Cloud Computing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Cloud computing is an Internet-based network model that enables on-demand access to a shared pool of computing resources such as networks, servers, storage, applications and services provided by a third party. It is becoming a standard method of software and hardware systems operation and provides several advantages including potential cost savings for many businesses. Recently though, as witnessed with the Amazon cloud outage that rocked the IT world in April and knocked several popular websites offline including Qurora, Foursquare and Reddit, the risks and disadvantages associated with cloud computing were highlighted. For many, this incident called the cloud’s overall reliability into question.

As with any major business decision, if you are considering the use of a cloud-based system in your organization, you should carefully evaluate both its advantages and disadvantages to ensure it is in line with your business goals and specific network needs.

Advantages
Scalability
Scalability is a key aspect of cloud computing, providing the flexibility to scale your IT infrastructure up or down depending on your business needs. This on-demand, pay-as-you-go approach offers your business the ability to match your capacity to your demand and lessens the need to over-provision for future network growth.

Cash Flow
Cloud computing lowers the investment in internal software applications and hardware systems and shifts the costs to a usage-based model. This can in turn create a more ‘simplified’ network structure that lessens the need for internal IT staff to support and maintain it. Keep in mind, it does not eliminate the need for IT support, especially cloud-specific service providers who are better able to help your business avoid outages such as the Amazon incident.

Increase Staff Mobility
Cloud computing inherently supports the mobility of your employees as it no longer matters where they are located as long as they have an Internet connection.

Disadvantages
System Outage and Downtime
If the Internet is down or the service provider experiences a system outage you will not have access to your business’ data which can create significant ramifications for your business and lead to a loss of productivity and revenue. Since your data and applications are most likely in another state, you have no physical access in an emergency and therefore fewer recovery options. You have to wait in line like everyone else. Amazon’s recent outage was only one of several that have occurred within the last year including Yahoo mail, Google Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, NetSuite and Intuit, illustrating the prevalence of this issue even among the top service providers in the cloud.

Data Security
Cloud computing can bring substantial privacy and confidentiality risks to your business’ sensitive data and information. By storing your data on third-party servers, you have limited knowledge and control over how it is secured and run the risk of compromising your information should the provider have inadequate systems and procedures in place.

Loss of Control
If something goes wrong with a cloud-based software application you are completely dependent on the provider to resolve the issue. If the provider is unable to address and resolve the issue quickly, your business may experience significant issues including time, productivity and revenue loss.

While the above describes some of the more prevalent advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is not all-inclusive. Additional research is necessary to understand the impact on and potential risks to your organization that accompany cloud-based systems so that the appropriate steps can be taken to mitigate any problems that may arise. 3D Corporation can assist you in determining your business’ network needs, help inform and explain the available options and work closely with you to develop a solution that aligns your technology goals with your business goals. Please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call us at (360) 671-4906 for more information.

References: “Cloud Computing: Advantages and Disadvantages”, Gunsters Boardroom Brief; “Cloud Computing – Pros & Cons”, RL Computing Blog; “Amazon gets ‘black eye’ from cloud outage”, ComputerWorld.com; “Amazon's Not Alone: 10 Notable Cloud Outages In The Last Year”, CRN.com

Network Engineer Jeff deLucia achieves MCITP: Server Administrator 2008 Certification

3D Corporation announces Jeff deLucia, Network Engineer, has earned the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP): Server Administrator 2008 certification, further enhancing the company’s range of professional certifications.

MCITP: Server Administrator 2008 certification is awarded to network engineers who have demonstrated their leadership and problem-solving skills in working with Windows Server 2008, a server operating system produced by Microsoft for businesses of all types and sizes. This MCITP certification validates deLucia’s ability to plan, deploy, support, maintain and optimize Windows Server 2008 on the networks of 3D clients that utilize this operating system.

To learn more on how certifications like these provide value to our clients, call us at (360) 671-4906, email us at info@3dcorp.us or visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/.

3D Corp Welcomes Chinook Enterprises to Whatcom County

3D’s valued client, Chinook Enterprises, is opening their doors today at their new location by the Bellingham Airport on Williamson Way. Chinook, a non-profit organization, has helped thousands of people with disabilities gain competitive employment in Skagit County and is excited for the opportunity to do the same here.  Please join us in welcoming them to Whatcom County and stop by their Open House between 4:00PM and 7:00PM today. More information regarding this event can be found on the Bellingham Chamber website at http://www.bellingham.com/content/events/open_houses.asp.

Microsoft Releases Two Security Bulletins for May’s Patch Day

Microsoft has released only two new security bulletins for May, as opposed to the 17 they released last month, that describe three vulnerabilities found in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.  One of the vulnerabilities is found in Windows Server 2003 and 2008 and is exploited through specially crafted WINS packets.  The other two vulnerabilities affect Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows and Mac and can be exploited by opening a malicious PowerPoint document.  Microsoft describes these vulnerabilities as critical and important as an attacker can execute code on the user’s computer and potentially gain complete control of it.

3D Corporation will automatically test and deploy security patches on the networks of our 3DProActive™ Managed and Partner clients to eliminate the risks posed by these vulnerabilities. Other Microsoft Windows and Office users should download and install the appropriate patches immediately to avoid possible exploitation of their computer and/or computer networks. More information regarding these vulnerabilities and their impact can be found at Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-035 and Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-036.

3D provides up-to-date security solutions that can protect businesses from threats like these automatically. If you would like additional information on how we can make your network worry-free, please visit our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/, email us at info@3dcorp.us, or call our office at (360) 671-4906.

References: “Office Updates: Beware Evil PowerPoint Documents” and “Nasty WINS Messages Hijack Windows Servers”, watchguardsecuritycenter.com; Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for May 2011

3D hires to expand Client Services, Network Engineering and Office Administration

Network management firm 3D Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Chris FitzGerald as Business Analyst, Ian Weydert as Systems Administrator, Heidi Metour as Service Coordinator, and Jeri Conard as Administrative Assistant. Their combined experience and expertise in their respective fields make them valuable assets to 3D and enhance our operations to allow for the continued growth and success of our company.

As a Business Analyst at 3D, FitzGerald provides support and assistance in determining our clients’ IT and network management needs and facilitates the development of solutions that align with their business goals. FitzGerald brings a wealth of knowledge to 3D with over four years of account management and contracts administration experience at the national level, as well as an aptitude for project management, consulting and customer service.

Weydert’s responsibilities as a Systems Administrator involve providing 3D’s diverse client base with comprehensive remote and onsite network troubleshooting, problem resolution and maintenance as well as configuring and implementing best-in-class data backup and security products. Weydert possesses a degree in Computer Networking from Bellingham Technical College and has experience in network design, management and implementation.

Metour’s role as Service Coordinator is to assist 3D’s engineering department with Help Desk call coordination, service ticket creation, project coordination, and  technical resource scheduling to ensure our clients receive immediate and comprehensive support as well as exceptional customer service. Metour comes to 3D with extensive scheduling, dispatching and customer service experience as well as a degree in Computer Technology from the Heald Institute of Technology in Sacramento, California.
As Administrative Assistant, Conard primarily assists 3D’s Accounting department in approving accounts payables and receivables as well as monitoring internal tickets for billing approval and customer service issues. Conard brings a wide array of office experience to 3D, ranging from general accounting duties to office management of a general contractor where she was instrumental in streamlining office operations and maintaining the financial structure of the company.

3D is happy to have Chris, Ian, Heidi and Jeri as members of our team and is always looking for talented individuals like them to join.  To find more about how to become a part of the 3D team and to see if we are hiring, check out the Careers page of our website at http://www.3dcorp.us/careers.html.