Is Granite CompleteIT Right for You?
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There's no question--Cloud Computing is today's buzzword. But after the hype, is there really merit to this new model?Is it right for everyone? Is it right for you?
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| What Exactly Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing (at its broadest definition) simply means to outsource one, several or all technological business functions to an outisde hosting provider. It is a fundamental paradigm shift from the On-Premise model, where the end user purcahses their own in-house infrastructure, and typically retains an outiside IT firm to manage it. The Cloud provider provides and manages all hardware infrastructure and some software licensing. In fact, the specific technical details are intentionally abstracted from the end-user, who has no interest in knowing the particulars of RAM, disk space, processors, CALs, etc.
Granite CompleteIT is accessed by the end-user over the Internet, making it accessible from nearly anywhere.
| Is Cloud Computing Right for Me?
If you're a small business, the short answer is: Probably.
Does it sometimes seem like you spend more time addressing the needs of your computer systems than the needs of your clients?
Cloud Computing--from a business perspective--is an alternative to owning a server. And by owning, we're really talking the Total Cost of Ownership of your server. You have to buy the server, maintain it, monitor it, back it up, repair it when it breaks down, and every 3 to 5 years: replace it.
| When Cloud Hosting is the Right Move
As a business owner, you should seriously consider the operational and financial benefits of
Cloud Hosting if any of the following statements apply to you.
 You are a small business considering the purchase of your first server.
You are a small business outgrowing your peer-to-peer computer network.
You are outgrowing or planning to replace one or more on-premise servers.
You need reliable, easy-to-use remote access to all of your applications and data.
You need a Business Continuity Plan (for the case of a total loss of your office/building).
You are unsure of your business' future growth, and need a scalable, flexible IT platform.
You are looking for an affordable business-class email, calendar and contact system.
You don't have the resources for unplanned IT outages and repair costs.
You are outgrowing Google Docs, and need more than just documents online.
You have a collection of disjointed, unmanaged software applications running your business.
There are a lot of technical and operational benefits to the Cloud model vs. the On-Premise
model, but the decision often comes down to the financials. Cloud is typically a significantly smaller up-front investment than buying your first (or replacing a) server.
| When Cloud Computing is NOT the Right Move
Absolute Honesty: Cloud is not the right model for every business.
Here are some scenerios in which cloud hosting may not be the right move.
Poor Internet Connectivity. If you lose your connection to the Internet, you've lost your
connection to your Cloud. Before making the jump to Cloud Computing, be sure you have reasonably reliable Internet connectivity.
Possible Solution: An inexpensive second (backup) Internet connection may be an economical
way to deal with this challenge. An inexpensive router/firewall can connect your office to two seperate Internet connections, failing-over to the second if the first goes down.
Just Bought New Server(s). The "pitch" of Cloud Computing is to stop the buying cycle of
having to replace server equipment every few years. If you've already made this investment,
your servers are under 3 years old, and you are not outgrowing them, you may want to consider
staying On-Premise until these servers reach end-of-life (to recoup your investment) before moving to a Cloud solution.
Consideration: If you do need to ride out the life of your current on-premise servers, but need to
add a new application or service, rather than adding it to your current servers (potentially causing performance or compatability problems), you may want to consider outsourcing it to a virtual server in the Cloud. You can migrate other services or applications to the Cloud over time as well.
Very Large Amounts of Data. If you have a lot of data, gonig 100% Cloud may not be the right fit. Despite our aggressive storage rates, having terrabytes of data will likely shift the financial picture towards Cloud being unfeasable.
Possible Solution: Its still very possible that some of your infrastructure could be migrated to the Cloud, saving money and streamlining your operations. A common practice of our clients with large amounts of data is to keep their voluminous data (images, CAD files, video, audio, design files) on a very inexpensive file server or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, the move the rest of their infrastructure to Granite CompleteIT (for example: their office documents, accounting software, Exchange email, etc.) This allows them to leverage the technical and financial benefits of Cloud Hosting while dealing with the reality of large amounts of data.
| The Verdict
Still unsure as to whether or not Cloud is for you? Contact us and we'll provide a free consultation and an honest assessment. How can you trust that we'll be unbiased? Because if we determine
that you are NOT a good candidate for the Cloud model, we can still assist you via our
Granite Complete Care division.
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