If you are running a small to medium sized business, you will have probably heard of cloud computing.
Cloud computing means moving or extending your business IT systems over the internet, in order to increase the current capabilities, and improve efficiency.
More than just a passing trend, cloud computing has a large number of benefits if you want to manage your IT processes more smoothly, reduce your costs, and safeguard your business against unforeseen disasters.
Here are some of the advantages of using cloud computing technologies:
Time saving
Cloud computing is a time efficient way for small businesses to manage IT. With cloud technologies, you can keep track of what is happening with your business from anywhere, at any time. You can hold virtual meetings, and manage remote employees. Small businesses are increasingly turning to outsourcing to expand their business operations, and keep their costs down.
Cloud computing allows outsourced and remote employees to share files, collaborate on projects and maintain close contact, which can improve team efficiency and help team members work together more effectively. This means more time to spend working on your core business activities, and less time spent managing logistics and dealing with staff IT issues.
Cost effective
With cloud computing, businesses can save on the costs of purchasing (little capital outlay) and maintaining servers, having dedicated IT staff on the payroll, and upgrading software. It’s also a way of accessing the most up-to-date software and applications, programs that you might put off installing due to the cost. The other major benefit of cloud computing is that it is scalable.
If you need additional resources to cope with a busy period or sudden growth, these are available and can be accessed as required without the need to upgrade your entire system in order to cope with the additional workload. Accessing cloud services simply requires a stable internet connection, and a monthly subscription.
Speed and convenience
Because working in the cloud means accessing applications via a web browser, it’s easy and fast to set up. There’s also generally no need for detailed training for your employees.
Data storage
One of the most advantageous aspects of cloud computing is its capacity for large amounts of offsite data storage and file backups. Work can be instantly backed up to offsite servers, which means that if there is a technical failure or other problem at your business premises, valuable data is still accessible. Using the cloud can also mean having a greater level of security for your data, depending on your current security system.
Cloud computing has many benefits for all businesses, but it can be particularly beneficial for small and medium sized businesses. Using the cloud can save you time and money, and give you the advantages of increased data security and the ability to scale your IT services up and down depending on your current circumstances.
