‘THE CLOUD’
I remember when the term ‘cloud computing’ started to make it’s way into the mouths of executives and SMB owners. At the time, I just graduated from high school and I possessed very basic IT knowledge. However, the concept has always fascinated me.
Fast forward to today: I’m launching instances and containers to host serverless applications ,managing and setting up virtual infrastructures, and even connecting those resources back to brick-and-mortar IT environments.
That’s right. In 2022, cloud computing is advanced enough to meet the needs of your business. On top of that, there are a lot more people with experience setting up cloud computing for businesses and enterprises.
Now, more than ever: It’s easier to create custom solutions that will help your business grow.
Here are three ways the cloud can help you do that.
1. Authenticate, Anywhere
Do you have a server at your office? How are people logging in? My guess is LDAP or Active Directory (AD). Then, that’ll help you manage your users and some licenses… Maybe some applications? You can host your active directory solution completely in the cloud now.
(Microsoft’s Azure AD is a great way to integrate existing on-premise Microsoft Active Directory solutions.)
If I guessed correctly, then ask yourself: Do I really need this server?
Let’s be honest. It takes up space. It’s loud. It uses a lot of electricity. You don’t need it. You’re attached to it. Let it go. Migrate your company identity management (like your computers’ users) to the cloud.
There are various platforms and vendors such as Microsoft (Azure) , Amazon (AWS), DUO, Okta, Google (Workspace) that can help you create and facilitate user accounts while allowing some flexibility in your operations.
2. Host Your Applications
So let’s say you’re doing a little more with your server…
You’ve got a database hosted on your server and you have applications being served with containers, or you have a microservices architecture. You can do ALL this in the cloud as well.
(To be honest, if you’re deliberately running microservices on-premise, you probably have a good reason – OR it might be time for a change :3)
I’m not going to speak much about containers and orchestration here, but there are tools you can use to host, deploy, and scale your application across the globe. Google (Kubernetes) is the true MVP here in my opinion. However, container orchestration can be complex. It’s not something everyone needs right away.
If you need to host your application in the cloud or migrate it to a more dynamic environment, start off with something like AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Run, or Azure Functions.
3) Expand Your Business
Where does computing fit into your business’s operational process? Is it something that you can track and document?
The answer is most likely: YES.
(Unless your business has little to no reliance on computing – Which… is your loss. These tools EXIST to improve the efficiency and efficacy of your business)
Even if you can’t pin down a strong use for computers in your line of work, I’m willing to bet money that there’s a task that can be automated or made more effective. Cloud computing can help you do that.
In my opinion, two of the biggest benefits of cloud computing are: accessibility and flexibility.
You can configure these systems to integrate with anything that already exists! Which includes YOUR BUSINESS!
Do you rely on a scanning solution on a conveyor belt that could benefit from AI recognizing digits/images on particular packages?
Do you have employees spending hours generating reports on their own? When it’s feasible to create a function or connect an application to your IT environment that can do this faster?
Sure, there’s the argument that you’re erasing tasks – but that’s the wrong way to look at this. Rather than assigning a position to a person and expecting them to fill a particular role, give them the tools to be more productive and you’ll see them bloom (operationally). Harvest the newly efficient person and expand their role to bring more value into the business by improving overall efficiency.
Conclusion
Now, before I go I want to shed a little light on one of the common reasons not to move to the cloud: The cost.
You know, naysayers aren’t completely wrong. The cloud CAN be VERY expensive… if you don’t manage it properly. This means, understanding your operational processes enough to know when it’s OKAY to turn things off, restrict access, or reduce your computing needs.
In most cases, the companies I work with benefit too greatly from the cloud to worry about the cost. The speed at which they’re able to grow, scale, and acquire new business is valuable enough to absorb the cost.
And for those that are more cost conscious, there are some options that will allow business with limited income or resources (even non-profits) to benefit from using cloud resources.
In 2022, I see no excuse! Move to the cloud and elevate your business.
Feel free to reach to me for some consultations and advice on what you can do to get started.
