How Cloud Computing Is Shaping the Future of the Modern Workforce, Part 1
By Phillip Johnson
LG Business Solutions USA
After two decades of advances, cloud computing has now established itself as a core business tool for many of the world’s largest companies and organizations. A variety of platforms for remote processing, data storage and encryption offer any sized entity the ability to use simple, affordable Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and desktop workstations for their computing needs. In fact, leading research firm Gartner predicted in 2019 that global cloud computing revenue would rise 17 percent this year, and it’s possible the real figure will be even higher with the events of 2020 causing many more organizations to shift to remote and home-based operations.*
Healthcare providers, government agencies, schools and businesses of all kinds are looking for enhanced security, reduced maintenance costs and added operational flexibility cloud computing provides. By moving the actual data processing and storage to a professionally encrypted central location, access can be more tightly controlled and data can be better protected against many types of digital attacks, including phishing and ransomware.
At the same time, thin clients and zero clients like those from LG can help reduce both initial layout costs and maintenance costs, simplify company-wide software updates and enhance worker flexibility.
Keeping Data Secure In the Cloud – Of all the factors leading to greater adoption of cloud computing, enhanced data security may be the most prevalent. Digital attackers have developed tools and techniques to gain access to sensitive data, and whether the intent is to steal information, interrupt business, demand ransom or achieve some other goal, these modern threats require modern protections.
Cloud computing with thin clients and zero clients centralizes security and presents potentially fewer points of attack for a network when compared to a network of traditional PCs. Cloud computers with thin or zero clients essentially act as log-in devices and relay commands to the powerful remote server, which performs the processing and stores the data. This virtually eliminates the possibility of a physical theft compromising sensitive data and severely limits what employees can do with the computer itself so as to help reduce the number of attack vectors from non-work related use. These factors have led many U.S. government agencies, including the Justice Department and the Department of Defense, to invest in cloud computing.
Stay tuned. Next week we’ll get into staying nimble with thin and zero clients, saving time, money and frustration, and planning for the future.