What are the Alternatives to Using Cloud Computing?
At the beginning of the document I listed five services that Cloud Computing can host for the small business. Each one is dealt with separately:
Back-up of your PC / Server
Many on-line backup services require you to install additional hardware on your PC. There are quite a few alternatives:
- Using your existing PC back software. Windows 7 and Vista Professional editions and MAC already have back-up software installed. Check whether this includes a system restore as well as a file back-up. Should your hard disk fail,this back-up needs to be on a sperate disk so that you can recover to another machine or a replaced hard disk. See the next point
- Buy an external USB hard drive and use either the operating system or bundled back-up software included to do a back-up.
- Back-up to Network Attached Storage (NAS). Netgear and Asus produce devices like this off the shelf. If you already have an internal network (Many internet broadband providers provide a router with a “4 port switch’at the back – 4 sockets that are slightly larger than the socket you use for the phone –so check with the provider) then you can easily connect a NAS. Check that the NAS comes with back-up software included or specify the NAS in your back-up software as the destination folder.
- HP produce a device called a MediaSmart Server using Windows Home Server that acts as a central back-up manager and a file share for up to 10 Mac and Window PC’s on an internal network. As an Alternative,Tranquil PC hosts the same Windows Home Server software on a different range of PC’s.
- Smart Box of Tricks can provide a PC based solution based on IBM server software for small businesses that includes significantly more powerful backup technology used in combination with a Windows PC.
Email and Web hosting
This has become very much a commoditised service on the internet. However,you may find yourself limited with the amount of email space on-line,the limited features of Webmail or the Provider’s service does not allow you to download email to your email client (no POP3 server such as Hotmail),or you cannot organise your emails the way you would like in separate folders. I.e. You don’t have control. Indeed for simple websites you may find that you are paying many hundreds of pounds per year for hosting. As your company grows and your email space requirements grow,so does the cost of hosting email and websites.
Many small to medium sized companies and above do not rely on Cloud Computing to serve their email and website hosting needs,and more importantly continue to keep it that way despite the hyperbole. They have servers on site connected to the internet via robust,business class network connections. Typically these installations require specialist expertise to maintain and install,at a price that is out of reach of most very small businesses.
Having on-site hosted email and website hosting means that you are much more in control of the email usage,without having to pay increasing year on year fees to have it managed.
The author believes that email and website hosting solutions are now accessible to small companies thanks to the large scale deployment of new technology across North America. In looking for solutions,Smart Box of Tricks has investigated Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) and IBM server software for small business;and found that it can offer the IBM solution with a more cost effective and simpler pricing structure than the equivalent Microsoft product,with a far smaller installation and maintenance overhead. Microsoft Home Business Server provides only basic fileshare and backup services,compared to SBS or IBM,which are specifically aimed at providing many enhanced business services.
File storage and sharing (no more email attachments)
It has already alluded to that Network Attached Storage (NAS) as useful for a backup tool,however the other major function that it serves is to share files on an internal network. This is a relatively simple “plug &play” exercise to install and maintain,however in selecting the device,note should be made of the following features:
- Ability to add,edit and delete users
- Grant access to users to specific folders and files
- “RAID” hard disks that copy data across at least two disks so that should one fail,you can continue working and improve your business contingency.
- Easy access management.
- Remote access to your files.
Microsoft Home Server has these attributes. Smart box of Tricks recommends IBM server software for small business because it also has in addition:
- a very powerful file sharing and secure remote access feature when you want to work remotely (VPN,FTP)
- a much broader user management feature set that is integrated that with its other services.
Instant messaging
Ever wanted a quick question answered without waiting for the return email or you are already on a conference call? Instant Messaging allows to collaborate more effectively,increasing productivity and team-working,especially when teams are dispersed.
One of the issues surrounding this technology that certain suppliers do not meet the stringent security guidelines developed by the I.T. functions of large companies. I.e. There are certain security vulnerabilities that could allow an external user to gain access.
Using an on-site hosted solution including IBM’s Lotus Foundations Reach,you can now enjoy the benefits of instant messaging,security and in addition:
- Three way chat
- VOIP and Video chat
- optional file transfer
- location awareness
- Integration of contact details and mobile devices.
Document editing / viewing
Relying on software installed on a PC has its advantages. You are not dependent on the quality of the internet connection to view or edit your documents. In addition you do not have to pay the exorbitant fees charged by certain suppliers of productivity tools. Smart Box of Tricks Ltd. has identified a free to use,extremely easy to install and use productivity suite that allows the business to be as productive as any business using software on a PC.
Conclusions
Using Cloud Computing is not as clear cut as one could be led to believe. A critical dependancy is the quality of the internet connection between the computer you use and the cloud services.
In addition,depending on your business,most information generated is distributed internally within the business rather than externally. Is there fundamentally a requirement to transfer that data outside your business?
The monthly cost of backups,email and other on-line services can easily outstrip the cost of provision on site,yet do not reduce the amount of administration or risk by the same proportion in managing your data,emails or websites.
Thanks to recent developments in technology,these services can be hosted in small appliances in the home business or small office;that do reduce the amount of administration to user friendly tasks and at a price that is within reach of small businesses.
About Smart Box of Tricks Ltd.
Smart Box of Tricks Ltd. provides I.T. solutions for small and home businesses. We break the stereotype that Professional I.T. needs big complex servers costing large sums of money to install and maintain. Our solutions are based on small but powerful computers using IBM software that give a large range of I.T. services without the worry or cost of large I.T. installations;allowing you to focus on getting stuff done.
Smart Box of Tricks fills the gap between the stage where you coped on your own,to other end of the scale of having an I.T. supplier provide all services for you,or even employing an I.T. technician on site.
About The Author
Jon Baxter has been working in a variety of I.T. roles over the past decade,mainly around translating business requirements into tangible I.T. Solutions. Jon is passionate about delivering innovative solutions and is very excited by this latest venture. In his spare time,Jon is a keen sailor and delves into property renovation and estate management.
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