You’ve probably heard someone mention “the Cloud” before. Usually, they’re not referring to a mass of water particles in the sky. Instead, this ambiguous phrase is used to describe technology and data that is accessible from any device, anytime, anywhere.
It used to be that when you wanted to use software, you had to download and install that software on your computer. If you wanted to store data electronically, it had to be stored on your computer. That information and software was only ever available on your specific computer. Now, you can access your data and software from any device in almost any location, provided you have internet access.
What kind of data is stored in the Cloud?
All sorts of data! In fact, you’ve probably used the Cloud before without even realising it. Scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, using internet banking, reconciling in Xero, or watching Netflix–all of these activities use the Cloud. Every time you upload a photo to Facebook, it enters the cloud. Everytime you stream your fav TV show, the cloud is providing you with the data.
How do I access my data and software if it is in the Cloud?
You can easily access your data and software through any web browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari. The browser will search for and locate your specific data and present it to you (usually within seconds!).
Where is my data?
Contrary to popular belief, data stored in the cloud isn’t just aimlessly floating around the atmosphere of the vast internet. Your data is physically stored on a server, which could be located in numerous different countries. For example, your data could be stored in a data centre in Canada with a back-up stored in Asia.
Is my data safe and secure?
The companies in charge of the data centres that hold your data monitor their systems full time. Their entire businesses rely on providing a secure service. This motivates them to provide outstanding security. In fact, data stored on the Cloud tends to be more secure than data stored locally on your computer.
Why use the Cloud?
The biggest benefit of the Cloud is accessibility. If you are using a cloud-based accounting system, such as Xero or Farm Focus, you can access it anywhere in the world, provided you have internet access. (Though this is also a disadvantage of the cloud as not everyone has access to the internet at all times.)
Other benefits include:
- Price: Cloud software and storage is often cheaper than traditional software as you do not need to purchase hardware.
- Security: As mentioned earlier, data stored on the Cloud is extremely secure.
- Collaboration: You and your employees or clients can view, share and work on the same information/data with ease.
- Real Time Data: Other entities, such as your bank, can send information through the Cloud to your cloud-based accounting system so you don’t need to manually enter data into multiple systems. This provides more accurate and timely data that can help you make smarter and faster business decisions.
We work with cloud-based software on a daily basis. If you have any questions or concerns about the Cloud, your data, or how to use a cloud-based software, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
