Many businesses are increasingly overwhelmed by the complexity of their own data. The solution to this is cloud computing, which eliminates the problem of processing large amount of data. Over the last decade, business intelligence systems have evolved to the point that traditional hardware cannot support the volume of data. In order to adapt to these changes, upgrading hardware is required, which can get extremely expensive. If a cost-benefit analysis proves that upgrading is not the best course of action, the best option is implementing business intelligence software solutions into a shared hardware resources environment. This is known as cloud computing.
In a paper for Database Journal, Alexandru Adrian argues that by switching from traditional hardware upgrades to a system of shared burden, organizations have seen the benefits of a high performance system as well as lower operating costs of using shared hardware resources. By using cloud computing, organizations have embraced a cost effective solution to the increased hardware needs modern business intelligence requirements put upon them.
Various models are available, and one of the best of these is Software as a Service (SaaS). This is a pay-per-use service in which providers offer clients a fully configured solution and the user pays a subscription fee. The main advantage of this is that organizations no longer have to worry about any maintenance, hardware, or software problems. The SaaS provider handles all of these.
Using a cloud infrastructure has many cost benefits that apply to both small and large businesses. This is especially so for companies who expect serious growth, as cloud services are highly scalable. This means that the provider will always be able to fulfill your needs without the organization having to take on the immense upgrade costs associated with growing hardware and software needs. Furthermore, cloud computing provides huge flexibility in software implementation. Any provider can provide a customized service based on the client’s needs. Whether that is for hardware capabilities only or for software that’s ready to be used in the cloud.
Using shared resources offers a great advantage in terms of expanding a company. By not having to invest in lots of hardware and software and paying only a subscription fee as required, the company can put the extra available capital into expanding the organization – investing in innovation, marketing, and other areas of the business. Easy integration of business intelligence software into the cloud is necessary for any organization looking to get ahead. The ease of use and access allows employees to have mobility without harming the decision making process.
Big Data and related technologies – from data warehousing to analytics and business intelligence (BI) – are transforming the business world. Big Data is not simply big: Gartner defines it as “high-volume, high-velocity and high-variety information assets.” Managing these assets to generate the fourth “V” – value – is a challenge. Many excellent solutions are on the market, but they must be matched to specific needs. At GRT Corporation our focus is on providing value to the business customer.