Cloud Computing has been providing numerous benefits for nearly two decades. Many businesses are using this technology to better serve their customers, efficiently run their organizations, and increase overall profit margins. Despite the research and testimonials of success that show cost benefits, unique advantages, and proven business efficiencies, many businesses are still not operating with this technology.
Cloud computing is a term that has gained much popularity over the years. While companies are increasing their data usage as technology continues to advance, it is becoming more and more difficult for those individuals to keep their systems up and running on in-house computer servers. What most businesses don’t realize is that the solution to this issue has been around for a long time, but it has only recently gained popularity with businesses.
Cloud computing allows its users to access files and features without having to keep a majority of that data on their computer. Many businesses may even be using cloud-based applications without even knowing it. Gmail, Google Drive, Dropbox, Facebook, Instagram, and Turbotax are all examples of cloud-based applications. While these services are great for personal use, they are an incredible opportunity for businesses to access massive amounts of data over a secure network connection. Although there numerous benefits to cloud computing, there are still many businesses that are unaware of its various rewards. Listed below are 10 advantages of cloud computing.
1. Cost-effective and Efficient
By using cloud infrastructure, you don’t have to spend tons of money on purchasing and maintaining equipment. Cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware, facilities, utilities, and a large data center to grow your business. Because you won’t have extra hardware and physical equipment to maintain, you will be saving tons on expenses. With the cloud, you won’t even need to worry about having a large IT team to fix any issues. Your cloud provider will already have their own staff that you can use and enjoy! You also would not have to worry about costs related to downtime. Downtime is very rare in cloud systems, so just by using the cloud, you will be avoiding money spent on fixing issues related to downtime.
2. Data Security
Business data, no matter the industry or size, is extremely valuable. It is very important that companies keep their files, programs, and other data safe from the outside world. Things like data breaches and security scares can devastate a company’s brand, customer loyalty, and revenue. Unfortunately, if you can remotely access your data, then what is stopping a cybercriminal from accessing it? Businesses need to rely on something much safer: the cloud! The cloud offers various security features that assure safety, trust, and reliability when you store your data. Cloud storage providers have basic protections on the data they process, like authentication, encryption, and access control. From there, most organizations increase those measures with their own boost of cloud protection!
3. Mobility
Resources in the cloud can quickly and easily be stored, retrieved, recovered, and processed with only a few clicks! With the cloud, users can access their files and data on the go, on any Internet-connected device, anywhere in the world. Now that’s mobility! Cloud computing allows mobile access to important data via smart devices. Not only is it time-efficient, but it is a great way to access your data on the go! All updates and upgrades are completed automatically and offsite by service providers. This saves tons of time and effort in maintaining the systems and reducing workloads. The cloud is such a great way to access your information quickly and easily.
4. Control
Every company would benefit from having control over their own sensitive data. This is a vital piece to every organization! Access to the cloud gives businesses complete control and visibility over their data. Businesses can now decide the level of access that they have to the data. They can also decide who in their staff has access to that data. This opportunity allows the company complete control over their data and how they access that data. This control will make collaboration within staff a much easier task. Team members are able to view and share information, easily and securely across a cloud-based platform. There are really no limits to what you are able to do once you have that control.
5. Disaster-Recovery
Losing data is a nightmare for every company. Nobody in their right mind wants that to happen! Data loss is actually a major concern for most companies, especially if their data is stored on in-house equipment. With the cloud, you won’t need to worry about it. While there may be no way to anticipate or even prevent disasters that could potentially harm your organization, you can do something to speed up your recovery. Cloud-based services are known for quick data recovery in all different kinds of situations, ranging from natural disasters to power outages to malware. With in-house equipment and hardware, you are taking your chances of losing data if your equipment is damaged. But, if you upload your data to the cloud, it remains accessible from any device with an Internet connection. Even if something happens to your personal computer, files and data on the cloud will remain safe.
This list covers only a few of the many benefits of cloud computing. Even with this small list of benefits, it may be easy to see why so many businesses have switched from operating on their own in-house hardware to the cloud! It may also cause you to wonder why all businesses haven’t hopped aboard! Cloud infrastructures maintain environmental proactivity, improve energy efficiency, reduce computer-related emissions, power virtual services, and it also cuts down on paper waste! Using the cloud is a great way to improve your business, keep your data secure, save money and contribute to a clean environment.