28 technology
The three Cs of cloud computing . . . continuity, compliance, compatibility
This is the last in the current series of articles from SIRE MD, Russell Cook, about how the cloud can help with the growth and security of your business, regardless of your size or the market sector within which you operate. With this in mind we want to try and draw together some of the main strands
The cloud is not something to fear, it is just the latest step in an ever-changing, technology-driven business environment that, if used as part of a considered plan for your business, will bring benefits that will have a positive impact on your bottom line.
The statistics about the inability of businesses to recover from a loss of data are frightening; you don‘t want to be one of those stats so using the cloud as a means of backing up your data makes sense. Take the time to look at your organisation, how it functions and how data is not only stored but also shared and used in and between different departments or sites. There may be an opportunity for streamlining the data which means that not only will you not have as much to store or back up but it will also help you identify the value of the different files and databases that you hold. Remember not all data is equally valuable, storing it in the cloud will keep it all safe but the real key to effective use of the cloud is the speed and reliability of data retrieval and being able to identify what needs to be retrieved as a matter of priority.
Compliance to both industry standards and/or legislation is becoming an increasing factor across every industry; the secure storage of personal records, traceability of transactions and evidence of advice given or payments received may be required whether you are supplying accountancy services, beauty treatments or car servicing. You wouldn‘t want to think that your personal information was easily accessible to anyone in the body shop at your local garage so treat your customers information as you would your own. The aim of these new compliance requirements is to ensure greater security, reliability and responsibility
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could also face significant fines or other financial penalties.
So your data is stored safely and is easily retrievable should the unthinkable happen. Data from your clients, suppliers and staff is all stored and handled in a manner which is compliant to your own market requirements and in line with national guidelines and, most importantly, the business is flourishing. For many with growth plans, scalability is an essential part of their business planning.
Taking data from a physical platform to a secure private cloud server provides flexibility for growth to match any company‘s plans. You need to take the time to understand the nature of your business, the type of data that is required and how it is accessed on a daily basis. By moving to a virtual machine (cloud server) there is little or no disruption to the business and it has the added benefits of protection against physical failures, full back-up each day (or as appropriate for your organisation), anti-virus protection and it is a fully scalable solution. This means you never have to be concerned about running out of space or resources, leaving you free to run your business knowing that data is being looked after properly.
A fourth C – communication
within organisations that are dealing with business or personal data.
One of the latest offerings, which is invariably cloud-based, is CMaaS, or Compliance Management as a Service. Even the Government has recognised this need and recently implemented its own Cyber Essentials scheme which aims to help businesses protect themselves from cyber attacks that may threaten their security and consequently their compliance. There is also increasing legislation that means should a data breach take place, not only are there legal and reputational repercussions but you
Communicating your commitment to business continuity, along with the compliance and continuity aspects, to both customers and staff also has benefits. The receipt of ISO 22301 is recognition, at the highest level, of your understanding and commitment to business continuity. Without it you may be excluded from tendering for some projects. At a lower level, as you talk to suppliers and staff and raise awareness of your plans it becomes a natural part of your company culture and one that new members of staff are introduced to when joining alongside guidance and procedures about training, holidays and health and safety.
Taking a lead from the politicians, who all love a little alliteration, our conclusion about the cloud is as follows: ”Calling on the cloud can provide continuity, compliance and compatibility in a cost-effective way that gives you the confidence to continue to cultivate your business.”
Details: Russell Cook 01344-758700
rcook@sire.co.uk www.sire.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JUNE 2015
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