Keeping Up in a Dynamic World: Moving to the Cloud

In previous blog entries, we identified two roadblocks around technology obsolescence and discussed the importance of real-time, push updates. Today, we’ll investigate moving to the cloud as a strategy to end the hardware chase.

Looking at the history and evolution of data exchange, virtualization and the cloud were inevitable. From mainframes to geographically dispersed data centers, every decade since the 1950s introduced another step towards where we are now –  the age of cloud computing.

There are two models, or deployment options, when it comes to the cloud: private and public. In the private cloud model, a company moves its data center off-premise. In the public cloud model, a company’s data and/or applications are hosted in a shared virtual environment. Some companies may opt for a hybrid deployment option, where they (for instance), host a process-intensive application in a public cloud setting, while storing sensitive data in their private cloud.

Even as the private cloud model provides some advantages (e.g. guaranteed uptime and cost savings when compared to an in-house data center), the hardware remains the responsibility of the company itself. There are cases in which a company can leverage another company’s private cloud. For example, Network Box USA, a managed security services provider, offers its cybersecurity solutions in its private cloud. This means that the client enjoys the benefits of the cloud, but the hardware remains the responsibility of Network Box USA. In other words, the client is not responsible for repairs and upgrades.

Another benefit of leveraging the cloud is scalability. Whether a business is growing or downsizing, there is an inevitable shift in their technological needs and the hardware involved, which can also impact cybersecurity. For example, if a company of 10 grows to a company of 50, their Internet traffic and web browsing activity is bound to increase. A web proxy that’s configured to handle web browsing for 10 users may not be able to keep up with the significant increase in web browsing activity from the company’s growth. In this case, a virtual cybersecurity solution would offer the flexibility needed to accommodate the increase in users.

All in all, the cloud is a viable option when it comes to a network refresh. In addition to the guaranteed uptime and cost savings, it’s easily scalable and gives companies added flexibility when growing or downsizing.

In our next blog, we’ll explore outsourcing cybersecurity management.