By John Warner
You may think “cloud computing” is just the latest IT buzzword, but in fact, you may already be living in the cloud. Are you using Webex for webinars? Have a gmail account? Visited YouTube lately? Congratulations! You’re using cloud computing.
Formally defined, cloud computing is any computing service that does not live on a server in your office, is hosted by a third party, can grow with your needs, and is accessed over the internet—with “cloud” being a metaphor for the internet. However, once you get beyond that basic definition, opinions differ.
What’s the pricing model? Cloud computing services are generally on a pay as you go model; organizations access services and systems without upfront capital expense.
What services are available through the cloud? Since the cloud is any external computing service you access over the internet, some examples of services include collaboration tools such as SharePoint, wikis, and web conferencing; hosted association management software; data backup and disaster recovery services; and hosted email services.
What questions should you ask? When evaluating cloud-based services, make sure you are getting a system that meets your (and your members’) needs. Questions to ask include:
• How will your cloud-based services adjust as membership grows or needs change?
• What level of system uptime is guaranteed?
• What security measures are in place (including physical security, firewalls, virus protection, and intrusion detection)? Is the service PCI compliant? Has it undergone an SAS-70 audit?
• How will the service interact with your association’s critical systems?
The bottom line: Focus on functionality, not hype. Then make the business case for what will serve your association or nonprofit best.
John Warner, vice president, sales operations, Avectra, can be reached at jwarner@avectra.com.