What is Cloud Computing?
In simple terms, could computing is storing and on-demand access to data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive. Cloud computing allows you to access your data and programs outside of your computing environment, freeing up the memory and computing power of individual computers. Rather than storing your data and software on your personal computer or server, it is stored in ‘the cloud’. This creates a flexible and global way of accessing your data at any time, in any place.
Cloud computing is a more efficient way of delivering computing resources. With cloud computing, software and service environments are subscription-based where users pay a monthly fee instead of buying licenses. Software and platforms are managed by the providers and are constantly updated for maximum performance and security. Computing power is remote instead of centralized, so users can scale up or down depending on the business fluctuation. Multiple people can access a shared program or file and collaborate in real-time from different locations.
Now that you know more about the cloud, let’s talk about what really matters: how the cloud can benefit your business.
1.) Increased Productivity
One of the biggest benefits of migrating to the cloud is that it will increase and improve employee productivity in your organization. With more reliability, scalability, and consistency; and less downtime and IT workload, employee productivity is sure to improve.
2.) Reduced IT Costs
Switching to cloud computing could greatly reduce the cost over time of managing and maintaining your IT systems. Rather than purchasing expensive systems and equipment for your business, you can decrease your costs by utilizing the resources of a cloud computing service provider. Your operating costs could decrease because of:
- Costs of system upgrades, new hardware, and software may be included in your contract.
- Cloud hosting software requires you to purchase minimal networking equipment in your office.
- You no longer need to pay for expert IT staff.
- Your energy consumption costs may be reduced.
- There is less IT downtime.
3.) Data Security and Protection
A major concern for every business, regardless of industry and size, is the security of its data. Breaches and other cyber-attacks can devastate a company’s revenue, customer loyalty, and brand position. The cloud offers multiple security features that guarantee your data is securely stored and handled. Cloud computing providers implement baseline protections for their platforms and the data they process, such as authentication, access control, and encryption. From there, most providers enhance these protections with added security measures of their own to boost data protection and tighten access to sensitive information in the cloud.
4.) Disaster Recovery
Going hand-in-hand with data security, data loss is a major concern for all organizations. However, one of the greatest benefits of cloud computing is the guarantee that your data is always available, even if your devices/computers are damaged. Cloud-based services provide speedy data recovery for all types of emergencies — from natural disasters to power outages.
5.) Scalability
Different companies have different IT requirements; a large enterprise of 1,000+ employees won’t have the same IT needs as a small company of 50-100 employees. Cloud computing is a great IT solution because you can quickly and efficiently scale up/down your operation and storage needs to suit your business’s situation, allowing flexibility as your business needs change.
6.) Flexibility
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have seen many businesses shift to working from home. For many organizations, this was only possible because of the cloud. When you migrate to the cloud, your data becomes remote. With your data remote, it allows you to work virtually anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection. This can also allow for a better work-life balance for your employees.
7.) Simple Switch
The switch to cloud computing is far simpler than most would think. While the cloud may seem complicated, installing a brand new local server is quick and easy, just ask us! If you’re considering migrating to the cloud, call Elevated Tech today and we’ll help you seamlessly make the switch. Save yourself the time, money, and resources and put your business on the cloud.
