While more and more savvy and savvy businesses are turning to hosted options for their business rather than simply sticking to hardware-based solutions that they have to regularly maintain, maintain, and upgrade, the fact is that many of them are struggling with the decision to move forward with VPN or cloud-based computing option.
Of course, these two very different services share many of the same benefits – number one being their limitlessly accessible and incredibly flexible capabilities – but choosing which one to go with can be a bit of a headache.
VPN solutions offer you great security
This is perhaps the biggest advantage that VPN solutions have over cloud-based computing options, which in no way suggests that cloud-based options are filled with giant gaping security holes that can be exploited in either option. The fact is that nothing could be further from the truth, although you will still be using the same hardware and server environment as millions of others as you move forward with cloud-based options – something that will never happen when you tune in to a purely VPN-based solution.
Not only that, but you can also enjoy:
– Completely private network, allowing you to connect to other remote users, sites or applications
– 100% secure data system for exchanging, uploading or transmitting information
– The ability to open up your infrastructure (at least certain areas that you give permission to) to other clients or business partners, allowing them to collaborate directly with your information and environment
… Just to name a few.
Cloud-based computing is meaningless
If security isn’t your number one concern – or you just want to host a few applications or services in the cloud and don’t need a powerhouse system that has been designed and developed from the ground up to act as essentially a giant server, then cloud-based computing is probably the place to be. you should be looking for.
Also offering 100% remote access, cloud-based computing solutions typically have much narrower capabilities, almost always exclusive to a single task. It could be project management, information infrastructure, customer relationship management and a whole bunch of other tools your business uses every day – but never clean, if you will, is a VPN.
Cloud-based computing solutions are almost always controlled by a third-party organization that takes care of all the upkeep, maintenance, and security of the specific services you use. This gives you hands-free (but not worry-free) use of the system, knowing that you don’t have to spend a lot of time or resources making sure everything works as it should. Of course, if there’s a glitch in the system you’re using, you’ll have to wait for it to be resolved by a third party, something that can cost you in the long run.
Final verdict
It’s impossible to give a recommendation as to whether you should use a VPN or a cloud-based computing solution, simply because the best option is likely somewhere in between. Of course, your unique situation, budget, technical knowledge, resources and many other criteria will determine exactly which type of service you should use – just know that each of them brings its own benefits (and disadvantages) to the table. .
All in all, moving to a remotely accessible system that can be accessed by your business, executives, management, employees and even in some cases clients and customers offers tremendous leverage that was never possible until recently.
Mike is a VPN specialist who writes frequent articles about VPN service. He also has a blog that contains the list Best VPNs services you can choose from.
