7 Big Reasons Why the Cloud Is More Efficient than On-premise Computing

Data centre optimisation and consequential benefits for businesses

Cloud computing is delivered from purpose built data centres which optimise the environment and the support systems for online software applications and the data which businesses store in the cloud. Companies that opt for cloud software solutions and services enjoy exceptional consequential benefits.

Quite simply, cloud computing is inherently more efficient than on-premise approaches to provisioning the technology services that support operations in your business.

Here are 7 big reasons why the cloud delivers efficiency:

1. Resource utilisation

   Heating and cooling
   Data centre energy consumption for power and cooling is optimised. The most advanced data centres use water cooling systems to recycle surplus heat. This makes server processors and infrastructure run more efficiently, wasting less energy and increasing hardware reliability.

   Environmentally friendly
   Addressing concerns about climate change, the most efficient data centres make use of energy that would otherwise be wasted to the atmosphere through conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems that are found in conventional business premises.

   Compared to on-premise
   If you took a group of multiple businesses and compared their computing energy efficiency in the context of On-premise Vs. Cloud, the cloud would be much more efficient.

   Hosted desktop
   A Hosted Desktop solution makes significant impacts on infrastructure energy consumption because it leverages optimisation in the data centre. However, it possible to take this one step further by replacing conventional PCs with thin or zero clients on the desktops of staff. The energy reduction may approach something of the order of 90%...

2. Redundancy

   Redundant servers are maintained in a state of readiness to kick in if a live server fails. Redundant power supplies and internet connectivity using leased lines and dark fibre also support the availability of access to software and data.

   Many organisations invest in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and back up lines. However, these have limited capability when compared with the far more robust and higher cost provisions made at purpose-built data centres.

3. Reduced footprint

   Cloud computing eliminates server infrastructure from the place of business, significantly reducing the footprint of IT equipment. This may enable downsizing to more compact offices, reducing costs and driving financial efficiency. Alternatively, it could also enable the space that is freed up to be used for revenue generation activities such as enlarging sales teams.

4. Centralised operations and maintenance

   Centralising infrastructure in data centres manned by highly skilled teams of experts equipped with all the right tools means that systems are continually maintained and operated to the highest standards.

   Software versions are always the latest release and patches and updates are applied as soon as they become available. Appropriate staff provisioning to support 24/7 operations means no one has to get out of bed in the middle of the night!

5. Reduced demand on in-house IT teams

   Migration to cloud computing ultimately means less demand, stress and strain on internal IT workers. This means that your internal team can become more proactive in its approach. Ultimately adopting a more strategic, customer-facing and more high-level role enables IT team members to deliver more value to your business.

6. Focus on core business

   Whether it’s the Finance Director, secretarial support or sales executives, your whole business runs more smoothly because there is a more focus on core business matters. Cloud computing eliminates many niggling problems that disrupt business processes and distract from the primary tasks and overall objectives of your team.

7. Reduces costs

   Cloud computing with an appropriate MSP reduces costs and drives outstanding financial efficiency. For a fixed monthly fee budgeted from OPEX, companies opting for cloud services eliminate:

   • Hardware CAPEX, maintenance and support costs, and depreciation
   • Software licensing, upgrades and maintenance costs
   • Infrastructure energy costs for power and cooling

More efficient computing for your business with HTL Support

To find out about how HTL Support solutions create efficiency, reduce costs and increase the value technology investment returns to your business, simply get in touch today.

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