If we look at it technically, the term cloud refers to the phenomenon of storing data in a centralized location. The authorized individual can access it anytime from any of his connected devices.
Cloud computing has turned out to be a revolution in the world of technology. It has been extremely helpful in the progress of small-scale businesses by providing them access to resources that could only be previously availed by larger corporations.
All you need is a reliable, fast internet connection and your favorite web browser to tap into the potential of this brilliant data system.
From data security to storage, insights provided by CRM systems, usage of the latest software and optimization of resources- are only some of the benefits that you can reap from using cloud computing technology. Not only that, you will gain freedom from making huge, expensive investments into data servers and other related hardware.
Here are 6 more reasons why cloud computing has changed the way companies conduct their operations and gained momentous demand in the process. These tips were shared by Mustard IT who are one of the leading IT firms helping London companies.
1. REMOTE ACCESS MADE EASY
There is a large number of growing small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) that believe the ability to work remotely is a blessing as well as a critical aspect of their business’s productivity. With the help of an uninterrupted internet, service facilities offered by the cloud can be accessed at anytime from anywhere without going through the hassle of downloading or installing a certain software application.
Teams that are located in different locations can share documents directly on the cloud rather than emailing and attaching heavy documents along. It also provides the convenience of instant messaging and holding meetings with team members situated at several different locations via audio, video and web conferencing facilities.
This is a tremendous advantage that allows companies to derive further business opportunities and increase their overall efficiency level. Many cloud technologies allow the addition of vendors and third parties as well to be included to meetings.
This may fill any communication gaps between the team functioning from remote locations and the customers. Hence, it is an excellent opportunity to collaborate across all stages of the communication channel and ensure transparency at every phase.
2. EFFORTLESS GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Cloud computing allows small businesses to expand at their will and make their operations flexible. New resources can be accommodated by the business owners quite easily as their usage can be requested as per their need. It certainly gives them an edge to be able to support the ever changing and engaging necessities of the business. While in order to expand the company, these start ups often require
untimely usage of resources. But understandably it is not feasible always to invest a hefty amount to acquire those resources.
However, when using the cloud, all the resources are available on project based pricing. This provides them the opportunity to evolve as fully functional small enterprises with high levels of productivity.
3. FINANCIAL OPTIMIZATION
Cloud computing for smaller businesses can help minimize the cost on numerous fronts which includes server maintenance, power and cooling costs, upgrade expenses and software licensing.
Small scale businesses make use of software and other services offered by the cloud rather than getting into the hassle of buying and installation multiple software and hardware devices that go obsolete after a certain amount of time.
Such products have a lower lifecycle as compared to before as innovations has become an industrial norm. All this is possible for a low monthly fee which may help the businesses to expand their services utilizing the budget for other required expenses.
As a small business owner, you can also scale up or scale down your cloud computing consumption on the basis of your business needs. (e.g. remove users or less storage space) saving your money to a great extent)
4. SECURE DATA BACKUP
Often, it has been observed that small scale businesses do not have the capacity to support or install a back up strategy in case of some kind of technological failure. Sometimes, they even store data on site. Cloud computing has all the measures intact to allow you to access your data anytime and anywhere, even in the case of a natural disaster such as a flood or an earth quake.
The latest version of your data is saved by the cloud computing services automatically and frequently to a secure and efficient online location.
The fact that the data is not physically stored at any location makes it secure automatically. This reduces your down time to zero in case of a mishap and gets you running within minutes. It also provides geo- redundant backups, which mean the data is being stored at multiple online locations to ensure your data’s security.
5. ENHANCED RELIABILITY AND SCALABILITY
Cloud based services can be trusted more than physical data servers, especially when that equipment is outdated and not up to the sectorial benchmark. Cloud service providers have an efficient and dedicated IT team that knows how to rectify any problem and do it a lot faster than an in-house IT support team would of a budding business.
The cloud computing environment allows small businesses to choose their services from a portfolio, use them as they are needed and terminate them when the desired result is achieved. This property of scalability offered by cloud computing allows cost savings to be incurred on software/hardware services and applications which are not even in use any longer.
6. HIGHER SECURITY
Using cloud computing services enables your data to be safe from all sorts of security threats. Whether you are hacked or in danger of data theft, it allows such intense data security that it is equally being used by small or large businesses alike. This leverage allows you to focus on other pivotal aspects of business to get better results.
Every small-scale business has a very different working strategy, environment, situation, budget, availability of funds and resources, terms and conditions. But the services offered by cloud computing are innumerable and vast as you have the capacity to make the most of those services.
If you wish to remain competitive in today’s business climate, you may want to consider tapping into the benefits of cloud technology. Best of luck!
