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Cloud computing

004-cloud-computingWhat are the pros and the cons of moving to the ‘Cloud’?

Pros

  • No initial capital outlay.
  • No requirement for expensive servers.
  • No requirement for upgrading expensive servers and PCs.
  • Apps and programmes are live across all your devices and cross platforms.
  • Always have the latest version of  Microsoft Office and other products with all licencing costs covered.
  • Data is reliably backed up and held securely, better for disaster recovery.
  • Adoption from Server to Cloud is straight forward.
  • Requires little or no local IT support.
  • Reduced costs for maintaining (normally included in monthly licence).
  • Fixed priced solution, no hidden costs.
  • Increased data storage than you would manage on a Server or local PC.
  • Centralised resource for office documents, letters and images.
  • Roll out pre-defined desktop in a matter of moments to new users.
  • Ideal for business located on multiple sites.
  • Scalability and flexibility all types of companies regardless of whether; small number of users, a branch, a group of branches or a whole network.

Cons

  • Data is no longer held locally.
  • Reliant on working internet connection.
  • Possible ‘lag’ time.
  • Requires on-going monthly licence costs.
  • Open to possibility of being hacked.
  • Uploading large files or images are limited by bandwidth available.
Backup: the basics

Is there any difference between a Cloud Server and an onsite Dedicated Server?

A Cloud based server runs software that allows a single computer to appear like it is a number of units, IE multiple servers. This system is called a hypervisor process.

An onsite Dedicated Server is in its own right a collection of hardware, comprising of a hard drive, power supply, processor and RAM.

Which is better, a Cloud server or a dedicated server?

This answer depends on why you are asking the question. From the point of just the hardware, Cloud Servers can be scaled up and down purely by reconfiguring the software. These changes can include RAM, hard drive and even the CPU power.

Onsite Dedicated Servers are not as easy to scale up and down. Sometimes hardware will have to be purchased.

Are both options easy to backup?

Cloud Servers are easy to backup in their entirety. Onsite Dedicated Servers require more setup, with many options to choose from, when automated, both options require very little maintenance.

With Cloud servers, all data can be accessed from any device, anywhere… with a good web connection.

ON The plus SIDE: consider both options

Onsite dedicated servers

The plus side to an onsite Dedicated Server is that it is a one-off purchase. The data and backup is kept under your control. You are not dependent on internet connection and you
have full control of the system and data.

Cloud servers

All data can be accessed from any internet device, but a good connection to the web is necessary. Data has a higher level of security. All data is backed up onsite and to a second
location offsite. Most software performs faster on a Cloud platform. All emails are hosted on the Cloud, while telephone and remote access support is usually provided.

Computer hardware Top Tips:
  • New is not always best: It is not always the latest technology, but rather proven equipment, that works best. Always install hardware that you, or your supplier, knows will work.
  • Wired not wireless: A wired network point in your office will get quicker network speed compared to a wireless connection. Plus, it is easier to troubleshoot when wired in the event that things should go wrong.
  • Ensure that software is compatible: Most estate agency software packages will not run on a Mac OSX operating system. So that means that most agents will generally have to rely on Windows or a Cloud based solution.
  • Avoid cheap systems and installation: Inadequate servers, or systems that are installed by amateurs, can sometimes lack crucial elements, such as ‘redundancy’ which can increase downtime and do not store crucial data.
  • Backup: Make sure that all work and data is backed up. A two pronged approach to backup is best, a traditional on site plus an offsite to the Cloud.
  • Anti-virus: All computers should have antivirus software installed to ensure that important information is properly protected and that the network is secure.
  • Old machines: Machines that are properly looked after and well maintained can last for a number of years.
  • Professional maintenance: Poorly maintained machines can often result in a slow system and poor  performance.
  • Hardware choice: Where possible always try to buy branded hardware from a well-known manufacture.

Samir Samara is Director at MCSP, specialists in IT. www.mcsp.uk.com

  • Aspasia www.qubeglobal.co.uk
  • EstatesIT www.estatesit.com
  • Expert Agent www.expertagent.co.uk
  • Reapit www.reapit.com
  • GMG PS www.gmgpsg.com
  • Jupix www.jupix.com
  • LetMC www.letmc.com
  • Resource Techniques

www.resourcetechniques.co.uk

January 22, 2014

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