability, reliability and more.
PBN: Give an example, if you would, about how companies can have cloud-computing technology scaled to their specific needs.
MOTTA: You only pay for what you need, and you can quickly spin up a new server or expand connections. … This is great for companies that experience seasonal changes or growing pains. Your cloud-computing vendor can expand or decrease your processing power, available memory, or software needs – and monthly costs – with the press of a button.
PBN: How has cloud computing evolved, in say the past five years, and what do you see happening over the next five?
MOTTA: As the workplace begins to cater to more remote workers and flexible-working arrangements, being able to access work materials when not at work is essential. Not only does cloud computing make it easier for employees to work outside of the office, it makes it easier for small-business owners to manage their business at any time of day, from anywhere.
Changing demographics are also driving the increased acceptance of the cloud. Millennials, in particular … are simply less intimidated by the cloud. Small- and medium-sized businesses are being exposed to the significant cost savings offered by cloud computing [and are able to] redirect internal IT staff to tasks that add value to their businesses. These infrastructure-as-a-service configurations as well as hybrid-cloud deployments featuring an optimized combination of cloud and in-house services are rapidly becoming the platform of choice for many forward-looking organizations.
Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.
