6 Epic Ways Your Business Can Leverage Cloud Computing to Its Advantage
If you are a small business owner, you will always be looking for ways to improve your business. Switching to cloud computing can provide a great boost to your business. One of the ways cloud computing helps is because the cloud allows you to access your data anywhere on any device. This helps you remain competitive and reduces the need for costly in-house servers.
What is cloud computing?
How can using the cloud benefit your business?
Our Knowledgebase Article briefly delves into a few very important definitions and explores your options.
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What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing allows data to be stored remotely. You can access everything via any device that is securely connected to the internet. This means you don't need expensive on-site equipment such as servers to store all of your business data.
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6 Ways Your Business Can Benefit From Cloud Computing
Small businesses can give themselves a great advantage by using the latest technology, including cloud computing. It is usually best to start small, then upscale when required. Having a strategy is key as this helps avoid unexpected problems in the future.
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Infrastructure-as-a-service (IAAS)
IAAS means switching from physical hardware to virtual. Doing this can save you money and if needed is easy to scale up at any time in the future. IAAS is a popular use of the cloud, especially for a small business, due to the potential cost savings.
Platform-as-a-service (PAAS)
The testing and development of new applications can become expensive due to the investment needed in software and hardware. A great feature of the cloud is that you can use it to develop new applications without further investment. All the tools you need are available instantly via the cloud to get started on your project.
Software-as-a-service (SAAS)
SAAS is a hugely popular way for businesses to benefit from the cloud. You can reduce the cost of in-house applications enormously by switching to SAAS via the cloud. Examples of possible uses include -
Email
CRM
HR management
Disaster Recovery
IT is essential to keeping businesses running. If there is an emergency, then you could potentially be unable to conduct business if you cannot access your data. Using the cloud means you can benefit from storing everything off-site. This means recovery is quicker plus you can store plans for business continuity off-site.
A great feature of the cloud means you can access your business data anywhere from any device connected to the internet. You can have peace of mind that should your usual workplace not be accessible, then you can access your data from home or anywhere else you can get online.
File Storage
It is likely that you already use the cloud for file storage, apps such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox all use cloud storage. The benefit of cloud file storage is a much bigger capacity than your computer's hard drive would allow.
Cloud storage also means you can share your work easily with others. This means it is easier to collaborate on projects, manage version-control, and back up work.
Big Data
These days collecting data is essential to growing a business. The more you know the better. However, storing all that data can take up a lot of room. The good news is that cloud computing solves that problem. Through the power of cloud computing, you can store an almost unlimited amount of data.
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Final Thoughts
Cloud computing is a fantastic leap forward for any business to make. It can help you with efficiency, saving money, productivity, and security.
In this competitive business world, any advantage you can get is important. You can enhance your business today by using the cloud.