What is cloud computing, and why should you consider it for your business? Cloud computing means you use third-party hardware over the internet for things like storing files, hosting websites, and running software programs.
The advantages of cloud computing include cost savings, security, and easy access. Businesses of all sizes can enjoy the benefits of switching from traditional methods, which typically use on-site hardware that you have to maintain.
Keep reading for seven benefits of cloud computing for your business.
Table of Contents
1. Secure, Off-Site Storage
Small businesses are the intended target of 43% of cyberattacks. The average cost if you’re hit with a cyberattack is $200,000. It can be difficult to keep up with the security risks when you use traditional methods.
Choosing cloud computing improves your data security by integrating multiple advanced features. Encryption, authentication, and access control are common security measures that shield your information from cyberattacks.
Cloud storage providers stay on top of the latest security threats to create solutions to protect your data from them. This means you don’t have to spend as much time researching and worrying about those threats.
Off-site data storage, often taught in a cloud computing course, also protects your data from physical damage, such as fire, break-ins, or natural disasters. When you use on-site hardware, damage to the equipment during these events could cause you to lose massive amounts of data. Off-site storage means you can recover from disasters faster without any loss of data.
2. Easy Collaboration
Storing important company files in the cloud makes collaboration between coworkers much easier. Everyone can quickly access the latest version of a document, file, or software program and work from current data.
When files are stored locally, it takes a lot more work to pass around the files when needed. Some employees might not have the latest version on hand. Cloud computing allows everyone access easily.
This collaborative environment is particularly helpful if you have remote employees or staff members in different branches that work on the same projects. Everyone can efficiently work together to get the project done even when they can’t be in the same physical space.
At the same time, you can restrict certain files, documents, or data. When you’re dealing with sensitive information, you want full control over who can see and manipulate it.
3. No Need for Hardware
Traditional options require hardware that you keep on-site to handle your computing and storage needs.
Cloud computing eliminates those hardware needs, which saves you money. Not only do you avoid the initial cost of the hardware, but you can also avoid the cost to upgrade later when you need more modern equipment.
By switching to cloud computing, you eliminate the need for extra physical space to store that hardware. This frees up more room for your employees or allows you to choose a smaller commercial space.
It’s also much easier to use. With traditional equipment, there’s maintenance and upkeep that costs money and often results in downtime. With cloud computing, there’s no maintenance or upgrades required on your end, which keeps you up and running.
4. Access From Anywhere
Not all work takes place during business hours while you’re at the office. Cloud computing gives you access to the data and programs you use regularly no matter where you are. That means if a work emergency happens on the weekend, you don’t have to go to the office to fix it.
It also makes it easier for your employees to work remotely. Everyone has the same access to all necessary work systems and data. This allows you to offer employees more work flexibility.
Remote access is also an advantage if you have staff members who travel frequently or make in-person visits to clients. They can still have access to all of your systems when they’re on the road.
5. Compatibility
Cloud computing makes it easy to use various types of software and implement software integrations to make your business run smoother. You can pick and choose the cloud-compatible software options you need for your business. These might include POS, accounting, and CRM programs.
The data you generate using those cloud-compatible programs gets stored automatically, ensuring your data is secure. Integrated software programs easily transfer data to make your life easier. Your POS software might automatically send sales data to your accounting software to simplify bookkeeping, for example.
You can also use edge computing to gather more data from your smart equipment and devices. What is edge computing? It’s a way to help you more efficiently gather and analyze data from sensors in your smart equipment.
Bonus: It’s compatible with cloud computing.
6. Automatic Updates
When you choose cloud computing, you know you’ll always have secure, updated servers working for you. Cloud service providers keep the systems updated and current, including all security updates. That way, you don’t have to remember to update things.
Cloud-based software programs also stay current with the latest updates, so you know you always have the latest version. Eliminating the need to do updates yourself can save you a lot of time, allowing you to work more efficiently.
7. Scalability
Your computing needs will fluctuate as your business grows and changes. Initially, you might need a small amount of storage with only a few software programs. As your business grows, you might add more users, additional software, or more sources of data.
Cloud computing is simple to scale since remote cloud servers have massive amounts of storage space and bandwidth available. You can quickly scale up your use, using more storage or bandwidth, without the need to upgrade systems. You get consistent service without the worry of slow-downs.
It also allows you to increase your needs temporarily. You might have a special project that requires you to scale up for a short time. Perhaps your business deals with seasonality that causes a fluctuation in your IT needs.
With cloud computing, you can scale up or down as needed to keep up with your demands. You’re not stuck with unnecessary equipment. And you can have access to additional storage immediately if your demands increase suddenly. Utilising a baseline of bare-metal with cloud auto scaling is a cost-effective option to manage peaks and troughs in demand.
Enjoy the Advantages of Cloud Computing
The many advantages of cloud computing often center around the flexibility and security you get from storing your data in the cloud. You know your data is secure, and you can easily access it at any time.
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