Digital is king: how to piggyback the power of external hosting platforms
By Matthew Smith, Sales Manager at Grosvenor Systems
With new Government data reporting 1 in 3 businesses faced cyberattacks in 2022, it is time for businesses to push security to the top of boardroom agendas. One of the main ways businesses can safeguard user data and optimise security is through switching to an off-site hosting option. Traditionally, businesses opt to use their own on-premise server environment, but as the working landscape changes to encompass regular remote working, it is becoming increasingly common to convert to a hosted environment.
As well as bolstering security, off-site storage cuts costly hardware repairs and IT maintenance and also saves money by lowering energy costs. Though data centres will still use energy to provide hosting, they can offer greater efficiencies in costs and energy than a business can reasonably expect to achieve in an on-premises server.
These cost savings can then be redirected to other areas to fuel business development. Alongside this, cloud-based models allow remote access to shared information, allowing employees to work from anywhere at any time, optimising performance and laying a strong foundation for long-term business growth.
Robust walls of protection
As the hybrid transition grows and security concerns mount, creaking on-site servers are leaving businesses increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Just last month the American Bar Association, the largest global association of lawyers and legal professionals, was subject to an intrusive cyberattack by an unknown hacker, threatening the data of over 1.5 million members. In response, businesses should explore alternative options such as cloud-based models which combat security risks by providing an extra layer of protection against external attacks.
Firstly, since off-site hosting services are independent of the company, user data and information are safely stored with a third party in the event that the company is targeted. Likewise, they often possess more sophisticated security tools and systems that can swiftly identify and tackle threats. In addition to this, there is no need to invest and maintain your own servers as off-site services are managed by experts who are adept in security and data protection which is crucial for business continuity and peace of mind.
Zero carbon hosting
Though cybersecurity has been steadily increasing as a priority area for business leaders, it is not their sole consideration and ESG credentials have also increasingly become a paramount concern. On-premise hosting and physical servers can be energy-intensive and technological advances create increasingly intensive computational demands, which require evermore energy to power. As such, businesses must keep carbon emissions front-of mind. Cloud-based servers, typically run on renewables, are the way forward given their zero-carbon electricity usage, as opposed to the typical energy-hungry onsite servers that emit a shocking 975 kg of CO2e per year on average.
Despite hosting costs slowly rising in line with inflation, it is important to remember that off-site hosting is more energy efficient, making it far more cost-effective and a better way of dealing with rising energy prices than on-site options. With all eyes on carbon emissions, a cloud-based option could be a hidden green saviour and converting will keep businesses in good shape for the move to net zero.
A foundation for business growth
As well as security and sustainability advantages, there are huge performance benefits to empowering remote working services. With the working landscape shifting to integrate remote working, hosted environments allow users to access their entire software and functionality on any computer or smart device. Despite the effectiveness of hybrid working still a heated topic of debate, it cannot be denied that harnessing a cloud-based software sets a strong foundation for productivity and business growth. Cross-device functionality allows remote and agile accessibility, meaning employees can tap into the system from any location at any time, optimising agility, growth and performance in the long run. In addition to this, since cloud-based systems make it easier to restore data should something go wrong, the conversion can support contingency plans in the event of server failure or attack.
With a view to prioritising sustainability, security and performance, off-site server technology is on hand to support the day-to-day running of a business and cut down on operational inefficiencies. There are also a plethora of practical benefits such as saving space within the office, and IT costs that businesses must keep in mind when weighing up their options. External factors like company size, location or internet connection must be considered to ensure the IT infrastructure is working efficiently in tune with the business’ specific needs. It might be time to consider switching over to the cloud to not only protect your business and enhance performance, but also boost your ESG credentials as an added bonus.
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.