The cloud is being used by more industries than ever before.
Indeed, the growth of the cloud has been nothing short of remarkable.
It wasn’t so long ago that it was nothing more than a novel concept. In a short space of time, though, it’s developed into a $150 billion market.
The plethora of pros of cloud computing explains this boom in popularity. Simply, organizations from fields as diverse as marketing and healthcare are enjoying the positive implications of transitioning to cloud-based computing.
Compared to traditional data storage systems, the cloud simply offers a host of advantages. Interested in learning more about them?
Keep reading to discover 6 primary incentives to switch to cloud computing.
What Exactly Is the Cloud?
First thing’s first:
A definition. What do we mean by cloud-based computing?
Well, in simple terms, the cloud is a modern solution to the age-old problem of data storage.
Every organization on the planet, from NGOs and marketing firms to business phone solutions, creates and accrues reams of data every single day. In the past, it would all be stored in physical form, inside filing cabinets, desk drawers, and storage cupboards.
Then, as computers came into the fold, it was transferred into digital form and stored on physical computer systems and on-site servers.
With the cloud, though, all that data is stored and managed on a network of internet hosted-remote servers. It’s offsite, managed by a third party, and accessible via the internet.
Read on for why that makes such a positive difference.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
Here are 6 key reasons that organizations are benefiting from the cloud.
1. It’s More Cost-Effective
Before the cloud, most businesses managed and stored files via in-house, physical computer systems.
Unfortunately, these were (and remain) hugely expensive, took up lots of space, and suffered frequent technical faults (especially as they got older). Even worse, these systems become outdated very rapidly and depreciate in value at the same time.
On top of that, IT technicians would be required to monitor the systems and fix any issues that arose. It was expense after expense after expense.
The cloud changes everything. Suddenly, you outsource those storage and management needs to third party servers, paying one fixed monthly cost for the trouble. Overheads get slashed in the process.
2. Smaller Businesses Can Punch Above Their Weight
The expense involved with physical computing systems puts smaller businesses at a distinct disadvantage.
Essentially, only the larger companies could afford to install the complex systems that could drive growth. There was very little chance for smaller businesses to compete in the larger arenas.
Again, not with cloud computing.
That fixed monthly fee is the same, no matter the size of the business paying for it! This helps to level the playing field and allows smaller enterprises to play with the big boys.
They can tap into the benefits and functionality of large-scale computer systems, at a fraction of the cost of buying them.
3. It Allows Remote Access to Data
Older computer systems force you to be in the building in order to access data.
But that’s not the case with when you use the cloud.
Suddenly, everything can be accessed remotely. As long as you have the internet, you can be anywhere in the world and gain access to your files.
Imagine, for one reason or another, being forced to work from home. The remote access capabilities offered by the cloud mean you can take work anywhere. You can stay at home in your pajamas and perform the same tasks as you would in the office.
4. It’s a Flexible Solution
Some businesses grow with incredible speed.
Unfortunately, with traditional computer systems in operation, a company’s data requirements can grow faster than the system can handle.
It’s like finding an apple tree full of beautiful fruit, but having no pockets or bags to carry them.
There’s nothing worse for an entrepreneur! All that hard work is paying off, but the infrastructure in place prevents them from capitalizing on it.
That fate will never arise with cloud-based computing though. The cloud provides the flexibility to increase and decrease your data usage as and when required. It can easily accommodate the rapid growth of any company.
5. All Data Sits in One Place
The cloud puts all company data into one centralized location.
A host of positive knock-on effects ensue.
Firstly, it facilitates the organization of data and coordination among departments. Imagine the alternative: different departments storing their data in separate locations.
Accessing information becomes a logistical nightmare. You don’t know who has what; accessing particular files requires endless back and forth between parties.
By contrast, having everything together (and giving everyone access) fosters collaboration and makes project management a breeze.
6. There’s Transparency and Real-Time Editing
This benefit relates to the last.
Essentially, having one centralized location for data promotes transparency within the company.
There’s no hiding anything! Like having all their eggs in one basket, a manager can keep an eye on the progress within the entire team.
Equally, any saved files are all working documents in nature, which everyone can access. They’re viewed, edited and amended in real-time. Compared to printing and distributing paper files, this reduces unnecessary errors and fosters greater efficiency.
It goes without saying that any potential for newfound efficiency is a major positive. Doing anything with greater speed and accuracy is crucial to ongoing growth and success.
Enjoy the Pros of Cloud Computing
Cloud-based computing has become a big deal in recent years.
It wasn’t so long ago that the cloud was viewed with a fair degree of skepticism and trepidation. Nowadays, though, businesses and organizations in every industry under the sun have jumped on board.
The significant pros of cloud computing help explain its meteoric rise in popularity. Hopefully, this post has highlighted the key incentives on offer for moving over to the cloud.
Are you looking for more articles like this one? Be sure to check out similar posts in the ‘Business’ section of the blog.
