Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing allows us to store documents and files and access them at any computer with an internet connection. Even though it has so many advantages, there are some things to be cautious about. Some people say there are no hitches to cloud computing, but there are numerous disadvantages.

Here are some of the main disadvantages of cloud computing:

Security and privacy issues

The biggest worries about cloud computing are privacy and security. Many users may not be happy passing over their information or data to a third party. It is even a greater concern to businesses that wish to keep their sensitive data on the cloud server. Even though venders ensure their servers are free from viral infection, it is still a concern since there are many users accessing the server every day. Storing data and information in the cloud makes your company open to external threats and hack attacks. We are aware that nothing on the internet is totally secure, there is always a possibility of external attack. So make sure you pick the right provider to keep your data secure.

Cost can be expensive

Even though cloud computing is cheaper than traditional desktop software, the fact that it is new to the market and has to be researched and improved time and again makes it more expensive. Vendors have to develop or buy certain software that will operate the cloud and fix any unforeseen problem that might occur. This makes the cloud computing very expensive. Also cloud computing costs are changing every day. 

Tech issues can still occur

Although you can access data and information on the cloud anytime and from anywhere, there are some times when the system can have technical issues. You should always know that technology is prone to outages and several technical problems. Even the very best cloud service provider runs into trouble. Cloud computing also makes your company dependent on internet connection. When it is offline, it means you are also offline. If your business suffers from slow internet speed, cloud computing may not be suitable for you.

Dependency on provider

Another disadvantage of cloud computing is loss of control or dependency. This means you will be tied to another company for long time and it is not easy to migrate to another cloud service provider. You also have little or no understanding in cloud service provider procedures especially when it comes to disaster recovery, backup and renovation.

Top Reasons To Embrace Cloud Technology

Modern customer contact centers employ technologies that allow them to talk to a large number of customers from one center. Customer contact centers need to be innovative. In fact, call centers have been adopting innovative technologies for some time. Most centers already support call recording, automatic dialers, and sophisticated routing.

In most cases, the company owns both the software and the hardware and hence they have complete control over the technology they use. While several companies still prefer to own the technology, this approach has several drawbacks. First, purchasing equipment is costly. Second, proper maintenance will be difficult without expert guidance.

Many industry analysts feel that the need to own the technology is actually holding the industry back. But this should change when the cloud technology becomes more popular. Cloud services eliminate the need to own expensive hardware. Moreover, it allows customer centers to improve the quality of their services.

A recent report published by Gartner confirms that when call centers use cloud-based technology, their total operating cost reduces. Furthermore, most cloud solutions permit the integration of several channels.

Customers themselves have already embraced cloud technology. Apple customers enjoy the benefits of the cloud-based service iCloud. It allows them to store their data in the cloud and access it from any device they like. The popularity of cloud services will only increase in the coming years and then firms that do not possess the same capability will look outdated.

If cloud technologies are better why should businesses obsess with the idea of owning technology? This can be attributed to the natural conservatism present in the IT field. That also explains why IT departments are unwilling to adopt wholesale changes without assurance of the benefits.

There are some other reasons as well. IT professionals are responsible for ensuring that the technology will provide the desired results and that it will be constantly available. Consequently, they seek control over the technology they use.

Fortunately, cloud technology advanced so much during the last few years that service availability is no longer a cause for concern. In fact, several providers of cloud services now guarantee 99.99% service availability.

Moving your customer contact centers to the cloud has several benefit:

·         Cloud technology allows the consolidation of contact centers across different sites. This improves overall efficiency and reduces operating costs.

·         Cloud technology also provides the ability to utilize data from various sources. This helps frontline agents to serve their customers more efficiently.

·         Greater flexibility is another advantage. Cloud services allow you to scale your operations up or down. At any given time, you only pay for the services you use. When your requirements increase, you can upgrade to a higher plan. This flexibility helps save money.

·         You get access to expensive software and hardware without having to invest in them. Since the equipment is owned and operated by the service provider you do not have to worry about maintenance either.

 

·         When you use cloud services, you can upgrade to newer technologies as they arrive.

Hopefully, when a heavyweight analyst like Gartner confirms these benefits, and assures companies about the availability of impressive services, we will see many more organizations adopting cloud technology in the coming years.

Some Basics of Cloud Telephony

Many people have heard about cloud computing and cloud telephony, but very few people understand what they are.

Cloud computing is all about accessing your data via the internet. You will have to pay a pre-determined recurring fee to use the service. When you use cloud computing services, you do not have to invest in expensive hardware or software. This makes these services cost effective and convenient.

What is cloud telephony?

Cloud telephony is another cloud based service. It uses voice over IP technology to deliver telephone calls over an internet connection.  Since cloud telephony runs on hardware owned and maintained by the service provider, businesses using this service do not have to invest in expensive conventional telephone equipment like PABXs. Of course, they have to pay a monthly subscription fee for using the service.

Great call handling features

VoIP is no longer about making free internet calls. Most cloud telephony service providers offer great call handling features including auto receptionist, call forwarding, music on hold, dial-by-name, parking, and screening. As a result cloud telephony allows SMEs to enjoy call handling capabilities that were formerly only available to large organizations. These call handling features also allow organizations to unify their physically separated staff.

Stay connected no matter where you are

Since calls are made over the internet, the physical location of employees does not matter. They can attend the calls no matter where they are. All calls are sent to a single landline number and then get routed to different employees. As a result, the caller gets the impression that all employees are in one place.

Cloud telephony services can deliver calls to cellphones. You may be running your small business almost exclusively from your mobile phone. This can give your callers the impression that your business does not have an office. When you use cloud telephony, you will get a landline number. Your mobile phones will then act as extensions of your landline number.

Cloud telephony also allows your staff to communicate better. They can, for example, call one another by dialing extensions. If they are at their computer, they can use the click-to-call feature. Cloud telephony also allows your employees to set up free conference calls.

Ease of use

Cloud telephony services can be easily set up. By contrast, if you use a traditional telephone system, you will need someone with consider technical skills to install it. This system will also need regular maintenance. Since cloud telephony uses equipment owned by the service provider, you do not have to purchase any costly equipment. In other words, when you use a cloud based service, you can reduce operating costs.

There is yet another problem with traditional telephone systems. As telecommunication technology is developing at a fast pace, these systems become outdated in months. By contrast, cloud service providers keep their equipment and technology at state-of-the-art level.

Huge savings

Since delivering phone calls over an internet connection is much more cost effective than leasing traditional phone lines, service providers can pass the savings on to their customers. In fact, an average customer who moves to cloud telephony can save up to 60% on line rentals and call costs. Better still, there is no compromise in call quality.

When you use cloud telephony, you will be able to provide better service to your customers. It also makes your staff more productive. There are obvious cost advantages, too.