Is Cloud Computing Scalable?

Cloud computing is used by the majority of organisations. Globally, 60% of corporate data is stored in the cloud. 78% of business leaders say they have adopted cloud technology in most or all areas of their organisations. (pwc 2024)

There are so many options to consider, including hybrid (public and private) and multi-cloud solutions. While 94% of all companies use cloud computing, small and medium-sized businesses are slower to discover the benefits. Only 44% of small businesses use cloud infrastructure.

For smaller and growing organisations, there’s an important element of cloud computing to consider … scalability. Looking beyond cloud-based email provision, this is especially relevant when managing your own applications and servers. Get this element right and the advantages of cloud computing increase as your business needs expand.

The benefits include:

• Mobility, with data accessed online from any location.
• Flexibility to use any device.
• Easy team collaboration and data sharing.
• Cost effectiveness, as less equipment and power are needed.
• Data security.

What does scalable cloud computing involve?

Cloud scalability ensures your cloud computing solution remains flexible as your business grows, despite the changing needs this may involve. To ensure your systems adapt to any changing circumstances, it’s best to:

1. Performance test to measure latency, load, and capacity. System performance during normal and peak conditions should be reviewed to test stability, speed and user experience.
2. Set thresholds for when your system should scale up (such as increased data or user volume) and consider automating this process for seamless scalability.
3. Consider multicloud solutions, balancing the load involved by distributing processes across different cloud resources. This optimises capacity and service availability.

Types of cloud computing scaling:

• Vertical scaling – altering computer power via memory, storage or processing power. This involves changing equipment rather than altering code or software.
• Horizontal scaling – involves increasing the number of servers available and is also known as scaling in or out.
• Diagonal scaling – adjusting computer power and availability for maximum flexibility and potential. This is an ideal approach for growing businesses.

With any change, there are challenges to be aware of. Issues to consider when scaling your cloud computing system are:

• Complexity – a growing number of resources, endpoints and data to manage and secure can make scaling your cloud-based systems complicated. Many organisations choose to involve external experts to address this.
• Legacy systems may be incompatible when scaled within the cloud.
• Various scaling approaches may be adopted by different cloud providers (62% of businesses use a multicloud environment).
• Service interruptions should be minimised by planning and optimising systems for scaling ahead of implementation.
• Data security should be checked, including access controls and data flows impacting GDPR compliance.
• Business continuity plans should be updated to allow for a potential loss of communications to your data centre. It’s also important to replicate data and ensure your infrastructure is resilient to possible threats.

“Many businesses have discovered the benefits of cloud computing for running applications and servers,” says Eric Hughes of EMH Technology in Hitchin. “As with any IT solution, it’s important to plan ahead. There are many issues to consider to realise the full potential benefits. Your cloud computing needs to grow with you, ensuring your systems scale seamlessly for business continuity.”

Do you need to scale your cloud computing service?

Perhaps you’re considering a multicloud solution?

Talk to the friendly experts at EMH Technology. Enjoy an initial discussion without obligation. We love discussing how you can ensure IT is working hard for you.