Cloud Concerns: Mobility

This week we continue to inform you about the current trend of cloud computing. One of the foremost benefits of it is its mobility. Since everything including processing and storage occurs within the cloud, this trend coincides with the popularity of using smartphones and portables (iPads, netbooks) in the workplace. Users can then easily connect within a secure network without carrying around hefty equipment.

This could be particularly ideal for employees who are not always at their desk—whether they are traveling salesmen or a nurse walking around a hospital. Information could quickly be updated on their iPad, which can then be updated with the organization’s main cloud database. The advantages here are obvious.

Always remember that in order for this all to work effectively, it is important to choose a cloud partner that has a reliable history. The cloud in which your data resides must ALWAYS be up. It is crucial to research both reliability and security procedures before making your choice.

Visit CMIT at the HIA Trade Show!

Come visit CMIT (Booth #126) TOMORROW at the 2011 HIA-LI Trade Show!

Also be sure to visit our booth to enter to win a free mini laptop!

This event is the largest business to business trade show and conference on Long Island.

May 26, 9am-4pm

Suffolk Community College Sports and Exhibition Complex, Brentwood Campus

See the official event page HERE.

Cloud Computing & Data Security

As we continue to try and keep you informed about cloud computing, a common question that arises is in reference to data security. Of course you want to ensure that your data is safe and also can be recovered in case of a cloud outage.

Data Storage: It is important to know geographically where the servers are located that store your data, and also if several copies exist in case one of the data centers goes down. This is reminiscent of the Amazon Cloud outage that occurred a few weeks ago. People who had mirrored their data experienced a much more minimal effect. Data that isn’t replicated across multiple geographical locations is vulnerable to total loss.

Recovery: In case an outage or data loss does occur, it is good to know beforehand what measures the provider plans to take in order to restore your data. This includes how long it will take and what is being done to minimize errors. We constantly urge businesses to have a disaster recovery and business continuity plan in place, and this also applies in regards to cloud computing. Always consider what would happen if you do need to restore your data. What format will your provider return your data to you? Will it be compatible with popular software, or in some format that is specific to the provider?

We know that data security can be a cause of worry for those hesitant to use cloud computing. If you have any questions regarding it and if its right for your business, please feel free to contact us.

An Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing services are on the rise and it is important for businesses to be aware of the latest technology trends. In particular, the common cloud-based programs are a means of using the Internet as a supplemental way of creating documents. A common type includes Google Docs. With cloud computing, you can access your files anywhere, as long as you have Internet access.

Public: Available to the general public; managed by a cloud services provider

Private: Operated by the organization using it; either the organization or a third-party manages it

Community: Shared by multiple organizations and works together for a common reason; either the organization or a third-party manages it

Hybrid: Consists of two or more of the aforementioned clouds; bound together by a technology that allows data and application portability

If you are interested in learning more about cloud computing, CMIT will be offering a free webinar on May 26^th, 2011 at 2pm EST. If you would like to join us, visit www.cmitsolutions.com/webinars to register.

Visit CMIT at the ACP Symposium!

CMIT Solutions will be a sponsor and exhibitor at the 3rd Annual ACP Symposium on May 13th at the Long Island Hyatt Regency. Come join us for this free event and breakfast and learn 'Can your business survive a disaster?'

Business Preparedness Is Everyone’s Business

Real Emergencies // Are You Prepared? // Q&A With Expert Panel

May 13, 2011

8am to 12pm

Hyatt Regency Windwatch, Motor Parkway, Islandia, NY

For more information/to RSVP:

ACP International // membership@acp-li.org