Into the Cloud

Clearing up misconceptions

By Leah Etling on Oct 12, 2012 in Technology

If you think you aren’t utilizing a cloud computing solution, think again. There are clouds everywhere. In fact, they are so ubiquitous that we may not realize we are using them nearly constantly as we navigate our professional and personal lives.

Just like A.A. Milne’s Eeyore with his little gray cloud always following him around over his head, the cloud that houses our digital data is ever-present today, even if you haven’t set up your own personal cloud or have yet to transfer your business data to a cloud-based solution.

But it turns out that plenty of people still don’t understand what cloud computing is all about, and may not want to admit it. If this is you, read on. Here’s what you don’t know about the cloud.

1. Despite the fact that we just used that really cute Winnie the Pooh analogy, cloud computing has nothing to do with clouds in the sky at all. It’s a term referring to software and data that’s hosted on a remote server network,  and accessible by you or your employees without requiring a direct wired connection to that information.  Where did the term cloud come from? “IT professionals have used a cloud icon while drafting network diagrams forever to symbolize the Internet,” explains James Beane, Manager of Cloud Services for Yardi Systems.  “Eventually organizations starting taking data out of the local environment and putting it into ‘The Cloud.'”

2. If you use web-based email, social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or YouTube, photo sites like Flickr, Tumblr or Instagram, software hosting services, or just about any computer service that utilizes the Internet in some way, you are uploading data onto clouds all day long – you just don’t think about it. Where do you think Facebook keeps all those photos you share with your friends? They’re  stored on Facebook’s servers and you’re accessing them via cloud computing.

3. Cloud space is something you can rent – maybe even get for free with services like Apple’s iCloud – and it creates a secure back-up for your home or office data. Imagine that your office is damaged in a fire or other emergency disaster.  If you controlled your own servers and kept them on site, all of your crucial business information might be lost. But if you utilize a cloud-based solution, which should be fully secure, redundant and constantly updated, only your on-site technology would be lost. You could be serving clients again in no time. Be wary of free cloud space, though. It always comes with a catch, possibly one you won’t be aware of.  For instance, Facebook’s terms allow them to use your photo archives however they want in the future. Don’t like that idea? Frequently check and update your privacy settings.  Paid cloud services on the other hand offer clear terms and conditions.

4. It’s not invisible – or sky-based. Where is the cloud? In the case of Yardi clients who use one of several Yardi cloud offerings, their data is stored on servers at one of Yardi’s 10 data centers located around the world. “I can take you to it, show your server and you can touch it,” said Scott Weiner, Yardi’s Senior Vice President, Information Technology. The cloud isn’t magic, it’s just an efficient business solution.

5. Why is it smart and efficient? Because you can reduce your business costs by migrating to a cloud-based solution. Yardi clients are reducing IT overhead and capital costs by using Yardi Cloud Services, and gaining the peace of mind that comes with 30 years of industry experience.  Independent audit certification SSAE16 guarantees the safety of your financial information.  The cloud may not be magic, but it can still transform your business into a smarter, more future-focused enterprise. Read more about why others in your industry are moving to cloud hosting with Yardi on Yardi.com Most Yardi clients have adopted Voyager SaaS in the Yardi Cloud as their preferred property management solution.

Got questions about the cloud or Yardi Cloud Services? Ask them here, and we’ll answer them. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll contact our top notch cloud computing experts to find out.