Despite the concerns about the use of cloud networks, the fact is that network applications are increasingly being housed in the cloud. This is not a fad, in fact: growth will continue for the foreseeable future. Anyone can name two or three benefits of cloud networking. Yet it offers more benefits than you think. I list the seven most important:
1. Quick roll out
One of the many advantages of cloud networks is the faster rollout. This is in contrast to the purchase and installation of your own network equipment. Many cloud network applications, such as network management, can be set up in a matter of days, hours or even minutes. Of course it depends on the provider. When a cloud network is deployed, the IT user can quickly get to work with new applications, without wasting time installing and configuring network equipment. Cloud networks also offer enormous processing capacity, which, for example, does not need to be upgraded. This means that data that can be of added value to an organization can be delivered quickly.
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2. Productivity
By deploying cloud networks, the internal IT department has time to focus on other tasks. ICT no longer has to worry about configuring and maintaining the cloud network service, because this is the responsibility of the cloud supplier. A huge boost for the productivity of your IT department.
3. Mobility
Because cloud network applications are usually web applications, ICT users can access their data at any time and at any desired location. All it takes is a device with a web browser and internet access. The continued popularity of BYOD also means that IT users are turning to their personal mobile devices for it.
4. Minimal Downtime
The cloud supplier processes all updates of the cloud network applications and of the network infrastructure. The internal ICT department does not have to worry about this and they do not have to shut down the internal network to perform updates. For many companies this sounds like music to the ears: after all, there is no downtime that can bring a company down.
5. High Security
Ironically, security, one of the biggest concerns in cloud networking adoption, is also one of the biggest benefits cloud networking vendors have to offer. Most providers have strict security policies for their cloud networking products. Encryption and authentication, data loss prevention, physical data center security, firewall implementation, and malware protection are just some of the security measures commonly provided by cloud network providers. After all, it is always in your own interest to protect the data of ICT customers as well as possible. This also earns them loyalty in the long run.
6. Lower costs
One of the better known advantages is the low cost. Networking in the cloud means companies spend less than purchasing their own equipment and software. Moreover, the IT department does not have to worry about purchasing upgrades on the hardware or software, the supplier of cloud networks does that. In addition, cloud networking is also considered a green solution as it does not use rack space. Lower electricity costs are the icing on the cake.
7. Instant scalability
It is also well known to the general public. The ability to quickly add or remove capacity is a major advantage of cloud networking. The traditional picture with an expansion of the number of users is that ICT will acquire more network equipment and/or software and that it will take weeks or even months before everything is operational. With cloud networks, the supplier can directly add end users.
