Cloud Hosting Improves Site Profitability

By Gary Elfert | May 14th, 2010 | 1 Comment »

Now that almost every company has a website, it’s sufficed to say that companies are looking for a competitive advantage on the web.  As a result, the need for an optimal hosting environment has become more important than ever.

The usage of cloud hosting is increasingly popular and the benefits easily outline why.  The scalability, cost-efficiency and velocity of cloud hosting continue to drive the popularity of this technology.  Cloud hosting and cloud computing yields overall faster loading pages, and sites with faster loading pages yield profitability.

Here are 3 of the reasons cloud hosting creates a more profitable website:

1. Positive User Experience - Cloud hosting enables faster loading pages by utilizing multiple load balanced servers.  When end users experience faster speed times, they’re more likely to click through pages or return to the site.  This also helps to reduce bounce rates.  Just last June, Google conducted an experiment testing the affect of speed levels on the end user.  Slowing down the search results page by only 100-400 milliseconds impacted the number of searches per user of -0.2% to -0.6%. What may appear as miniscule numbers actually amounts to 0.2% to 0.6% fewer searches for changes under half a second!  Even the slightest delay can negatively influence a user’s decision to continue accessing a site.

2. Reduce operating costs –Cloud hosting already can save you money with a pay-as-you-grow usage model, but the ability to increase page loading speeds can save you even more.  Last summer Shopzilla reported the results from a year-long performance study stating a 5 second speed-up resulted in a 25% increase in page views, 50% reduction in hardware, and 7-12% increase in revenue.  This stat not only demonstrates the obvious profitability from speedier pages, but also the operational cost savings from a reduction in hardware.

3.  Web Search Ranking – The latest announcement from Google stated site speed will factor in to the search ranking algorithm.  Google states, and Google software engineer, Matt Cutts, reiterates that page relevance will still carry more SEO weight with less than 1% of queries affected by site speed, at this point.  This is not to say that site speed can’t positively impact your site, however.  Cutts also states the importance of embracing this change and turning it into an opportunity – the opportunity to improve your site speed thus improving your site.

Most websites are still limited to a single server through dedicated or shared hosting.  For companies seeking a positive end user experience, lower costs, and potential higher search rankings, opt for hosting in the cloud with a company such as ReliaCloud.

Learn more about ReliaCloud cloud server costs.

Curious about your site’s speed?  Try a free test.

Cloud Hosting: The Importance of a SAS 70-Certified Data Center

By Johnny Hatch | April 23rd, 2010 | No Comments »

Your cloud servers, applications, and data are physically located on computer nodes within data center facilities. The reliability of these data centers is crucial to your cloud computing experience.

One of the best ways to ensure reliability is to select a cloud provider that has obtained SAS 70 Type II certification. The American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)’s Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) number 70 applies to service organizations such as cloud providers. This widely recognized auditing standard indicates that a service provider has undergone an in-depth audit of their control activities. Specifically, SAS 70–certified providers must demonstrate that they have adequate controls and safeguards in place when they host or process data belonging to their customers.

SAS 70 Type II represents an even higher level of certification, which requires an audit over an extended period of time to ensure policies and procedures are followed and adhered to.

To learn more about the importance of SAS70 Type II certification, contact ReliaCloud today.

ReliaCloud to Sponsor Minneapolis CloudCamp

By Gary Elfert | February 14th, 2010 | No Comments »

For those of you that are new to CloudCamp — CloudCamp is an unconference where attendees can exchange ideas, knowledge and information in a creative and supporting environment, advancing the current state of cloud computing and related technologies.

CloudCamp Minneapolis will be the second CloudCamp for Minnesota. Last year’s event was sold out and brought together local cloud experts along with representatives from many of the national cloud players.

Who should attend? Anyone wishing to further cloud computing or just learn what all the fuss is about!

The general agenda for this year will be:

5:30-6:30 Networking
6:30-7:00 Lightning Talks
7:00-7:30 Lightning Panel
7:30-8:30 Breakout Session #1
8:30-9:30 Breakout Session #2

Registration is now open! You’ll want to act fast as the free event is expected to sell-out soon.

ReliaCloud to Present at MinneDemo

By Gary Elfert | January 31st, 2010 | No Comments »

I’m excited to announce that ReliaCloud has been selected to present at MinneDemo.  What is MinneDemo?  MinneDemo is one of Minnesota’s most popular tech events. A couple hundred technology and design folks will gather to show off new software applications that they’ve created. Each of the ten individuals selected to present with have 7 minutes to show off their stuff. There is only one rule — no PowerPoint allowed!

The MinneDemo event sold out within days.  But, there is still room at the MinneDemo Annex for those that were unable to get tickets. And there is one more option, you can stay home and watch the demos live by tuning into Tech.MN at 6:30pm on February 5th.