Cloud computing is growing exponentially, but many entities still have reservations about using the cloud for their data management and data storage.Many local governments fear that the cloud is unsecure and expensive, but there are just some of many misconceptions about the cloud. It is important for local governments to understand the benefits of cloud computing.
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Increased Security
The root of reservations about switching to the cloud comes from a misguided belief that the cloud is insecure. Many imagine a private, enterprise cloud the same way they view the cloud storage on their phones. Yet the enterprise cloud that a government would be using is far more secure than other data storage options. Data encryption is used for safeguarding and the government office can specify how many clearance steps are required for different people in the office.
Flexibility of Resources
When you use cloud computing, you open your office up to utilize resources in a more fluid and flexible way. The cloud can allow you to create new operational systems, both for internal and external use, that would have eaten up room and speed in a hard drive. For example, you can create a utility bill pay section of the city website for users to pay for all city utilities online without having to keep a complicated database on a hard drive.
Simplify Your Data
Consolidating your data into a cloud storage options gives you the opportunity to clean out your files and organize them in a way that is efficient and useful. Instead of sorting through an outdated file system, you can custom-create how your data is stored and accessed. You can even input search terms to find data faster.
Reduce Costs
The federal government moved to cloud computing and a big reason was because of the reduction of costs. Instead of having an IT infrastructure or paying someone to maintain the systems, you can place data in the cloud which self-maintains and self-updates. You will always have the most up-to-date technology working for you without a team of people sitting in front of computers managing updates.
Grow the Team’s Skillset
InformationWeek points out that when the people in your office are no longer spending all of their time messing with servers thanks to the ease and efficiency of cloud computing, they can spend their time developing other skillsets that benefit the local government. This could be as simple as spending their time on projects the community is asking for completion without having an overly full plate.
