Big businesses need to focus on cloud bandwidth capabilities

Thursday, January 12, 2012

With many corporations looking to remain cost-effective in the modern IT market, it can be efficient to move data storage online, into the cloud. Cloud computing gives employees mobile access to global data, secures sensitive information and offers high-speed transfers. But just as in the past, when a modem could become backlogged with too many users, WAN networks can slow down if bandwidth capabilities are inadequate.

Big businesses are focused on solving the challenges that bandwidth limitations present. InterContinental Hotels Group, a conglomerate organization that oversees thousands of hotels worldwide, is currently in the process of moving critical processes into the cloud. Despite the cloud's potential, CIO Tom Conophy notes that integration must be done carefully.

"If your employees and your users can't access data fast enough, then the cloud will be nothing more than a pipe dream," Conophy said. Increased speed causes greater security concerns, however, so businesses looking to move into the cloud need to find a reliable VPN service provider to supply data encryption and management of WAN networks.

Quick, dependable access to important data is what businesses pay for when moving to the cloud industry, and sufficient bandwidth will allow the cloud to function properly.