There are many exciting cloud-based IT services on the market that sound like they will seemingly allow all the companies that use them to operate with airy efficiency. However, though convenient, many cloud services aren’t secure at all.
Unless you’re an attorney, you might not realize that many cloud service level agreements you’ll sign clearly outline areas where compliance and security issues could arise.
Though there are some cloud services that offer enough security ,(even for people who work in the Finance or Healthcare Industries), many do not.
In the real world, you really don’t have time to try to figure out if a cloud service can give you the security you need to do business. You’d literally have to take a class. Having a good IT support team or consultant in your corner is essential if you plan to make decisions on cloud-based services in the near future.
There are many considerations that you might not even be aware of:
- What if the cloud service stores your data on a server in Maine, but you’re operating your company out of Arizona? What privacy and compliance laws apply here?
- Do you have control over your data encryption or does the company? What happens if there’s some kind of issue? Can you secure your data?
- What about downtime? Most cloud services clearly state that your service will be down for anywhere from a few hours to several weeks total every year. Is that okay for your business model?
Some cable companies shut the Internet down for repairs once every 3 months or so for 8 hours in the middle of the night. Though some people wouldn’t even know this was going on; students are writing papers; some people have office work to do; and some people are up at night with babies or for other reasons, and stream all of their entertainment through the web. Just because a solution is right for most, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your company.
It’s difficult to try to navigate these waters yourself and still have time to run a business. We offer affordable pricing so that any small business can have adequate security and qualified help.