CLOUD COMPUTING FOR BUSINESSES: ADVANTAGES

Cloud Computing is a perfect way for boosting business, bringing it to the next level. It enables access to all necessary data from anywhere and on any possible device. With the growing number of web-enabled devices, such as smartphones or tablets, used in today’s business environment, access to the company’s data becomes even easier thanks to cloud computing.

WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING

As a term, it has been around since the early 2000s, and the definition of ‘Cloud Computing’ is quite simple: it is a delivery of on-demand computing services, from the apps to the storage and processing power, usually over the internet and on a pay-as-you-go basis. Cloud computing permits users to access software and applications from wherever they are; the computer programs are hosted by an outside party and reside in the cloud. This means that users do not have to worry about things such as storage and power — they can simply enjoy the final result.

Cloud-based apps can be up and running in days or weeks at a low cost. With a cloud app, the user just opens a browser, logs in, customizes the app and starts using it. Businesses are running all kinds of apps in the cloud, like customer relationship management (CRM), HR, accounting, and much more. Some of the world’s largest companies have moved their applications to the cloud after rigorously testing the security and reliability of the service.

THREE MAIN REASONS TO MOVE TO CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing has already entered the life of an Internet user. Most of us are already using a variety of cloud computing services without even thinking about it: Gmail, Google Drive, TurboTax, and even Facebook and Instagram are all cloud-based applications. For all these services, users send their personal data to a cloud-hosted server that stores the information for later access. Moreover, as useful as these applications are for personal use, they’re even more valuable for businesses that need to be able to access large amounts of data over a secure, online network connection. Cloud computing increases efficiency, helps improve cash flow and offers many more benefits.

1. Cost savings. One of the main reasons for moving to the cloud computing is to save money and time. An in-house storing infrastructure may cost less, but the company’s employees have to spend much more time to find access and share information. Once the company is on the cloud, easy access to company’s data will save time and money in project start-ups. What is more, cloud computing services are mostly pay-as-you-go. If the firm doesn’t take advantage of what the cloud has to offer, then at least it won’t have to be dropping the money on it. The pay-as-you-go system also applies to the data storage space needed to service stakeholders and clients. This means that a cloud user gets exactly as much space as he needs, and will not be charged for any space that he doesn’t need. Taken together, these factors result in lower total costs and higher returns.

2. Security. Information is the main tool of many businesses, and it is extremely important to keep it safe and secure. Building an infrastructure to store personal client’s data, financial information and other business data is reliable, but sometimes too expensive solution. Cloud computing offered by a big and dependable provider will keep the information secure and accessible only to the authorized users. A key to this amped-up security is the encryption of data being transmitted over networks and stored in databases. By using encryption, information is less accessible to hackers or anyone without permission to view the data. As an added security measure, most cloud-based services offer different security settings that can be defined based on a user.

3. Flexibility. The cloud offers businesses much more overall flexibility than it is possible to get by hosting on a local server. If an organization needs extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly, rather than undergoing a complex (and expensive) update of an in-house IT infrastructure. Such improved freedom and flexibility make a significant difference to the overall efficiency of an organization as a whole. It allows focusing on business goals and customers instead of looking for a proper IT-solution for storing information.

Cloud computing supports environmental proactivity, empowering virtual services rather than physical products and hardware. It cuts down on paper waste and improves energy efficiency. Moreover, by allowing employees access from any place with an internet connection, it reduces commuter-related emissions.

BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING FOR SMALL AND BIG BUSINESSES

Cloud computing services offer several advantages, some of which may fit small or big businesses. Start-ups, for example, could save money by using external cloud service. Small to medium-sized businesses can take advantage of industry-leading compute, storage and networking capabilities that they could scale on demand as their business grows. The cloud helps large enterprises increase their operational efficiency, productivity and agility. However, this is not a complete list of the benefits that cloud computing can offer to businesses.

Increased Collaboration and Productivity
When a company’s teams can access, edit and share documents anytime, from anywhere, they’re able to do more together and to do it better. Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps help them make updates in real time and provide full visibility of their collaborations. It is a good solution for small and big organizations, full-time and part-time workers, or companies that are located in different cities or countries.

Access from Anywhere
All the authorized users need to access the cloud service is an internet access and a device. Businesses can offer more flexible working perks to employees so they can enjoy the work-life balance that suits them without productivity taking a hit. It allows making notes and writing down ideas directly to a working file and storing all the data in one place.

Competitiveness
The cloud provides access to the enterprise-class technology, for everyone. It also allows smaller businesses to act faster than big, established competitors. Pay-as-you-go service and cloud business applications mean small outfits can run with the big enterprises and disrupt the market while remaining lean and nimble.

Everything is Stored and Saved
Losing important information due to any reason, such as natural disaster, power failure or other crisis, could become a big problem. However, storing in the cloud saves the company’s data and allows conducting business as usual, minimizing any downtime and loss of information.

Cloud computing offers plenty of benefits and advantages to small and medium businesses, as well as large enterprises. The industries’ leaders are already applying this technology to reduce costs, save time and reach their business goals. Cloud services are accessible to everyone and give equal opportunities to all users. At this, each one can use the option that he really needs.