Cloud computing is among the most renowned technologies that have altered the way businesses compete today. The cloud provides a versatile, savvy and multipurpose alternative to local storage since it enables enterprises to store and access their information on an external platform. Cloud computing, also known as on-demand computing, refers to a technique of obtaining computer services over the internet. It is also a secure method of sharing and storing data.
What this means for professional service providers is that your staff can access these services from any location at any time. There are three categories of cloud computing and they include:
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Depending on your business needs, you can choose any of these services. If you are still unsure about adopting cloud computing into your organization, here are 11 reasons to make the switch.
1. Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of cloud computing is mobility. It provides you and your employees the freedom to work from any location. Your employees can perform their tasks from the field or at home.
You can decrease the number of workstations at your workplace and allow some employees to work remotely to reduce costs further. Cloud technologies enable you to access and modify your data through PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. This functionality makes cloud computing ideal for any company that wishes to advance beyond a traditional office environment to enjoy the benefits of telecommuting and remote teams. Again, the cloud supports the development of mobile and website applications that further improve your work communication and flexibility.
Also, on-demand computing helps you to monitor your business operations efficiently. What you need is a fast internet connection to receive real-time updates of your business activities.
2. Reduced Costs
Traditionally, businesses spend lots of money on software licenses or buying packages to download or install on their physical computers. On-demand computing involves transferring your computer programs and applications to the internet instead of storing them on your desktop. Ideally, any of the applications you need are now found in the cloud. They are stored on your service provider’s remote servers and not on your hard disk so you don’t need high-end computers to access them.
The automation offered by cloud computing also helps you save money. Your service provider can set you up quickly and affordable, with all the programs and applications you need to run, and all this takes just a few minutes. Many businesses have reduced their IT overheads because their service providers take care of their program maintenance and updates for them.
3. No Need for a Backup Plan
Conventional computing systems need backups for data storage. In the event of a disaster, you can incur a permanent data loss in case you don’t have a backup plan in place. However, when storing data in the cloud, you don’t need any such backups. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, the data will always be available. Some companies employ cloud computing services for backup and as a disaster recovery plan.
4. Data Security
Physical storage devices are susceptible to system malfunctions, a risk that is eliminated almost completely when you switch to cloud storage. Although no system is 100 percent secure, the cloud remains the most secure way to store data because it protects your information through encryption and firewalls, and it protects it against malware as well.
The security level provided by the cloud surpasses the one provided in-house since information security is among the primary duties of the cloud storage providers. They marshal technology professionals with a wide range of particular types of equipment that are far beyond what professional service providers can implement in-house.
The security framework also includes advanced encryption protocols, surveillance equipment, and biometric locks. Thus, it has been reported that over 86 percent of small businesses are confident that their cloud storage providers can provide a secure environment for their information against cyber attacks.
5. Scalability
The legacy way of planning for unexpected growth is purchasing and storing extra storage, licenses, and servers. It may take many years before you use these reserve resources. However, it is easy to scale cloud computing resources. You can obtain additional features or storage whenever you need them. Your service provider will upgrade your subscription within minutes when you meet the extra cost.
6. Integration
One delusion that discourages business owners from switching to the cloud is that they may end up losing part of their legacy information or face problems integrating SaaS and on-premise platforms with the cloud. This is not true because the cloud doesn’t require complicated extract, transfer, and load (ETL) processes.
The fact is, IT service providers can easily extract information from on-premise systems and SaaS tools and integrate them with propriety and public data sources. Furthermore, various solutions provide APIs that can be connected to software that performs different tasks thus helping you increase your business’s bottom line.
7. Enhanced Collaboration
Business owners are always looking for ways to improve individual and team productivity. Cloud computing is one of the most efficient means of improving your team’s performance.
Your employees can easily share information and collaborate to accomplish projects even from separate locations. Office workers can easily share updates and real-time data with those in the field. Furthermore, on-demand computing eradicates repetitive and redundant tasks such as data entry.
As a professional service provider, you can save costs, improve the efficiency level, and increase productivity by moving your business to the cloud. The best option is to transfer the operations gradually to prevent data manipulation or losses during the transfer.
8. Lots of Options
You already know the main types of cloud computing services, that is, PaaS, IaaS, and SaaS. Each of these types has many sub-categories that differ depending on the providers. For example, if you are in need of software, you will have lots of options from various providers. You can sign a contract with a service provider with the best features and rates for services that your business needs.
9. Available 24x7x365
Nearly all the cloud vendors offer services that are highly reliable and most of them sustain a 99.99 percent uptime. As long as your internet connection is stable and it’s on, you can access and use these services from any location in the world.
10. Bankability
The time and cost savings gained by using cloud services can be promoted as a benefit in your business plan. Although it is an excellent alternative to traditional IT setups, it is also an evolution of IT thinking. You can employ it to make your business leaner and more efficient in service delivery.
Studies indicate that companies using cloud technologies save up to 50 percent more than businesses using many in-house servers. Coupled with the elimination of service interruptions due to traditional IT issues such as fixing system errors and downloading updates, switching to cloud computing will propel your business forward much faster than your competition.
11. No Need for Frequent Software Updates
In cloud computing, all the users get the latest version of a particular application. These updates introduce new functionality and features, thus enabling you to be more productive. These applications run smoothly compared to home-grown or purchased software that has significant update releases, usually once or more times annually.
Shortly, cloud computing and storage will not be optional. Thus, embrace the cloud as soon as possible so that you can capitalize on its advantages and also evolve with the rapidly changing technology. We at K2 Technologies are a reputable Cloud Service Company In Wyoming, and we offer cloud services that will suit your needs as a professional service provider. Your experience and ability to gain the outlined advantages of the cloud depend on your choice of a service provider. So, call us today at (888) 686-3025 or email [email protected] to get a quote.