Here’s how your business can reap the benefits of cloud servers

Whether you like it or loathe it, cloud computing is currently experiencing hyper-growth in popularity on a global scale. By the end of 2019, it is estimated that the UK will have spent the third-largest amount globally on cloud computing, only surpassed by the US and China.

One reason for the major take-up in cloud servers for business use is affordability. SMEs find it 40% more cost-effective to employ third-party cloud platforms rather than maintaining an in-house system. Costs related to on-premises servers include component replacements, hardware upgrades, renewing software licences and staff administration – just to name a few!

So, rather than investing in physical servers, why not consider cloud servers? By definition cloud servers are a type of virtual server and are an example of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Using the IaaS model, third-party providers take responsibility for hosting hardware equipment, operating systems and other software in a secure off-site location.

What are the financial benefits of using cloud servers?

When considering cloud servers for business use, there is no upfront investment costs or capital expenditure. The billing model involves predictable monthly payments which make forecasting for your IT spend that much easier. For Hooble customers, the monthly subscription includes daily back-ups, tech support and automatic software upgrades.

Another benefit of using cloud servers is that you don’t need specific IT skills to manage your server and you don’t have to pay in-house staff to look after it, as there is no on-site equipment. The money saved by using cloud servers can be redistributed into your business in other ways.

Did you know that there are tax benefits, too? When you purchase hardware it is considered a ‘capital asset’ and naturally its cost depreciates over time. Conversely, the monthly cost of using cloud servers for business is considered an ‘allowable expense’ which is a fixed, tax-deductible amount.

What should you look for in a cloud server provider?

One of the key factors to look for is reliability. For example, providers such as Hooble guarantee 99.99% uptime so you will seldom suffer any interruptions to your business. For added reassurance, you can visit Hooble’s ‘system’s status’ update page at any time to see the status of its cloud servers and other services.

For security, you should find out whether your cloud server provider has achieved ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications. These standards demonstrate that they are committed to maintaining quality and keeping your data secure.

Another important consideration is whether your chosen provider can offer any extras as part of your package. Hooble provides free Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection which helps to prevent attacks from hackers. Targeted DDoS attacks habitually disrupt trade and prevent legitimate requests from customers getting through the network.

Hooble also offers unlimited bandwidth as standard and gives you access to the latest operating systems as soon as they’re available… so that’s two more things you don’t need to worry about!

How can cloud servers assist with disaster recovery?

Your data is stored off-site and – in Hooble’s case – back-ups are taken every hour and again at the 24-hour mark. Therefore, cloud servers offer a reliable solution for disaster recovery. In fact, cloud servers can reduce the recovery timeframe from days to mere hours compared to traditional disaster recovery methods! For some companies, this could mean the difference between continuing to trade or having to close their doors.

Using cloud servers for your business will eliminate any worries about equipment failure or data loss should you ever suffer from fire, flood or theft at your premises.

What sort of business can benefit from using cloud servers?

Arguably, any business wanting to reduce IT costs whilst maximising efficiency can benefit from using cloud servers. However, cloud servers can be particularly useful if you work in a volatile or seasonal industry, where demand and output can vary throughout the year. The reason? Cloud servers can be scaled up or down to suit your requirements by allowing you to add or remove RAM, CPU and hard drive space.

Cloud servers are also ideal for start-ups, as it can often be hard to predict what’s required in terms of future resources. For example, how much traffic is your new website going to generate? Cloud-based server hosting offers scalability which adapts to your business and makes upgrading a painless process.

Using a cloud server for your business infrastructure is a reliable, fast and secure solution. It avoids the maintenance issues typically experienced by having on-site servers and is likely to be the most stable option for those wanting to keep their IT costs down.

When deciding on a cloud server, cost will be an important factor. However, it can be helpful to create a list that prioritises your needs so you can choose the right server for your requirements. The Hooble team offer Linux and Windows cloud servers, or a custom version of either to better fit your business. If you’d like any help, Hooble will be happy to chat through your options.

Want to find out more? Speak to a member of the Hooble team today!

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