Data Security in the Cloud

One of the most common considerations about cloud solutions is their ability to secure critical data. Those who are still on the fence about implementing the cloud due to fear of data security can rest assured knowing that cloud solutions will actually improve security. 94% of businesses say they saw an improvement in security after implementing cloud solutions. While it’s clear that cloud security has improved in general, the specifics rely on the cloud provider that is chosen.

Let’s take a look at the great security benefits that cloud computing offers, as well as what RapidScale can offer.

Security Against All Odds

Cloud solutions remove your on-site physical equipment, making natural disasters and security breaches last year’s concerns. Making mistakes, overlooking, or even misplacing things are actions that are inevitable as humans. Imagine spilling coffee on your computer, losing it at an airport, or even dropping and breaking it. Having cloud solutions in place means these situations, while still unfortunate, are not detrimental. That’s because the data isn’t locally stored on the device itself. The virtual world secures data in a location where it cannot be physically harmed. By having infrastructure running out of data centers that a cloud provider owns and manages, businesses don’t fall captive to the integrity of their physical location. Data won’t be vulnerable on-site, and that’s a major perk of the cloud.

A huge misconception surrounding the cloud is that anyone can access the Internet, so anyone can access data stored in the cloud. This is not the case – if it was, cloud wouldn’t be the huge force it is today. RapidScale has multiple layers of physical and network security in place that allow businesses to experience enterprise-grade security, regardless of their size. The cloud solutions include in-flight and at-rest encryption, strong firewalls, password protection, around-the-clock monitoring, exterior security systems and more. Full redundancy and multiple data center locations also eliminate the fear of ever losing your data. A business gains secure yet constant access to its critical data, no matter where users are, while outside eyes remain outside.

RapidScale’s Tier 3 Class 1 data center facilities include full credential-limited access, key card protocols, biometric scanning systems, exterior security systems, on-premises security guards, digital surveillance and recording, secured cages, around-the-clock monitoring, redundant HVAC systems, and much more. This cloud security is stronger than what you can provide for yourself, and that’s because RapidScale has the team and budget in place to make this happen. Don’t allow security stand in the way of taking advantage of cloud computing.

These security benefits are what make it possible to have a secure experience in the cloud. With the issue of cloud security out of the way, cloud becomes much more difficult to ignore. The only thing to consider now is exactly how it can work for you. Reach out to us today to learn more!

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The Risks of Using Amazon for Your Cloud Solution

With thousands of customers across the globe, Amazon Web Services serves some of the highest-profile companies. It’s easy to trust that a big corporation like Amazon will be the most secure, reliable provider for switching to the cloud, but this isn’t necessarily the best mindset to have. In recent years, there have been multiple Amazon incidents that might make you think twice about trusting AWS with your critical data and cloud transition.

AWS has recently had numerous high-profile outages (56 to be exact) despite its 99.9% uptime SLA. (CloudHarmony) It faced a major cloud service glitch that disrupted several major websites, and Bloomberg Businessweek reported that a hacker set up a cloud account with Amazon and used its servers to attack a 100 million user account, the Playstation Network. IT author, George Reese, has even stated that there could be a severe security risk by handing over control of data to Amazon. Since Amazon’s services include more than just cloud solutions, there are more ways for data to be exposed. Most companies have regulations or corporate standards governing their data security, and these organizations just can’t afford to risk it.

And if you’re looking for cloud computing guidance, management and support, you won’t find it with AWS. Unlike our white-glove service and full management options, AWS has a “Do It Yourself” mentality and lacks enterprise-grade support for all customers. Instead, customers are forced to upgrade their plan to receive support. There is little help given to those who are just entering the cloud world and very little attention given to small to mid-size organizations. So unless you’re one of the big guys, AWS probably isn’t the best fit.

At first, it might seem like the obvious choice to trust a big corporation like Amazon for your move to the cloud. But unless you’re ready to face the cloud by yourself with minimal guidance and likely outages, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

With our cloud solutions, your company can take advantage of full management, white-glove service and enterprise-grade support around the clock, and a 100% uptime SLA guarantee. We don’t share the same mentality that Amazon has. Instead, we take our “We Care” service and customer-focused approach very seriously, for companies of all sizes. We can work with you from the planning phase onward so you’re receiving the perfect cloud solution for your business needs.

For more information visit here: LineSpeed Managed Cloud

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Costs of On-Premises Phone Systems

You can’t research business phones without reading that Hosted VoIP is cheaper than its on-premises cousin. But while Googling you might ask yourself: what would it really cost your business to stay with an on-premises solution? Perhaps you’re skeptical that Hosted VoIP could revolutionize both your phone bill and your company’s image, and rightly so.

So let’s take a look at some of the key points, and see how the costs can add up when you get behind on phone service.

1. Upfront Requirements.
   For the traditional option, you’ll need on-premises analog PBX hardware, which is used to manage your call flow and extensions. It may seem like the perfect opportunity for rolling up your sleeves to DIY. But according to an estimate by PCG Telecom & Data Network, running an on-premises PBX for 75 extensions costs about $75,000 upfront. You’ll probably also need an in-house IT staff member to maintain it, again adding to the upfront cost.
   With Hosted VoIP, the whole point is that someone else is running your servers—which means no additional hardware is required. That same estimate by PCG Telecom noted that a Hosted VoIP system with 75 extensions costs $22,500 or less, even with all new phone hardware. The main requirements are high speed internet service and a business-grade router, which are staples in many workplaces. And since you can often configure your own line directly from your computer, there’s no need to acquire new staff.
2. Ongoing Costs.
   Minutes are the most expensive part of an on-premises bill, primarily for long distance calling at an average of 6 cents a minute. Calls to toll-free numbers and international dials can have an accumulated effect, too.
   This is where Hosted VoIP shines, precisely because it treats sounds as data packets traveling through the Internet rather than as minutes. Analysis shows that you save as much as $1,200 per phone line over 2 years with VoIP, as compared to a traditional line. With Hosted VoIP you generally pay a flat rate per month for typical business traffic, including long distance calls. Even the international and toll-free calls are cheaper!
3. Contact Centers.
   Some have claimed that the age of the call center is over, since call center packages are more costly and unwieldy than smartphone apps. It’s true that on-premises call centers can cost a whopping $1,500 per agent, not including the additional fees for setup and installation. But with Hosted VoIP, you pay a monthly flat rate for agent, making it nearly 70% more cost-effective than the traditional call center. If you’re one of the many businesses that rely on contact centers for customer outreach, Hosted VoIP can be a great alternative.
4. Customer Perception.
   On-premises phone systems are time-tested, and that can seem like an asset when dealing with customers. However, 90% of consumers say they would consider avoiding a company if it uses outdated technology. Customers have come to expect things like auto attendants, call queues, and customized voicemail, and will perceive your company as less efficient and professional if you opt out of these extras.
   In Hosted VoIP, these enterprise-grade features usually come included, so there’s no need to worry about paying for more. As OnPoint co-founder and CEO Brian Clark said, “Standing still is falling behind. Either you implement new technologies or you risk getting passed by your competitors.”
5. Employee Retention.
   The Pew Research Center found that Millennials now constitute the largest generation in the workforce, at 34% and rising. An Intel study also found that these Millennial employees have a strong understanding of technology and demand much more from it. They also prefer to use their smartphones and have greater job flexibility, something that can only be achieved with the mobile apps and gadgets that Hosted VoIP can provide. If you stay with on-premises phones that are stuck at a single location, you risk alienating that base of candidates, or causing your tech-savvy employees to flock elsewhere.

Choosing a phone system may not be easy. But when it comes to immediate costs, it’s clear that Hosted VoIP is indeed cheaper than an on-premises equivalent. And as a long term solution, Hosted VoIP can strengthen your public image and keep your employees happier for longer.

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Industries That Can Benefit From the Cloud

Many industries today are joining the innovative cloud computing world. 93% of businesses move to the cloud to increase productivity outside of the office, as well as improve security, efficiency, and scalability. Cloud computing is important to gain reliability and a competitive advantage. Here are ten industries that can benefit from the cloud:

1. Hospitality

The global hotel industry produces approximately 400 to 500 billion dollars each year. Distinguishing yourself with high guest satisfaction is extremely important for organizations in this industry. Connecting quickly and easily with guests is something that can be achieved with cloud solutions. When a hotel implements BYOD solutions, guests can sign up for appointments or order room service at the touch of a button. And the cloud makes it easier on the business side to. Many hospitality organizations have already moved to the cloud because they realized it can improve their spending and overall internal efficiency, while boosting the guest experience.

2. Healthcare

61% say that cloud computing will be a major player in the healthcare industry in the next five years. One of the greatest benefits that cloud computing offers the healthcare industry is the delivery of efficient health services and improved doctor-patient relationships. With the cloud, information regarding patients’ diagnoses and treatments can be made available, securely, from the touch of a button on their phone, tablet, computer, etc. Cloud also creates a one-on-one connection between the doctor and patient. Doctors can stay connected and communicate with their patients easily. Cloud computing also frees up time for doctors, allowing them to focus more on their patients, rather than spending excessive time on paper work. Tasks like scheduling appointments, making referrals, or completing patient history can be completed anywhere at any time with greater efficiency.

3. Automotive

Making sales is huge for the automotive industry, and having constant availability of data is big part of producing sales. Cloud computing migrates data to the Internet using remote servers, giving automotive businesses the ability to access inventory or other necessary data easily. Employees will have the information they need at any given time, even if they’re on the floor with a customer. Sale reps will be prepared constantly, generating sales successfully. With this competitive advantage, it’s easy to direct customers to their perfect car. Instant access of information closes deals faster, and the cloud makes this possible.

4. Real Estate

Communication is key in the real estate industry, and cloud computing can be a lifesaver for real estate agents. These professionals are constantly out in the field with customers, and they need easy access to information to share with clients on the spot! Accessing business files, customer information, or listings is quick and easy in the cloud. Agents can remain focused on sharing the best information with clients and closing deals. Agents can maintain access to customer and prospect information, new listings, and efficient marketing platforms. Everything is centralized in the cloud.

5. Financial and Banking Services

Cloud computing offers the financial and banking services industry the agility to innovate and scale rapidly. And an industry with so much important data can’t afford to lose access to it. With access to virtual infrastructure through the cloud, the financial sector can maintain privacy and security of customer and business information, while also accessing efficient, modern computing solutions. Our cloud solutions come with 24x7x365 support and monitoring, and multiple layers of security and disaster recovery services. This allows the financial world to focus on the customers.

6. Education

The technology world is constantly advancing, creating new, innovative ways for students to learn. It’s important for students to keep up with technology and the education industry is starting to include this more and more today. 43% of higher education institutions have already implemented or are maintaining cloud computing. With the cloud, communication will evolve between staff, students and parents, and all parties will develop greater knowledge on today’s modern technology solutions and maintain quick and easy access to the information they need at all times. With cloud solutions, students can access their assignments and resources from any of their Internet-connected devices, and teachers can assign and upload materials to one central location. It’s that easy!

7. Legal

Implementing cloud solutions in the legal industry allows law firms to store client data, financial records, legal documents and more in a central, virtual location, securely. When you look deeper, cloud computing services are actually proving to be more secure than traditional on-site infrastructure. Since the legal industry holds a lot of sensitive data, secure accessibility is key. Thanks to cloud solutions, you can achieve this today! Through secure client portals, authorized users can access necessary data from any location, at any time, using any Internet-capable device. Our cloud solutions include advanced backup and recovery services, and multiple layers of enterprise-grade security. This makes the cloud accessible for any legal firm.

8. Manufacturing

Manufacturing depends heavily on suppliers, distributors, and customer interactions. Accuracy, speed and knowledge are all key in this sector. Cloud-based systems allow manufacturers to focus more on efficiency and the creation of new products. They often face the challenge of handling multiple locations and supply chains, and all of the communication that goes on between them. Cloud computing generates real-time data, places it in a central location, and allows all team members to collaborate, communicate and share information easily, from afar. Cloud syncs files in the central location so users can access them on any device, no matter where in the world they are. Cloud computing creates a big competitive advantage for manufacturers, as they can experience increased efficiency throughout all operations and improved communication.

9. Nonprofit

It is crucial for nonprofits to stay connected and innovative using technology. They face a demand for transparency, either in competition for funding or accountability for organizational outcomes. However, nonprofits also rely heavily on low budgets and this has traditionally been a barrier when it comes to investing in new tech. With our cloud solutions, we can eliminate this barrier. The cloud offers nonprofits mobility, accessibility, efficiency and productivity for prices they can afford. Collaboration can occur 24×7 via the Internet, allowing for real-time management, insight, and action.

10. Insurance

In the insurance industry, cloud computing can reduce the total cost of IT operations, engage customers more effectively, and handle peaks in demand with unlimited scalability. The cloud offers the opportunity for real-time communication between a business and its employees and customers, and allows customers to have constant access to their accounts and information. It allows insurers to better address the demands of consumers, achieve faster speed to market with new products or services, and achieve efficiency overall.

Want to learn more about how cloud computing is impacting business across all industries? Visit ourIndustries page!

For more information visit here: LineSpeed Managed Cloud

Or call us anytime: 201-596-4000

24 x 7 US based service: LineSpeed Service