Cloud computing is an umbrella term that covers cloud storage, cloud backup, software as a service (SaaS), and cloud hosting. Do they sound alien to you? These are the services that any small or large business should have. If you want to bring your business to the 21st century, you better have cloud computing in your arsenal. Not only do they make your business more efficient, but they also ease processes and transactions. It allows businesses to focus on more important aspects of the company such as product development, customer service, and digital marketing.
Your business might already be using cloud computing only that you are not aware of it. Dropbox, Slack, Office 365, Quickbooks, and Shopify are all examples of cloud computing. You mostly learned about these from a competent SaaS CMO who sold you these products with the goal of simplifying your business transactions and processes. So even though you aren’t fully aware of what cloud computing is, little do you know you’ve already been mastering it right in your office.
Small businesses need cloud computing as much as bigger businesses do. Since small businesses tend not to have as many employees as larger companies do, they rely mostly on technology to help them tend to their business’ needs. They also do not have the physical capacity to store huge amounts of physical data (bills, inventory sheets, income statements, invoices, and many more), so they turn to cloud storage such as Dropbox and Google Drive.
Making Data More Accessible Anywhere You Are
There was a time when you have to run or drive like a madman back to your office when you forgot to email someone or send a report to your boss. Those days are long gone now. Cloud computing makes it possible to access files and documents from a compatible device. The numerous security measures you can program in these devices will also provide a secure way of accessing the files no matter where in the world you are. As long as you have the proper credentials, you can connect to your office’s server.
Improving Collaboration Among Team Members
Projects are more consistent these days because team members no longer have to send and resend emails for collaborative projects. They can use apps like Trello and other cloud services to collaborate on an assignment. These cloud-based services make it easier, too, to find out the people who last edited a document. Only those with proper credentials can access and edit these files. That’s why it’s easier to spot any mistakes and address these issues immediately.
Bringing the Office Anywhere
It was a dream for many to be able to travel and work. Cloud computing made that possible in the last decade. That’s why many entrepreneurs these days can travel and run a business at the same time. You can basically bring your office to your kitchen table or a quaint café in the provinces of Spain. As long as you have a strong and solid internet connection, you’re good to go. Services such as Shopify allows online sellers to check the inventory and monitor the sales of the company from wherever they want.
Reducing the Chances of Data Loss
Chances of data loss are higher when you don’t use back-up storage. Remember that there’s a huge difference between syncing and backing up files. Syncing files means that the same ones are in two separate storages while backing up the files means even if you remove them from one device, the files still exist in the back-up drive. Data loss can cause bankruptcy and may even lead to legal troubles. By utilizing cloud computing, business owners can rest knowing that their files are safely stored in the cloud even if the hardware fails or if natural catastrophes cause a device to malfunction.
Saving on Expenses
Cloud computing providers are more cost-efficient. While you can build your own backup system, it is costlier and often harder to maintain. You might also have to hire an IT specialist to monitor the health of the system and the safety of the data it contains. A cloud computing provider can offer you all these features without the downsides. This is an add-on to your business’ monthly expenses, but it’s well worth the expenses if you can secure your business.
Cloud computing revolutionized the way everyone goes about their business. It’s the most cost-efficient and productive way to guard your business. With cloud computing, not only are you going to allow for more collaborative projects, but you are also giving your employees the flexibility they seek.
