Describe how cloud computing will impact business in 2023.

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How Cloud Computing is Shaping the Future of Business in 2023

Cloud computing has transformed businesses’ operations by providing scalable, flexible, and cost-effective data management and processing solutions. As we enter 2023, new trends in cloud computing are emerging, promising to reshape the business landscape. Understanding these trends is crucial for organizations aiming to stay ahead in the digital world.

 

A Brief Evolution of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has evolved remarkably since its inception, from a relatively unknown concept to a fundamental pillar of modern technology infrastructure. Understanding the historical development and key milestones in cloud computing provides valuable insights into its current and future potential.

Cloud computing emerged in the early 2000s, with companies recognizing the need for scalable and on-demand computing resources. The early pioneers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Salesforce, introduced Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), respectively, laying the groundwork for the cloud revolution.

As technology progressed, virtualization became a vital component of cloud computing. It allowed for the efficient utilization of physical hardware by running multiple virtual machines on a single server, enabling better resource allocation and cost savings.

Another significant development in cloud computing was the rise of containers, spearheaded by Docker. Containers revolutionized application deployment, making it more efficient, portable, and scalable. Container orchestration tools like Kubernetes emerged to manage complex containerized environments.

Moreover, the concept of serverless computing gained traction. Serverless platforms, like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions, allowed developers to focus on writing code without the burden of managing servers. This paradigm shift increased agility and reduced operational complexities.

As cloud computing matured, hybrid cloud solutions emerged, combining the benefits of public and private clouds. This approach allowed organizations to leverage the scalability and cost-effectiveness of public clouds while retaining control over sensitive data and applications in private clouds.

In recent years, edge computing has gained prominence. With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the need for real-time data processing, edge computing brings computational power closer to the data source, reducing latency and enabling faster decision-making.

 

Cloud Computing Trends in 2023

Understanding the following 2023 cloud computing trends is crucial for organizations seeking to optimize their operations and stay ahead of the competition. Here are the key trends to watch in 2023:

  1. Hybrid Cloud Solutions: Combining the best public and private clouds, hybrid cloud solutions are gaining popularity. Organizations are leveraging the scalability and cost-effectiveness of public clouds while retaining control over sensitive data and applications in private clouds. Hybrid cloud environments enable seamless data integration, flexibility, and enhanced security.
  2. Edge Computing: With the proliferation of IoT devices and the need for real-time data processing, edge computing is becoming increasingly important. By moving computational power closer to the data source, edge computing reduces latency, enhances performance, and enables faster decision-making—edge computing benefits autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial IoT applications.
  3. Serverless Computing: Serverless computing, also known as Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), allows developers to focus solely on writing code without the need to manage servers or infrastructure. In 2023, serverless computing is expected to gain more traction as organizations embrace its benefits, such as reduced operational complexities, improved scalability, and cost-efficiency.
  4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the Cloud: The integration of AI and ML capabilities with cloud computing is a trend that will continue to grow in 2023. Cloud providers offer AI and ML services, enabling businesses to leverage these technologies without extensive infrastructure or expertise. Cloud-based AI and ML allow robust data analysis, predictive insights, and industrial automation.
  5. Blockchain Technology and Cloud Integration: Blockchain, known for its secure and transparent nature, is integrated with cloud computing to enhance data integrity and trust. In 2023, we expect more applications combining blockchain and cloud technologies, enabling secure and decentralized storage, smart contracts, and auditable transactions.

How-Cloud-Computing-is-Shaping-the-Future-of-Business-in-2023-middle-imageIndustry-specific Transformations

Cloud computing has a transformative impact on various industries, revolutionizing how they operate, deliver services, and meet customer demands. Let’s explore how cloud computing is driving industry-specific transformations in critical sectors:

  1. Healthcare: Cloud computing enables healthcare providers to securely store and share patient data, improving accessibility and collaboration among medical professionals. It facilitates telemedicine services, enabling remote consultations and patient monitoring. Cloud-based data analytics and machine learning algorithms enhance disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and personalized healthcare delivery.
  2. Finance: Cloud computing empowers financial institutions to streamline operations, improve risk management, and enhance customer experiences. Cloud-based financial management systems facilitate real-time transaction processing, secure data storage, and seamless integration with banking platforms. Cloud analytics enables advanced fraud detection, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring.
  3. Retail: Cloud computing enables retailers to enhance customer experiences, streamline inventory management, and optimize supply chain operations. Cloud-based e-commerce platforms provide scalable and secure online storefronts. Cloud analytics and machine learning drive personalized marketing, customer segmentation, and demand forecasting. Cloud-based inventory management systems enable real-time tracking and efficient stock replenishment.
  4. Manufacturing: Cloud computing revolutionizes manufacturing processes, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization. Cloud-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms collect and analyze machine data, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Cloud-enabled collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers, and customers improves production planning and coordination.

These industry-specific transformations demonstrate the power of cloud computing in driving innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness across sectors. By leveraging cloud technologies, businesses can unlock new opportunities, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead of industry disruptions.

 

Future Outlook and Predictions

The future of cloud computing holds great potential for further advancements and innovations. The market is projected to experience continued growth as businesses across industries recognize the benefits of cloud technologies.

Edge computing will expand to meet the demand for real-time data processing and reduced latency. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments will gain popularity, enabling organizations to optimize performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

AI-driven cloud services will become more prevalent, making advanced AI capabilities accessible to businesses of all sizes. Security and privacy will remain top priorities, with cloud providers investing in advanced encryption, access controls, and compliance measures.

Sustainability will also gain prominence, with cloud providers focusing on green and energy-efficient infrastructure. Embracing these trends and leveraging the benefits of cloud computing will position businesses for success in the digital era and beyond.

 

Get the Right Cloud Partner for Your Business

The advancements and trends discussed above highlight the transformative potential of cloud computing, from scalability and cost efficiency to enhanced collaboration and data security. Having a partner who totally understands the technology can help your business immeasurably.

Protected Harbor is a leading cloud migration services provider known for its robust infrastructure, advanced security protocols, and exceptional customer support. With Protected Harbor, businesses can harness the full power of cloud computing while ensuring data protection and seamless operations.

Take the next step towards optimizing your business operations by partnering with Protected Harbor. Contact us today to learn how we can help you leverage the benefits of cloud computing and drive your business forward.

How To Reduce Your Cloud Computing Costs

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How To Reduce Your Cloud Computing Costs

Cloud computing has revolutionized businesses’ operations, offering unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. However, as organizations increasingly rely on cloud services, managing and optimizing the associated costs becomes crucial. Cloud computing costs can quickly escalate if left unchecked, impacting the overall budget and profitability.

This blog post will explore practical strategies to reduce cloud computing costs without compromising performance or functionality. By implementing these cost optimization techniques, you can unlock significant savings and allocate resources more efficiently, allowing your organization to maximize its cloud investment.

Join us as we delve into cloud cost optimization, empowering you to take control of your cloud expenses and optimize your cloud infrastructure for enhanced financial sustainability. Let’s get started on your journey toward a more cost-efficient cloud environment.

 

1. Evaluate your Current Cloud Usage and Costs

Before effectively reducing your cloud computing costs, evaluating your current cloud usage and costs is important. Start by assessing your cloud infrastructure and services, reviewing your architecture, and identifying unused or underutilized resources that can be downsized or terminated. Analyze workload patterns to optimize resource allocation and avoid overprovisioning.

Review your cloud provider’s billing and usage reports to understand cost breakdowns and usage patterns. Identify cost drivers and areas where costs can be optimized, such as evaluating service levels, eliminating idle resources, and considering geographical placement for competitive pricing.

Conducting a comprehensive evaluation will provide insights into cost optimization opportunities, serving as the foundation for implementing targeted strategies to reduce cloud computing expenses.

 

2. Utilize Cost Management Tools and Features

Utilizing your cloud provider’s cost management tools and features is essential to effectively reduce your cloud computing costs. Native cloud provider tools offer valuable insights, monitoring capabilities, and optimization recommendations.

Use cost monitoring and analysis dashboards to track spending patterns and identify outliers. Set up budget thresholds and alerts to proactively manage costs and avoid unexpected overages. Additionally, leverage the cost optimization recommendations provided by your cloud provider, which may include rightsizing instances, utilizing reserved models or savings plans, and exploring spot instances.

Consider exploring third-party cost optimization tools that specialize in cloud cost management. These tools provide advanced analytics, forecasting, and automation capabilities, enabling you to optimize resource allocation and automate cost control measures.

By utilizing these tools effectively, you can gain better visibility into your cloud costs and identify opportunities for optimization, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.

 

3. Optimize Resource Allocation

To reduce cloud computing costs, optimizing resource allocation is crucial. One way to achieve this is by right-sizing your cloud instances. Evaluate the specific performance requirements of your applications and choose instance types that meet those needs without unnecessary overprovisioning. Monitor resource utilization and downsize or reconfigure instances that consistently operate below capacity—additionally, leverage instance families your cloud provider offers to select the most cost-effective options.

Another strategy is to utilize auto-scaling capabilities. Understand the workload patterns of your applications and set up auto-scaling rules based on metrics like CPU utilization or network traffic. This allows resources to be automatically scaled up during peak times and scaled down during off-peak periods, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Consider implementing serverless architecture by migrating parts of your applications to serverless services. With serverless computing, resources are allocated based on actual usage, eliminating the need for constant provisioning and management of infrastructure. By optimizing resource allocation through right-sizing, auto-scaling, and serverless architecture, you can achieve cost savings by efficiently matching resources to workload demands.

 

4. Optimize Storage and Data Transfer Costs

To optimize storage and data transfer costs in your cloud computing environment, there are several strategies you can implement. Start by evaluating storage options and selecting the appropriate storage class based on your data access patterns and retrieval needs. Implement data lifecycle management to automatically transition infrequently accessed data to lower-cost storage tiers or archive options.

Optimize storage usage by regularly removing or archiving unnecessary data and utilizing compression and deduplication techniques to reduce storage consumption. Minimize data transfer costs by leveraging content delivery networks (CDNs) to cache and deliver frequently accessed content closer to end-users.

Optimize data transfer methods using efficient transfer techniques such as bulk transfers or incremental backups. Take advantage of cloud provider pricing tiers and select the most cost-effective options for data transfer based on volume and distance.

By implementing these strategies, you can optimize storage and data transfer costs, significantly saving your cloud computing expenses.

 

How-to-reduce-your-cloud-computing-costs-Middle-image5. Implement Cost-saving Strategies

You can adopt several effective techniques to implement cost-saving strategies in your cloud computing environment. Start by utilizing Reserved Instances (RIs) or Savings Plans for workloads with stable usage patterns, which offer significant cost savings compared to On-Demand instances.

Optimize containerization and orchestration by leveraging technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and implement auto-scaling policies for containers to allocate resources efficiently. Embrace serverless computing for suitable workloads, reducing costs by eliminating infrastructure provisioning and optimizing function execution time and memory usage.

Additionally, implement cost-aware application design by utilizing caching mechanisms, optimizing data storage and retrieval, and continuously monitoring and optimizing your cloud usage through cost and usage reports.

By establishing cost governance measures and regularly reassessing and adjusting your strategies, you can achieve sustained cost savings while maintaining optimal performance in your cloud computing environment.

 

Optimize Cloud Cost with Protected Harbor’s Advanced Cloud Services

Reducing cloud computing costs is essential to optimizing your cloud environment. You can achieve significant savings while maintaining performance and functionality by evaluating your current cloud usage and costs, utilizing cost management tools, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing cost-saving strategies.

Regarding cloud service providers in the US, Protected Harbor stands out as a top choice, recognized by Goodfirms. As a leading provider, they offer a range of features that enhance cost efficiency and overall cloud management. Some notable features of Protected Harbor include:

  1. Advanced Cost Management: Protected Harbor provides robust cost management tools and dashboards that offer comprehensive insights into your cloud spending. This enables you to track costs, set budget thresholds, and implement proactive cost-saving measures.
  2. Flexible Pricing Options: Protected Harbor offers flexible pricing options, including pay-as-you-go models, Reserved Instances, and Savings Plans. This lets you choose the most cost-effective pricing model based on your workload requirements and budget.
  3. Cost Optimization Recommendations: Protected Harbor provides intelligent recommendations for optimizing costs, such as rightsizing instances, leveraging spot instances, and identifying underutilized resources. These recommendations help you make informed decisions to maximize cost savings.
  4. Comprehensive Security and Compliance: Protected Harbor prioritizes security and compliance, protecting your data and applications. They offer robust security measures, including data encryption, identity and access management, and compliance certifications, such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2.

With Protected Harbor’s reliable services and cost optimization features, you can effectively reduce your cloud computing costs while enjoying top-notch security and performance.

Ready to optimize your cloud costs and enhance your cloud management with Protected Harbor? Take the next step and sign up for our cloud migration services today!

 

Managing Data Security and Privacy in Cloud Computing

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Managing Data Security and Privacy in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate in the modern digital age. It offers a cost-effective solution for managing data and applications, providing flexibility and scalability to meet the market’s ever-changing demands. However, significant data security and privacy concerns come with the numerous benefits of cloud computing.

Following details the security and privacy that your organization must consider.

 

Data Security

A primary concern that organizations face when using cloud computing is data security. Here are some of the most common issues we come in contact with:

  1. Data Breaches: Cloud computing involves storing data on remote servers that can be accessed online. This makes it vulnerable to unauthorized access, hacking, and data breaches. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in the cloud environment to gain access to sensitive data, compromising the organization’s security.
  2. Data Loss or Corruption: Data stored in the cloud can be lost or corrupted due to various factors such as hardware failure, natural disasters, or human errors. This can cause significant data loss, resulting in legal and financial implications for the organization.
  3. Malware and Cyber-attacks: Malware and cyber-attacks constantly threaten cloud computing environments. Cybercriminals can use various methods such as phishing, ransomware, or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to compromise the cloud environment and steal or damage data.

 

Privacy Concerns

Privacy and data security concerns are critical in cloud computing. Some of the most common ones that you must address are:

  1. Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Data: In the cloud environment, sensitive data such as personal information or trade secrets can be accessed by unauthorized parties. This can result in reputational damage, legal implications, and financial losses.
  2. Inadequate Data Protection Policies: Cloud service providers may have different data protection policies and practices that may not align with an organization’s privacy requirements. This can lead to inadequate data protection, data misuse, or unauthorized data sharing.
  3. Regulatory Compliance Issues: Organizations storing data in the cloud may be subject to regulatory compliance requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and financial implications.

Managing-Data-Security-and-Privacy-Concerns-in-Cloud-Computing-MiddleBest Practices for Managing Data Security and Privacy Concerns in Cloud Computing

To effectively manage data security and privacy concerns in cloud computing, organizations should implement the following best practices:

  1. Choose a Reliable Cloud Service Provider: Selecting a reputable and reliable cloud service provider is critical for ensuring the security and privacy of data stored in the cloud. Organizations should conduct due diligence to assess a cloud service provider’s security practices, certifications, and compliance with industry standards.
  2. Implement Strong Data Encryption and Access Control Mechanisms: Encryption of sensitive data stored in the cloud environment is essential to prevent unauthorized access. Access control mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access control should be implemented to control access to sensitive data.
  3. Regularly Audit and Monitor the Cloud Environment: Regular audits and monitoring of the cloud environment can help identify potential security breaches and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Monitoring should include monitoring network traffic, user activities, and system logs.
  4. Develop and Test a Disaster Recovery Plan: Organizations should develop and test a disaster recovery plan to ensure that critical data can be restored during data loss or corruption. The disaster recovery plan should include backup and recovery procedures, data replication, and testing.
  5. Train Employees on Cloud Security Best Practices: Educating employees on cloud security best practices is critical to prevent data breaches caused by human error. Employees should be trained to identify and report potential security threats, use strong passwords, and avoid phishing attacks.

 

Compliance and Legal Considerations for Cloud Computing 

Managing data security and privacy concerns in cloud computing is critical for organizations to safeguard their sensitive data from security threats and regulatory violations. You can ensure that your data remains protected in the cloud environment by selecting the right provider and engaging some of the tools mentioned above.

Protected Harbor is a top choice in the US when selecting a cloud provider, as ranked by Goodfirms. We offer reliable and secure cloud migration services with robust encryption and access control mechanisms, comprehensive disaster recovery plans, and compliance with regulatory requirements. We have a proven track record of providing exceptional customer support and understanding our client’s needs.

If your organization is considering cloud migration services, choosing a provider you can trust with your sensitive data is important. Protected Harbor offers the security and peace of mind to confidently migrate your data to the cloud environment.

Take the first step in securing your organization’s data by contacting Protected Harbor today to learn more about their cloud migration services.

How To Get Started with a Cloud Migration Plan

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How To Get Started with a Cloud Migration Plan – 6 Key Steps

In recent years, many organizations have recognized the benefits of cloud computing and have begun migrating their applications and data to the cloud. However, cloud migration services can be complex and challenging, requiring careful planning and execution.

Many businesses recognize the benefits of migrating their on-premises data centers to the public cloud as technology advances rapidly. The public cloud offers numerous advantages, including scalability, accessibility, and cost savings. However, it is essential to have a well-thought-out cloud migration plan to avoid potential pitfalls, such as data loss and security breaches.

This blog will explore how to start with a cloud migration plan and discuss key elements such as software as a service, cloud resources, managed services, and cloud migration strategy. We will provide you with insights and tips to ensure a seamless and successful cloud migration.

Following are six key steps to start a cloud migration plan to ensure a successful and smooth migration to the cloud.

 

What is a Cloud Migration Plan?

A cloud migration plan is a project plan that outlines the process of moving an organization’s applications, data, and infrastructure to the cloud. It involves identifying which applications and data to migrate, selecting a cloud migration services provider and platform, and developing a detailed migration plan for the migration process. The plan should also consider the potential risks and challenges associated with the migration and identify strategies for mitigating them.

Cloud migration is the process of transferring business elements such as data and applications from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. The four primary types of cloud migration include Lift and Shift, Replatforming, Refactoring, and Rearchitecting. Lift and Shift entail moving applications and data to the cloud with minimal modifications to the existing architecture. Replatforming involves making adjustments to optimize the application for the cloud environment. Refactoring entails significant changes to the application architecture to modernize it with cloud-native technologies. Rearchitecting involves a complete rebuild of the application architecture using cloud-native technologies and services, emphasizing automation, scalability, and resilience.

By offering varying degrees of complexity and transformation, these four types of cloud migration provide businesses with various options to select the most appropriate approach for their specific needs.

 

Challenges of Cloud Migration

Cloud migration has become increasingly popular among businesses looking to modernize their IT infrastructure and take advantage of the numerous benefits of the cloud. However, migrating to the cloud is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges is the complexity of the migration process itself. Migrating to the cloud requires careful planning, extensive testing, and a deep understanding of the existing infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition.

Another challenge is the potential for data loss or security breaches during migration. Moving large amounts of data to the cloud can be risky, and without proper precautions, businesses may expose themselves to data breaches or loss.

Cost is another challenge of cloud migration. While the cloud offers cost savings in the long run, the initial investment required for migration can be significant. Businesses must carefully consider the costs associated with cloud services, such as storage, bandwidth, and computing resources.

Finally, organizations may face challenges related to integrating cloud-based services with existing on-premises infrastructure. This may require changes to existing workflows and processes and additional training and support for employees.

Despite these challenges, with careful planning and execution, businesses can successfully migrate to the cloud and enjoy the many benefits of cloud computing, including increased agility, scalability, and cost savings.

 

How-to-Get-Started-with-Cloud-Migration-Plan-Middle-image6 Key Steps for Cloud Migration

Step 1: Assess Your Applications and Data: The first step is to assess your organization’s applications and data. Identify which applications and data are suitable for migration to the cloud and which are not. Applications and data that are too complex or require specialized hardware, might make them unsuitable for migration. Others may have strict regulatory or compliance requirements that make migrating them to the cloud difficult.

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Provider and Platform: Many cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Each provider has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to evaluate them carefully and choose the one that best meets your organization’s needs. Part of your evaluation must include the cost for today and as you scale. Some providers can escalate their charges significantly as your requirements grow.

Step 3: Develop a Migration Strategy: This involves determining the order in which applications and data will be migrated, identifying any dependencies between applications, and creating a timeline for the migration process. It’s also essential to identify any potential risks and challenges associated with the migration and develop strategies for mitigating them.

Step 4: Build and Test Your Migration Environment: Before migrating your applications and data, you must build and test your migration environment. First set up your cloud infrastructure, configure your network, and test your applications and data in the cloud environment. It’s essential to ensure your migration environment is stable and secure before migration begins.

Step 5: Migrate Your Applications and Data: With your migration environment in place, you can begin. Migration needs to be carefully planned and executed, with each application and data set migrated according to the migration strategy developed in step three. It’s important to monitor the migration process closely and address any issues that arise promptly.

Step 6: Test and Optimize: Once your applications and data have been migrated to the cloud, the next step is to test and optimize your environment. This ensures they function correctly and are optimized for your environment.

 

Be smart, be safe

Regarding cloud computing services, having a comprehensive migration plan is crucial for businesses looking to reap the benefits of the cloud. One of the primary decisions that must be made is whether to move entirely to the cloud or use a hybrid approach combining on-premises hardware and software with cloud-based resources. Additionally, using a Software as a Service (SaaS) model can save costs and simplify migration. Another essential factor is ensuring that virtual machines are properly configured and optimized for the cloud environment. A reliable internet connection is crucial to ensure smooth access to cloud-based resources. Finally, load balancers can be used to distribute workloads across multiple servers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. By considering all of these key elements, businesses can create a successful and efficient cloud migration plan that maximizes the benefits of cloud computing.

Migrating to the cloud environment can provide many benefits, including improved scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. However, it’s essential to approach cloud migration plan carefully and develop a detailed project plan for cloud migration. Following the steps outlined above can ensure a safe, successful, and smooth migration to the cloud. If you have any questions, please contact us. We are here to help.

Introduction to Hyperscale Edge Computing

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An Introduction to Hyperscale Edge Computing

As technology advances, so do the challenges of keeping up with the ever-changing landscape. One of the most significant advancements in this space is the emergence of hyper-scale edge computing. But what is hyper-scale edge computing, and how exactly does it differ from cloud computing? Let’s explore the basics of hyper-scale edge computing, its benefits, and the trends that are shaping the future of this technology.

 

What is Edge Computing?

The main goal of Edge Computing technology is to handle the massive amounts of data generated or consumed by people and devices as close to the data resources as feasible (either on the device itself or the network edge). With this basis, edge computing addresses several infrastructure issues, including excessive latency, bandwidth restrictions, and network congestion caused by the old computer approach.

Now, Hyperscale Edge Computing refers to deploying large-scale computing resources, such as servers and storage, at the edge of a network, closer to end users and devices. This allows for faster processing of data, reduced latency, and improved performance for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication. It is often used in manufacturing, transportation, media, and entertainment industries, where data needs to be processed quickly and locally.

 

Benefits of Hyperscale Edge Computing

There are many benefits of using Hyperscale Edge Computing but here are just a few of the major ones:

Increased Performance: It provides a more efficient computing experience due to its decentralized nature. Processing data at the point of origin eliminates the need to send data back and forth between a centralized server and the user’s device, resulting in faster response times and improved performance.

Improved Scalability: Hyperscale Edge Computing is highly scalable, allowing companies to expand their computing resources as needed. This makes it ideal for companies looking to scale their operations rapidly.

Reduced Costs: By leveraging edge computing, companies can reduce their reliance on costly data centers, resulting in significant cost savings.

Improved Security: By processing data at the point of origin, Hyperscale Edge Computing offers enhanced security compared to traditional cloud computing. Data is not stored in a centralized server, making it more difficult for malicious actors to access it.

 

Hyperscale Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing

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Hyperscale Edge Computing and Cloud Computing are both forms of distributed computing that use a network of remote servers to store, manage, and process data.

Here are some key differences between them:

Location: Cloud Computing typically uses centralized data centers far from the end-users and devices accessing the data. Hyperscale Edge Computing involves deploying large-scale computing resources at the edge of a network, closer to the end-users and devices.

Latency: Because Hyperscale Edge Computing is closer to the end-users and devices, it can offer lower latency and faster processing times compared to Cloud Computing. This is particularly important for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication.

Scale: Hyperscale Edge Computing typically involves the deployment of smaller clusters of servers and storage, whereas Cloud Computing often involves using large data centers with thousands of servers.

Cost: The cost of Hyperscale Edge Computing can be higher than Cloud Computing because it requires more investment in hardware and infrastructure.

Use Case: Cloud computing is more suited for applications that require a large number of resources, data analytics, and machine learning. On the other hand, Hyperscale Edge Computing is more suited for applications that require low latency and real-time processing, such as IoT, VR/AR, and 5G.

In summary, while both Hyperscale Edge and Cloud Computing are forms of distributed computing, they both have different use cases, and the choice between the two would depend on the application’s specific requirements or workload.

 

Hyperscale Edge Computing Trends

As the popularity of Hyperscale Edge Computing grows, several trends are shaping this technology’s future.

One of the significant trends is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can be used to improve the efficiency of edge computing and make it simpler to use. For example, AI can automate the process of managing an edge computing infrastructure, resulting in improved performance and cost savings.

Another trend is the increased focus on security. Edge computing provides improved security compared to cloud computing, but there is still a need to ensure that data is secure. Companies are investing in solutions that can help protect data and ensure its security.

Finally, companies are leveraging Hyperscale Edge Computing to reduce their reliance on traditional data centers. By utilizing edge computing, companies can reduce their dependence on costly data centers while gaining access to the computational power they need.

 

Conclusion

Edge computing is an emerging technology that offers several benefits, including increased performance, improved scalability, reduced costs, and improved security. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to process data quickly and securely.

Protected Harbor offers a range of services and products designed to help organizations take full advantage of the benefits of edge computing. Our solutions are tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs and are built on the latest technologies and industry best practices.

Our team of experts has extensive experience in deploying and managing edge computing solutions for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, education, and healthcare. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest service and support and are committed to helping them achieve their business goals.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the many benefits of edge computing, contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, reduce latency, or gain a competitive edge, we have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals.

Let’s work together to unlock your data and business’s full potential.

The 6 Best Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits to Save Money

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The 6 Best Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits to Save Money

Aside from mission awareness and meeting your non-profit organization’s goals, staying under budget is undoubtedly one of your organization’s most challenging but necessary requirements. Without having to worry about purchasing and maintaining its servers, a nonprofit can use cloud storage to store and access all of its data, some of which may be sensitive. Regarding file sharing, cloud solutions for nonprofits ensures that even remote volunteers have the same access as those in the office.

But, as previously said, nonprofits often need help finding ways to lower and maintain their bottom line. By using a cloud-based solution rather than in-house servers, nonprofits will access more affordable solutions than those offered by larger companies.

Below, we will be discussing six of the best cloud solutions for nonprofits and how they can help you save money.

 

Top Cloud Storage Solutions for Non-Profits

Nonprofits require reliable and affordable cloud storage solutions to store their files and data, collaborate with teams and partners, and access their information from anywhere. Cloud storage providers offer a range of features and pricing options, including free cloud storage plans, paid plans, lifetime plans, and business plans. One of the most popular cloud storage solutions is Microsoft 365, which offers a suite of services that includes cloud backup, file sync, and share files. It is also easy to set up and use, and it’s virtual machine and hybrid cloud capabilities make it a versatile option.

Other key features of cloud storage solutions for nonprofits include being dedicated to single or multiple users, and service daas. Nonprofits can choose from various cloud storage providers, depending on their needs and budget. Free cloud storage plans suit small nonprofits with basic storage needs, while paid plans offer more features and storage capacity. Lifetime plans provide a one-time payment for a lifetime of storage, making it a cost-effective option for nonprofits. In conclusion, nonprofits have plenty of options for cloud storage solutions. They need to choose a provider that meets their requirements and budget while providing secure and reliable storage for their data.

Understanding what each one offers is essential before deciding which suits your organization. Here are some of the top cloud storage solutions:

 

Public Cloud: Google for Non-Profits

Public cloud storage is an excellent option for non-profits because it’s easy to set up and maintain. No servers or IT personnel are required on your end, so you can focus on your mission instead of managing all those technical details. Public cloud services also offer built-in security features such as encryption and authentication.

Google has been offering its Cloud Storage product for years, and it’s the most popular cloud storage service on the web. The service offers unlimited space for photos and videos at zero cost, plus you can use Google Drive to store your documents and spreadsheets.

Features

  • Free Space Up to 30GB
  • Superb Compatibility
  • Several Storage Capabilities

Private Cloud – Protected Harbor

Private clouds offer non-profits the most secure and reliable form of cloud storage. They are hosted on private servers in data centers that are more stable than public clouds.

Businesses can turn to Protected Harbor to get the benefits of cloud computing without putting critical information at risk. As the name suggests, a private cloud is a cloud in which only one company can protect its proprietary data. As a result, only selected individuals, as opposed to everyone, have access to the data.

Features

  • Cutting-Edge Cloud Migration Services
  • Increase Your Return on Investment.
  • Foresee and Avert Any Problems

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Online backups are a great way to protect your computer and its data. Unfortunately, they’re only easy to use in some instances. That’s where cloud storage comes in.

The only provider on our list that isn’t a cloud storage service is IDrive, an online backup platform (more on the differences between the two below). IDrive, however, incorporates a cloud storage service with all the usual fixings, including file synchronization and sharing.

Users can access up to 100TB of combined storage space. If you’re interested in trying IDrive before making a total financial commitment, they have a free, 10-gigabyte version available to try.

Features

  • Unlimited File Sharing and Syncing
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Zero-Knowledge Encryption
  • Single Sign-On Features
  • Mobile Apps for Android and iOS Devices

Hybrid Collaboration – Protected Desktop

When you choose hybrid collaboration for cloud storage, your data is stored in two separate places: on-premises and offsite. You have complete control over where your data lives and how it’s backed up.

Protected Desktop is an excellent choice for any non-profit looking for a hybrid collaboration to store their files and data. The company offers unlimited storage space at no extra charge and has an easy-to-use interface that makes it great for both beginners and advanced users.

Features

  • Desktop as a Service
  • Provides Support, Monitoring, and Backups
  • Ransomware Protection
  • Application Outage Protection

Fundraising Tools – Aplos

Nonprofit organizations have a lot to keep track of, and one of the most important things is staying on top of their donors. Tracking how much money an organization has raised or how much they’ll need in the future can take a lot of time and effort, that’s where Aplos comes in.

Aplos is a free cloud-based software suite for non-profits that provides fundraising, accounting, membership management, and more helpful tools.

Features

  • Donation Tracking
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Budgeting/Forecasting
  • Financial Management
  • Accounts Receivable

 

Resource Planning – Envisio

As a nonprofit, you have many needs but limited resources. Choosing the right cloud storage solution is critical to your organization’s success.

Envisio is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered planning application that makes it simple to build a framework and generate aesthetically appealing reports as a part of the strategic planning process.

Features

  • Ad Hoc Reporting
  • Alerts/Notifications
  • Charting
  • Chat/Messaging
  • Collaboration Tools

Final Words

There is no doubt that cloud solutions have become a necessity in business. Many companies have found tremendous value in moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud to save money and gain efficiency. These same benefits apply to non-profit organizations, and although there are many free options for small businesses, larger non-profits can still benefit from enterprise-level cloud solutions. Non-profits are making great strides to save money and stay within their budget. Cloud services have become a tremendous tool in their arsenal.

There are numerous services available for non-profits at a variety of price points. The trick is to match your specific needs with your budget—something a professional like Protected Harbor can help you with. Talk to the experts and get the perfect advice for a cloud storage solution that best fits your non-profit. Contact our team today!

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

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Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

As we enter 2023, many businesses are turning their gaze to the horizon to look at the future of cloud technology. The cloud has made immense strides in the past few years, and it is poised to make even more progress in the near future. A few cloud technologies will likely be the focus of attention in 2023, and it is essential to understand what these are and how they will affect businesses. This blog post will discuss the leading cloud technologies, trends, and cloud migration services to watch out for in 2023.

 

Introduction to Cloud Technologies

Cloud technology has become an integral part of modern business operations, providing businesses with previously unavailable benefits. By leveraging the advantage of cloud, companies can access greater computing resources, store vast quantities of data, and grow their operations in ways that were never possible before. It is no surprise that cloud technology is becoming increasingly widespread and is expected to reach even further in 2023.

 

What is Cloud Computing?

Before discussing the leading cloud technologies and trends to watch out for in 2023, it is important to understand cloud computing and why it is valuable. Cloud computing is storing and accessing data and applications over the internet, allowing businesses to access them whenever and wherever they are needed. This “on-demand” access to resources is one of the main benefits of cloud computing, as it allows businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions. There are three main types of cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

Thanks to cloud computing, businesses can access vast resources and store large amounts of data without investing in expensive hardware and software. This allows companies to scale up their operations quickly and efficiently while reducing costs. Cloud is also very secure, as data is stored in secure data centers and is backed up regularly.

 

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Now that we better understand cloud computing and its benefits, let’s look at the leading cloud technologies to watch out for in 2023.

 

Top-Cloud-Technologies-to-Look-Out-for-in-2023 MiddleArtificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration

One of the biggest trends in cloud technology for 2023 is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By leveraging these technologies, businesses can gain valuable insights into their data, allowing them to make more informed decisions and optimize their operations. AI and ML can also automate tasks and processes, saving time and resources for more critical tasks.

Integrating AI and ML with cloud computing is expected to become even more widespread in 2023, with more businesses taking advantage of these technology’s benefits including application migration. This will also increase the number of cloud-based AI and ML services and cloud migration services, allowing companies to access these powerful technologies without investing in expensive hardware and software.

 

Hybrid Cloud Solutions Will Soar

Another trend to watch out for in 2023 is the rise of hybrid cloud solutions. A hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private cloud solutions, allowing businesses to take advantage of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public cloud solutions while also being able to access the more secure and reliable environment of private cloud solutions.

The hybrid cloud is expected to become even more popular in 2023 as businesses look to take advantage of the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions. This trend will also increase the number of hybrid cloud solutions, allowing companies to access the best of both worlds.

 

Cloud Cost Optimization

Companies are keen to employ cloud computing; thus, there is a continuing need to reduce costs for these services. Cloud service providers will put more effort into developing business-friendly and cloud native solutions that offer increased productivity and better resource availability. These enhanced client resources will aid in the optimization of cloud-based workloads and guarantee a profitable investment.

There are several strategies businesses can use for cloud cost optimization, such as using cloud cost management tools, optimizing their cloud usage, and optimizing their cloud storage. By leveraging these strategies, businesses can reduce cloud costs without sacrificing performance or security.

 

Sustainability and More Cloud Adoption

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to businesses all around the world. Most organizations know that cutting back on the energy used by infrastructure services, computer engines, and more extensive storage needs will help them transition to sustainability. Most IT behemoths will use 2023 to identify creative cloud solutions to reach carbon neutrality.

As businesses become more conscious of their environmental impact, they increasingly turn to cloud-based solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. Cloud computing is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to store and access data and applications.

The increased adoption of cloud services is expected to drive further innovation in cloud technology, allowing businesses to access even more powerful and cost-effective solutions.

 

Cloud Security and Resilience

Cloud migration offers ample opportunities, efficiency, and convenience and exposes businesses and organizations to new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the possibility of fines or, even worse, losing the trust of their clients is a serious issue because of the rising body of legislation governing how businesses can hold and use personal data.

Spending on cyber security and increasing resilience against anything from data loss to the effects of a pandemic on international trade will thus take on even greater importance in the upcoming year. The emphasis will likely be on finding creative and economical ways to maintain cyber security, nevertheless, to get the most “bang for the buck” as many organizations attempt to cut costs in the face of a predicted economic slump. In 2023, this will translate into increased use of managed “security-as-a-service” providers and AI and predictive technology to identify dangers before they cause issues.

 

Conclusion

The cloud is expected to have an impact in 2023 significantly, and there are a few cloud technologies to watch out for. Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, hybrid cloud solutions, cloud cost optimization, sustainability, more cloud adoption, and cloud security and resilience are all expected to be significant trends in 2023.

Protected Harbor migration services assist you in putting your cloud strategy into place by using systematic, risk-mitigated cloud migration services. Your cloud-enabled business transformation initiatives will benefit from Protected Harbor’s tool-based framework. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today.

Our experts at Protected Harbor are standing by to assist you in all your cloud-related needs including disaster recovery, data storage, private and public cloud services. We provide comprehensive cloud support and migration plan, helping our clients easily create a successful cloud strategy. Our services have helped countless businesses improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by making the transition to the cloud smoother and more seamless. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today, and let us help you achieve your goals!

How Can You Prevent Cloud Misconfiguration and What Is It?

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What is Cloud Misconfiguration and How Can You Avoid It?

The increased usage of the cloud, intended to promote company agility and resilience, has recently increased cyber risks. It does not follow, however, that choosing to adopt cloud-based-hosted environments automatically increases an organization’s vulnerability to a cyberattack. Because specific security solutions aren’t designed to secure cloud-hosted environments, securing a cloud environment requires a different security strategy than securing on-premises infrastructures.

IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) solutions are becoming increasingly popular among businesses for their IT operations. According to Gartner, by 2022, double the number of corporate entities using cloud-managed products 2018 will be using them.

According to the NSA, cloud misconfiguration is the most significant vulnerability in a cloud security environment. Although these risks are frequently modest in sophistication, the occurrence of cloud misconfiguration problems is typically through the sky. In other words, 99% of businesses will have cloud misconfigurations that they are entirely unaware of.

What is Cloud Misconfiguration?

Any flaws, defects, or holes in your cloud setup that could put you in danger are called cloud misconfiguration. This cloud security risk may manifest as insider threats, cloud breaches, data breaches, insider threats, or bad external actors who use your network’s weaknesses to their advantage. This serious compliance risk might appear in a variety of ways, including:

  • Granting public access to storage buckets;
  • Unknowingly disclosing unencrypted data to the public internet without the necessary authentication in place;
  • Improper network functionality generation;
  • Exposing data saved in the cloud to all system users and storing encryption keys and passwords in publicly accessible repositories.

It can be either malicious or accidental.

  • Malicious cloud misconfiguration is when someone deliberately sets up their cloud server to access someone else’s product or data. This is often done by hackers who want to steal information or even cause physical harm.
  • Accidental cloud misconfiguration happens when a company puts its information on public clouds and does not secure it properly. This can happen because a company doesn’t understand its responsibilities in this respect or anticipate how much work would be required to ensure its data once it is moved into the cloud.

Leading Causes of Misconfigured Cloud Infrastructures

Most misconfigurations are caused by human error and elements like overly complicated infrastructure or inadequate knowledge of security procedures.

Malicious Insiders

While it is difficult to know who is responsible for a breach, the most common culprits are malicious insiders who have gained access to user credentials and have tried to use them to launch attacks on the cloud environment. As a result, users are often forced to change their passwords or reset their accounts’ entire passwords.

Denial of Service Attacks (DoS)

A denial of service attack occurs when an attacker tries to overload a system with data requests so that it cannot service legitimate requests from users or other applications. This can result in lost productivity, disrupted operations, and an inability to process payments, which can cause financial losses for companies with cloud-based eCommerce platforms.

Overly Complex Infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure typically consists of multiple components such as servers, storage systems, networks, and firewalls that work together to provide cloud services across various geographic locations worldwide. IT professionals may become susceptible to attack by hackers or malware distributors seeking entry into company systems when these components are not correctly configured or managed by IT professionals.

Unauthorized Access

An unauthorized individual can access your cloud infrastructure and wreak havoc on the AWS environment. In the case of a malicious actor, the consequences can be devastating to business operations, financial security, or even human lives.

Insufficient Understanding of Security

When creating and managing apps and infrastructure, the majority of developers and DevOps teams do not place a high priority on security. These teams primarily concentrate on ensuring that services perform properly and offer users functionality.

When selecting members for your development team, consider security. Ensure they comprehend crucial ideas like application hardening, least privilege, and encryption at rest.

what is cloud misconfiguration middleHow to Avoid Cloud Misconfiguration?

Here are some tips to avoid cloud misconfiguration:

Implement Log Tracking

The first step to avoiding cloud misconfiguration is to implement logging and monitoring. When a cloud service is misconfigured, it’s often difficult to identify what exactly went wrong. The best way to catch this type of issue is by using a detailed logging and monitoring system. You can determine the root cause of any misconfiguration incidents by tracking changes.

Add Layered Security

Layer testing is another way to prevent cloud misconfiguration issues. Layer testing involves placing multiple checks on your application before deploying it in production. For example, if you are deploying an application that requires authentication, you will use one layer of testing for authentication and another layer for authorization. This way, if something goes wrong during authentication, it does not affect approval.

Automate Configuration and Security Checks

Automation is an integral part of cloud security. A data breach can occur if the same settings are used in multiple environments. Automating the deployment of your infrastructure helps you eliminate this risk.

Simplify Your Environments

If you have multiple environments for your applications, then it’s essential to simplify them as much as possible. This is because every domain has different requirements and limitations. For example, if you have an internal production environment and an external staging environment, having two separate configurations will complicate things further down the line.

Document Everything

If you’re using cloud-based services, then they will require your information. So, ensure you have all the documentation ready before moving to the next step. This will help you in case of an issue with your service or a security breach.

Scan for Vulnerabilities

A scan will check whether your server has known security issues that could allow hackers to access it. If there are any vulnerabilities, ensure you fix them as soon as possible by following best practices such as patching software, updating third-party libraries, or installing anti-virus software on your server.

Adopt a DevSecOps Culture

The process of development and deployment has long neglected security. A DevSecOps culture is created by combining awareness and attention to growth, safety, and operations. This culture makes incorporating security as a crucial component of application design and development more accessible.

It helps to build security into your application’s framework to have competent security resources on your design and development teams. Avoiding issues in the first place will prevent the hassle of dealing with them afterward.

Conclusion

Misconfiguration issues are ultimately nothing new; they have moved to the cloud with the applications. Your organization’s ability to lower its cyber risk and the likelihood of being a victim of a cloud-misconfiguration-based breach will improve the more cloud security automation you can deploy in combination with human-backed services. Managing your security threats inside your expanding list of cloud services is crucial as cloud usage keeps accelerating. A significant data leak can result from a single configuration error.

An automated solution like Protected Harbor can help you reduce your attack surface and control third-party cloud exposures through real-time monitoring and optimized remediation workflows. We help businesses and enterprises protect their data and assets by offering cloud configuration solutions. We offer a full range of cloud services, including infrastructure, platform, and software solutions.

With a team of certified engineers and consultants, we help enterprises and businesses migrate, transform, and digitize their critical business processes. We work with our clients to understand their business requirements, design the best architecture, and execute the project with utmost care. We are a team of professionals who believe in integrity, honesty, and hard work.

With our solutions, you can focus on what matters most to your business. Contact us today to learn about cloud migration and configuration.

The Top 5 Risks of Cloud Migration

the top 5 risks of cloud migration

 

The Top 5 Risks of Cloud Migration

When it comes to cloud migration, there are plenty of risks involved. Every business considering migrating its IT infrastructure from a traditional data center to a public cloud must identify potential obstacles. After all, it’s not an easy transition, even with the many tools and resources available. A study by New Voice Media found that only 14 percent of companies that had begun transitioning to the cloud environment completed the process successfully. This means businesses have plenty of opportunities to get things right the first time. With so much information available about how and why companies should migrate their IT infrastructure to the cloud, it’s essential to understand which risks need addressing first.

When deciding about cloud migration services, one of the first things to remember is the risk involved with the process. There are many different types of risk, ranging from financial to technical. In this blog, we’ll learn the top 5 risks of cloud migration and how to mitigate them.

 

Cloud Migration is Only the Beginning

Cloud migration is the process of moving applications, data, and other business elements from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. When companies approach the decision for cloud adoption, they often think it will solve all of their problems. The most significant risk is that businesses assume they can put off addressing the issues they face today by migrating tomorrow. In reality, migration is only the beginning of a new set of challenges that businesses must overcome to ensure their data remains safe and secure in the long term. If a company has a poor security system today, it will have a flawed one tomorrow, regardless of whether the data is hosted on-premises or in the cloud. This is why migration should be seen as a way to improve the business environment rather than just a quick fix to a single issue.

There are four main types of cloud migration: Lift and Shift, Replatforming, Refactoring, and Rearchitecting. These four types of cloud migration offer businesses different levels of transformation and complexity, providing options to choose the most suitable approach for their needs.

Why is Security in the Cloud a Challenge?

Migration to the cloud should be considered a long-term investment, not a short-term solution. However, the fact that most organizations are new to the cloud platform makes it difficult for them to know what to expect. Often, businesses don’t fully understand the risk associated with, and the potential impact cloud migration could have on their business. Of course, security is the biggest challenge of all. Public cloud data centers are designed for maximum scalability and flexibility, so companies don’t have the same level of control and visibility as they do with their own data centers. Even if a business uses a managed cloud provider or hybrid clouds, it still has to ensure it applies the proper security measures to keep its data safe.

The-Top-5-Risks-of-Cloud-Migration middleData Theft Causes Unauthorized Access

Data theft is a common problem with traditional infrastructure. If a company fails to protect its application and data, unauthorized access is always a risk. Businesses are no longer in control when that data is migrated to the cloud. When migrating to the cloud, companies often store their data in a third-party facility or premises data center. This creates a single point of failure; hackers will have access to all the data if they breach security. This can include all types of information, including personally identifiable and sensitive client information. If this data is stolen and isn’t encrypted, it can be used for malicious purposes, including identity theft and financial fraud. The potential economic impact on a business can be huge.

Third-Party Product Comes with Security Risks

Third-party products are needed in every aspect of the business. However, they present certain security risks. For example, a third-party VPN device could be easy for hackers to compromise. When migrating to the cloud, it is crucial to understand the security level of third-party products and services. Businesses must make sure the service provider uses a secure VPN connection when outsourcing. They should also consider hiring a third-party provider with a secure data center.

Hackers Can Compromise Vulnerable VPN Devices

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, provide a secure connection that keeps your internet data hidden from hackers and enables companies to safeguard their private cloud resources. Many cloud apps require a VPN to transport data from on-premises systems to the cloud. Although they are often bidirectional, VPNs are set up to only work in one direction. This frequently exposes your business to a cloud service provider attack. When hackers break into a VPN device, they can access the data transmitted between a remote user and the data center. This can result in data loss, stolen information, and financial losses.

Accidental Exposure of User Credentials

Cybercriminals typically use cloud apps as a cover in their phishing assaults.  Due to the widespread usage of cloud-based communications and document-sharing services, employees are used to getting emails with links requesting them to validate their credentials before accessing a particular site or document.

Businesses often collect user credentials on the premises, such as passwords and usernames. However, when these credentials are migrated to the cloud, they are stored the same way as the other data. If hackers can access this information, it can result in a severe security breach. If the credentials are stored in plain text, hackers will be able to see them. This is one of the most common ways for hackers to access secure data. A fast and secure migration process involves encrypting the user credentials. However, some companies don’t make this a priority.

Lack of Secure API

An API is essential for connecting different business components, including CRM, application migration, and billing systems. If a company doesn’t put security at the forefront when designing its API, it can pose a significant risk to the business. When creating an API or a cloud native app, it is crucial to understand the security requirements. This includes authentication, authorization, and session management. If a company overlooks any of these requirements, it can result in a severe breach of security. Hackers can access sensitive data in the cloud if the API is easy to compromise. The Facebook-Cambridge Analytical Scandal, which gave Cambridge Analytica access to user data, is the most common example of an insecure API.

Conclusion

Moving to the cloud platform can be your business’s best course of action. Before going further, be sure you have a clear cloud migration strategy and are aware of the dangers associated with potential incompatibilities with the current architecture, security threats, and reduced visibility and control. Additionally, make every effort to prevent data loss, incomplete data deletion, excessive spending, and additional latency. Cloud migration plan might benefit your company if you can avoid these problems.

If you are considering moving your business to the cloud, you might have concerns about data security and the potential for downtime that could impact your customers. With Protected Harbor, you can rest assured that your data will be secure and available whenever needed while we create a tailored migration plan. Our engineers are certified by every primary cloud provider, and our team members are dedicated to your business’s success. We are rated as one of the top cloud computing companies in the US by Goodfirms.

With our help, you can start enjoying the benefits of the cloud sooner rather than later. Contact our cloud migration expert today.

Managed Services vs. Cloud Computing

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Managed Services vs. Cloud Computing: What’s the Difference?

Suppose you’re a CIO of a company or just an employee. In that case, it’s likely that sooner or later, you will have to deal with two opposing forces: on the one hand, the demands of your organization and the increasing need for agility, and on the other, your team’s inability to manage everything in a digital world. These two factors often lead to a choice between having a managed services contract, which relieves some pressure from your technical department by allowing them to use third-party companies instead of managing services themselves or going all-in with cloud computing.

Managed services and cloud computing can help businesses streamline operations, automate processes, and make data-driven decisions. They also have several things in common that make understanding the differences between managed services and cloud computing more accessible. Managed services and cloud computing are two popular ways organizations outsource their technology needs. Managed services refer to outsourcing day-to-day technology management, including data management systems and IT infrastructure management. On the other hand, cloud computing refers to using cloud-based services to store and access data securely.

Whether you’re a business looking to cut costs or develop an online presence, knowing what these services are and how they can benefit your organization is essential. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between managed services and cloud computing.

What is a Managed Service?

Managed services refer to a type of outsourcing where a company owns the technology and staff of another company, but not the business process or the customer relationship. A managed service provider (MSP) offers customers various types of managed services, governed by a service level agreement (SLA). This agreement outlines the expected level of service, including response time, issue resolution, and performance metrics.

One popular type of managed service is data management. This involves the storage, retrieval, and security of customer data. Another type of managed service is information technology services, which include the management of an organization’s technology infrastructure, such as servers, networks, and software applications.

Protected Harbor offers clients various managed services, including data management, cloud computing, migration, and information technology services. We work with our clients to develop customized SLAs that meet their specific needs and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their technology and data are in good hands.

There are several reasons why companies choose to partner with us for their managed services needs. One of the main reasons is our expertise in data management, which helps clients improve their data security and compliance. We also offer various managed services, including cloud-based solutions, which provide our clients the flexibility and scalability they need to grow their businesses.

For example, a hosting company outsources the management of its infrastructure to a third-party company. The customer’s website is hosted on the managed service provider’s cloud. The ordered service provider has managed the hosting for the customer for a fee.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of resources and services through a network of shared hardware and software that reside on remote servers and are accessed through a network. This means you don’t own or manage any technology but instead access it via the Internet cloud. You can, for example, use a shared spreadsheet on someone’s computer over the Internet without knowing anything about the computer’s technical setup.

It is also referred to as “virtual computing.” A cloud provider like Amazon offers various storage, computing, and software services. The advantage of using a cloud provider is that it saves you time by letting you outsource tasks that used to take up a lot of your time, like managing the technical setup of employees’ computers, to a service provider.

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Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud providers offer several advantages over managed services providers. First, you get access to a broader range of services and benefits, like automatic backup and disaster recovery. The second is that you don’t have the costs associated with data center maintenance or power. Another advantage of cloud computing is that you are not limited to using the technology of a single provider since the cloud is an open network where anyone can offer a service. This means you can access a broader range of technologies and services without being limited to the ones a managed service provider offers.

Managed Services vs. Cloud Computing

Managed services and cloud computing benefits organizations looking to improve their technology capabilities. With managed services, organizations can benefit from expert monitoring and management of their technology infrastructure and data management strategies that can help them extract valuable insights from the data they collect. With cloud computing, organizations can benefit from scalable, cost-effective solutions allowing them to access their data anywhere.

Managed services can help organizations leverage machine learning and business intelligence to make informed business decisions. At the same time, cloud computing can provide the flexibility and scalability needed to support growth and innovation. Both approaches can offer high data governance and security, which is critical for organizations that handle sensitive information.

Ultimately, the choice between managed services and cloud computing will depend on an organization’s specific needs and goals. For organizations that require more control over their technology infrastructure, managed services may be the better choice. For organizations looking for more flexibility and scalability, cloud-based solutions may be the way to go. Regardless of the approach, organizations should seek a provider that offers a high level of service, data integration, and data warehouses to ensure they can make the most of their technology investments.

Managed vs. Platform as a Service

Managed services generally have a more limited scope and a more focused purpose than cloud computing. They are often used to supplement existing IT service delivery rather than replace it. A managed service usually has a defined scope and duration. The range includes the service type and the effort required to deliver it. The time of the contract is generally shorter than the scope. A platform as a service (PaaS) is a service that gives you access to an Application Programming Interface (API) that you can use to store your data and run specific programs, like a payroll service.

Conclusion

As you can see, managed services and cloud computing both have a lot of potential benefits, but it’s essential to know the differences between them to make the right choice for your organization. Both are effective ways to alleviate some of the pressure from your IT team and get access to resources that are not owned or managed by you. Suppose your organization is experiencing challenges managing the increasing volume of data created, the growing need for agility, or both. In that case, it might be worth analyzing the costs of managed services versus cloud computing.

The level of trust that Protected Harbor has received from its customers is evident from the fact that we have been recognized as the top cloud computing company in the US by Goodfirms. We have been rated highly among the people of the Internet because we offer a wide range of affordable cloud computing services at different levels of customization. With the wide range of cloud computing services we offer, every business can get the cloud computing services they need.

We are committed to protecting the safety and integrity of your data, no matter where it lives. Contact us today to learn more about your organization’s managed services and cloud options.