You’ve probably heard a lot about cloud computing over the last couple of years, but what is it? And, more importantly, how can it benefit your business?
We don’t want to bog you down in lengthy technical details, so we’ll just fill you in on the basics of cloud computing. In a nutshell, cloud computing dispenses with the traditional local servers and, instead, uses a network of remote servers – which are based online – to process, manage and store your data.
So, the basic premise seems fairly simple, but, apart from saving you a few square feet in your premises, what are the real reasons your business needs cloud computing?
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Hassle Free Updates
Cloud networks are setup by suppliers and then rented out to clients, so the maintenance due on your end is virtually zero. And this can be a real time saver; you only have to look at the number of security updates which arrive almost daily and require significant time to be approved and installed.
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Enhanced Accessibility
One of the jewels in cloud computing’s crown is the level of accessibility to resources it offers. As long as employees have an internet connection then they can access your cloud. This is a fantastic feature of cloud computing as it allows employees to work from home or on the move. And it’s this flexibility which offers employers the chance to reduce office size and overhead.
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Cost Savings
Cloud data storage costs are relatively low when compared to the hugely expensive hardware required for onsite storage. Hardware costs are not the only savings you will benefit from. With all your servers located offsite, you’ll quickly discover that the need for in-house IT expertise has reduced. Although I’m not suggesting you completely get rid of your IT support, you will find that it’s less stretched and cuts can be made.
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More Eco Friendly
Businesses are looking for more and more ways to reduce their carbon footprint and cloud computing helps you to help the environment. Physical servers have a ravenous desire for electricity, so it’s a constant drain on energy resources as well as your utilities bills. With cloud storage, however, the servers only respond to demand, so there’s less energy usage and less cost.
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Better Collaboration
Document control is a tough task when several people are working on the same file and having to email it back and forth. Not only is this a time consuming procedure, but human error is always hovering around the periphery e.g. one user may fail to send the most up to date document back. With cloud computing, though, every employee is able to access the same file from one central location. This ensures that everyone is, literally, working on the same page.
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Reduced Data Loss
The funds and technical know-how required to avoid or repair data disasters are often stumbling blocks for small business thanks to costs. The beauty of cloud computing, though, is that the cloud networks suppliers are highly experienced in data recovery. And the added bonus is that the cost of this expertise is spread across a huge database of clients, so costs remain low.
Final Thoughts
Cloud computing is helping to make everyone’s lives easier, so it’s crucial that your business starts investigating it as a viable network option. Anything that enhances your businesses productivity and competitiveness with cost savings should never be ignored.
For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.
