The use of cloud computing services is rapidly increasing. If you haven’t adopted them yet, you might be hesitant due to concerns about cost-effectiveness, security, or the cloud’s ability to meet all your IT requirements. However, this is changing quickly. Let’s examine the current options for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
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When we envision cloud computing, we often picture a massive, centralized system handling operations for countless companies. While this perception is prevalent, it doesn’t represent the entire market. Numerous providers offer virtual services on a smaller scale. You may not find everything you need from a single provider, but the essential components for your voice and data needs are available.
This is crucial because enterprise VoIP solutions are pushing towards converged networks. Focusing solely on migrating traditional data center servers to the cloud means overlooking a significant aspect. Another important trend is fixed mobile convergence, which integrates cell phones into your telecom infrastructure. Mobility could be a deciding factor in your future productivity.
Cloud hosting forms the basis of cloud computing, encompassing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud infrastructure can be described as virtualization on a larger scale. IT departments have found that virtualizing servers improves the efficiency of physical server hardware. Cloud computing takes this further by virtualizing vast amounts of high-performance servers, storage, and bandwidth. Unlike self-hosted or colocated virtual servers, cloud resources are available on-demand and billed by the minute, hour, or CPU cycle used.
Another key feature of cloud hosting is its high elasticity and scalability. When you approach your capacity limit, you can easily order more virtual servers. The cloud operating system manages these resources seamlessly to provide the necessary capacity. You are not responsible for purchasing, installing, or maintaining any equipment. A dedicated technical team from the cloud service provider handles this round-the-clock.
There are three primary cloud models to choose from. The most familiar is the public cloud, shared by multiple users. Access is provided through a private line or dedicated internet service. Companies with sensitive data, unique needs, or a preference for greater control opt for private clouds. These offer similar infrastructure to public clouds but are tailored for single-company use. Hybrid clouds combine aspects of both, running public-facing or non-critical applications on the public cloud while isolating sensitive applications within a private cloud environment.
While often viewed as a data processing service, cloud computing also encompasses voice services known as cloud communications or hosted PBX. Here, the computing resources are tailored for telephony, with connectivity established via SIP trunking between your location, the provider, and the public switched telephone network. This eliminates the need for on-premise PBX phone systems and traditional trunk lines. Instead, SIP phones connect to your network, and a converged SIP trunk links your business location(s) to the provider. Some hosted PBX systems even integrate mobile phones, offering consistent functionality whether you’re at your desk or on the move.
Some readily available cloud services include cloud hosting, hosted PBX, unified communications, enterprise cloud security, private/public clouds, cloud storage, hosted Exchange, SharePoint, disaster recovery, anti-spam and anti-virus, hosted firewalls, and dedicated cloud access connections.
If you feel you’re missing out on enhanced productivity, cost reductions, scalable business growth, or advanced cloud-based features, now is an excellent time to explore options with various cloud hosting providers (http://www.cloudnetworkingservices.com/). You can start small and gradually expand or migrate your entire operation to the cloud, depending on your company’s specific requirements.
