Over the last decade or so, cloud computing has been silently transforming the ways companies work and helping streamline operations in firms the world over. Indeed, cloud provisioning has become so popular among businesses in recent years that it is now one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative sectors in the entire IT and computing industry.
Cloud Computing – an Overview
For many company bosses, the term ‘cloud computing’ seems shrouded in mystery – a technology that is often perceived as being out of reach or just the preserve of much larger, more profitable businesses. In truth, cloud computing is the complete opposite, and one of the major draws of the tech is its affordability and how it can benefit companies of all sizes, in all sectors and – crucially – of all budgets.
The term ‘cloud computing’ essentially refers to any computing service that is handled remotely, then delivered to the end-user – typically over the internet and often on an on-demand basis. This pay-as-you-go model makes it massively more affordable than traditional in-house IT systems and allows firms to benefit from the latest hardware and software.
Typical ways the cloud can bring greater company efficiency
All firms are different, and the advantages of migration to the cloud will vary from company to company. However, in general, most businesses will find benefits in the following:
Cloud computing makes your workforce truly mobile:
As files are held remotely on cloud servers, your team will be able to access important files and run software from anywhere they can find an internet connection – which, given pretty much all of us have a smartphone these days, means more or less anywhere. Moreover, as the processing grunt is handled by remote servers provided by companies like https://www.avepoint.com/, even the lowest-powered handheld device can be used to complete complex operations.
Cloud computing aids collaborative working:
Linked to the point above, as your company files are held in a central repository, your employees will find it easier to share documents and work together on projects. Even better – these days, there are even dedicated cloud collaborative work apps that allow staff to mail, video call and markup documents, etc.
Cloud computing will save you time and money:
IT tech, hardware, and software don’t come cheap – and nor does the cost of employing adequately trained staff to maintain and run it. By outsourcing your firm’s digital services to a cloud company, you’ll transfer these costs and headaches to your provider, freeing up valuable time and resources to concentrate on your own business.
Cloud computing offers greater security:
As more and more of our business and personal information continues to be stored online and the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds blur, so the importance and value of data have increased exponentially. Indeed, data is now such a vital part of our day-to-day lives (both work and social lives), that many industry experts suggest it is now the world’s most valuable commodity – worth more, even, than traditional high-value substances like gold and oil. Working with a cloud provider, you’ll benefit from best-in-class security technicians, round-the-clock monitoring, and regular backups to ensure your firm’s data integrity.
