How cloud technology can help seal cyber loopholes

Cloud computing has made the sharing of information and resources significantly easier but it has also brought about some unique security concerns. Mr. Jimmy Kosgei, the Technical Lead for IBM’s Skills Initiatives in Africa discusses the significance of technology to small businesses and role to cyber security.

What is cloud technology?

Imagine you have an awesome agricultural idea, the idea could be already in practice or something you want to try out. Typically, because you are trying it out, you want to use the least amount of resources so that you can cut your losses if it fails or expand upwards when it succeeds. So, you hire the piece of land, hire the equipment and buy the seeds and all the input, do all the hard work. You do not care about who owns the land or equipment all you care about is the result of your idea.

Cloud is the same concept, it is an enabler of Innovation, it’s a time and cost saver. It enables organisations to focus on what their core business is without worrying about piling costs in IT hardware, Software and Services. Cloud gives these firms the flexibility to try out new ideas without incurring massive costs.

Where does Kenya stand in terms of cloud technology compared to other countries in Africa and around the world?

Compared to the rest of the region, Kenya is way ahead of its counterparts. We have an amazing internet link thanks to the fibre termination in Mombasa and robust telecommunication industry. This has put us ahead of the pack. This has fostered an appetite for technology use amongst the people. The result is an economy of Innovations. The ingenuity amongst our people and how we do business has enabled that.