The cloud isn’t just for purely technology-focused organisations, it’s for every business and it might just offer functionalities that you hadn’t considered for your company.
But before we move onto the advantages of cloud computing, let us quickly explain what it actually is. In a nutshell, it is a place where your data, as well as all online aspects of your business, can be stored securely – and it doesn’t need you to manage or maintain it. It is also pretty much infinite in size, so you never have to worry about running out of space.
7 Advantages of Cloud Computing
1. Flexibility
As mentioned in a previous article, having the ability to scale bandwidth when required is an extremely valuable resource to have as a part of your business strategy.
2. Cost reduction
Cloud computing allows a business to reduce spend on technology infrastructure and capital cost expenditure, so of course that is an advantage for any business.
3. Improves accessibility
When it comes to providing work-from-anywhere access having cloud computing means employees are able to retrieve all the same systems as if they were in the office.
4. Monitor projects more effectively
With data and/or project information held in a location that is accessible to all appropriate employees, it is easier to get a quick, accurate picture of work flows – particularly since updates and changes are in real-time.
5. Process big data
In an earlier post, we discussed the value of big data for your business, but without the use of cloud computing, it would be extremely difficult (and costly) to capture and store the information required to process your big data.
6. Easy recovery
Disasters happen, things go wrong and every business is at risk of virus’ wiping important data and information – but by working in the cloud, data recovery is quick and easy.
7. Document control
With a central storage point for documents, silos of information are no longer an issue, and it allows those responsible for document control to have complete visibility over all relevant data.
The list above is by no means exhaustive on the benefits of working in the cloud. And the fact is, it’s where businesses are going, so if you’re not there now, no doubt you will need to be in five years time to ensure your capabilities meet the expectations of your employees, clients and customers.
This blog post is a condensed version of an article in our latest eBook. Keen on further knowledge on how to manage IT in your business? Download: An essential guide to IT for SME business – Risk, Security and Productivity
