Businesses based on cloud computing has become the new normal. Every application based on the internet works on the cloud platform- be it trivial services like Gmail, Google Drive, Facebook and Instagram. With the inception of cloud services, many traditional firms and industries from different locations are turning to cloud for storage, access and processing of data. It is because cloud computing increases efficiency, production and cash flow.
Reports suggest that businesses that adopt cloud services experience 53% faster revenue growth than their rivals. In this article, we will discuss the significant advantages that cloud infrastructure offer business. And, if you want to read about cloud-based startups, success stories and essential services to grow your business, check out insightful articles at Tech Msd.
1. Flexibility
Cloud-based business services experience increased flexibility for fluctuating bandwidth and storage needs. Remote cloud servers proffer unrestricted bandwidth and storage capacities to handle variable demands. If there is an increased need for storage, you can simply scale up the cloud’s capacity. The same level of flexibility is made possible if there is a need to scale down. Hence businesses with automated cloud computing services are more responsive and operate seamlessly.
2. Security
The major threat to any business is the possible loss of laptops and sensitive data inside them. With cloud services, your data is stored on remote servers and you can access it from anywhere in spite of what happens to your system. These cloud servers have stringent security measures so that your data does not fall into the wrong hands. They employ powerful security protocols, firewalls and access credentials. The data stored on cloud servers are monitored 24/7 by internet security authorities.
3. Mobility and productivity
Cloud services let employees work anytime and from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and a laptop, or even a mobile to be at work. Further, cloud services enable increased collaboration within the organization as teams can access, revise and share documents at the same time. The ability to share data and work together on projects increases the overall productivity of the business. Reports suggest that employees who work in cloud-based businesses enjoy their work-life balance without compromising on the yield.
4. Competitiveness
Small businesses can improve and compete with established opponents by adopting cloud services as the cloud gives everyone equal opportunities to streamline their process. Cloud computing enables them to access enterprise-class technologies that augment their production process and customer contentment. Cloud-based business apps and pay-in-a-minute-service make small firms to overtake the big boys while being steady and quick. According to a Verizon study, 77% businesses feel that cloud services are giving them a competitive edge over others.
5. Document Quality control
Inconsistent data and reporting are detrimental to the success of a business. When many employees work together on the same files, the quality and consistency of the data are likely to be compromised. Before the advent of cloud, files were sent back and forth via mail attachments. Sooner or later, this created a mess as the file content, format and titles were conflicting. But in cloud-based systems, files are stored centrally where everyone can access and see one version of a file at a time. Hence, with a better visibility, there is less distortion in data.
6. Disaster Recovery
Despite controlling the business data and productivity, unanticipated natural calamities could affect your hardware and information. Building the system all over from scratch will have a negative effect on your time, yield and revenue. Though these disasters are beyond human control, you can avail cloud services to speed up the recovery. Cloud servers offer reliable data backup and recovery during grave situations. 20% cloud users have claimed recovery in 4 hours but only 9% of non-cloud users could claim the same.
7. Automated Software Updates and Integration
Manually updating the software could be time-consuming. Cloud-based applications are regularly and automatically updated thus saving the staff and monetary resources. Another benefit is the automatic software integration that takes place in the cloud. Thus, software applications are easily customized for consumer’s needs.
8. Cost efficiency
A study says that about 20% organizations are skeptical about the price that will incur while switching to cloud computing systems. But people who weigh the pros and cons of setting up cloud services need to consider Return on Investment (ROS) and not just the initial installation fee. Cloud services are beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. This is because remote cloud servers eliminate the need for in-house storage and hosting infrastructure. Also, cloud services are deployed on the pay-per-use basis which means firms can rent and use only what they want.
9. Insights
In the present market, it is clear that “data is money”. There are nuggets of valuable information hidden in the unprocessed data. If the data is stored in cloud-based systems, you can use tracking mechanisms to build customized reports to analyze the information concealed. From those reports, you can construct action plans to increase efficiency and achieve goals.
10. Sustainability
In a competitive world, it is mandatory for a business to maintain its stability. Businesses should exhibit their real sustainability by formulating solutions for wastefulness that occurs at every level of business. Hosting on cloud servers are more environment-friendly as they result in low carbon footprint. Since the services are availed on a pay-per-use basis, the energy consumption and carbon emissions are further reduced. Since cloud computing offers virtual services, hardware and physical wastage are minimized.
Conclusion
Cloud computing is essential for any business that intends to be successful, productive, flexible and secured. Further, organizations can save on traditional IT infrastructure costs and profit from the latest cloud-based technology. Any three of the benefits discussed above would be sufficient to persuade any business to adopt cloud services, but speaking of all ten will be a no-brainer.
