Cloud Technology for Beginners

Zip, Just, Easy, Amazon, I; but which is the right cloud solution for you? Here are a few suggestions on what to look for when selecting a cloud solution for a new business:

SECURITY

Security is an important question, however many people do not know their triple DES (data encryption standard) from their AES (advanced encryption standard) which hopefully I’ll cover in a later post. In layman’s terms: most online banks operate at 128-bit AES; no-one to date has ever successfully penetrated this level of encryption via brute force, and not through lack of trying. However, a few cloud providers offer 256-bit encryption to demonstrate their pledge of security to you. If you wonder which yours is operating at; click the lock that appears where the URL is displayed.

DATA AND PAPER

A key aspect is to choose a company that won’t alter the type of document that you originally uploaded, which would mean committing to the company forever unless you are happy to watch fees for data exporting pile up. Make sure there is also a solution for your existing paperwork and that the blinkers aren’t on when you’re selecting all of your forward thinking options.

RELIABILITY

Always, always, always make sure that you thoroughly research anyone who you’re considering giving money to. There are lots of websites set up to lull potential customers into false senses of security, so that you’re not aware of the full horror show until you’ve paid your first years balance. This is sound advice not just for cloud providers too. A personal favourite for seeing terrible customer service is http://www.trustpilot.com.

PASSWORD PROTECTION AND USER CONTROL

Two words will save you a lot of hassle: Dual-Authentication. A simple system that will mean you spend an extra 30 seconds logging in each time. But that could save your bacon if an employee happens to leave a briefcase of user names and passwords on a train or there is a security breach, see Evernote. Make sure you manage who can and who can’t access parts of your cloud for sensitive data purposes. It is equally wise to check whether or not staff at the host company will be able to access your data.

REMOTE ACCESS

Finally, true cloud flexibility is all about having what you need anywhere at any time. It’s all very well having your data securely locked away, but the whole point of spending your time putting information into the cloud is so that you don’t have to be sat in your office to get it back.

- Guy