Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in recent years with many businesses opting to move to the ‘cloud’. It’s very likely that you’ve heard of it before, and with 88% of companies having now adopted some form of cloud computing you may even be using it yourself.
But what exactly is cloud computing and how could it benefit your business?
Here’s our guide to walk you through the basics:
What is Cloud Computing? :
Cloud Computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to manage, process and store your data, instead of hosting through a personal computer or a local server it is stored in the ‘cloud’. The data stored could include databases, applications, file and email service.
How does Cloud Computing work? :
Instead of having to purchase and set up your own IT requirements, you rent from a service provider. Essentially you rent capacity (access to software or server space) and connect to it over the internet. This means you only pay for the resources you use.
What cloud computing services are available? :
There are a vast range of options available within cloud computing services now. From the basics of processing power, networking and storage to more specialised artificial intelligence and natural language processing, as well as standard office applications. Virtually any service that doesn’t require you to be physically in close proximity to your computer hardware can now be delivered via the cloud.
What are the benefits of cloud computing? :
Cloud computing offers businesses many benefits, which is probably why 88% of companies have now adopted some form of cloud computing. Here’s a list of the many benefits to moving your business to the ‘cloud’:
- Reduced IT costs
- Reduces the cost of managing and maintaining your IT systems. No more buying servers, operating systems, updating applications or disposing of hardware or software when it reaches the end of its life as its all taken care of by the supplier.
- You don’t need to pay wages for expert staff to manage your needs
- The cost of your energy usage bills may be reduced
- Fewer time delays
- The cost of upgrades, new software and hardware may be included in your contract
- Flexibility
- Gives employees the ability to access data from anywhere as long as they have internet access, connecting to your virtual office quickly and easily.
- Tool selection– users can select from a menu of prebuilt features and tools to personalise their experience to fit their specific needs.
- Storage options– Users can choose from three different options (public, private or hybrid storage) depending on their security needs.
- Scalability
- Your business can increase or decrease your operation and storage needs quickly, allowing flexibility as your business needs change.
- Rather than having to purchase and install expensive upgrades yourself to meet your needs, your cloud computer service provider can carry this out for you.
- Collaboration efficiency
- Gives your employees the ability to communicate and share more easily outside the traditional methods.
- Lots of different people (employees, contractors, third parties) can access the same files, making it easy for them to make amendments and review work in real time.
- The ability to access files and data through the internet ensures that no matter where you are geographically you will still be able to view and amend documents.
- Data security
- Protecting your data and systems is an important part of business continuity planning.
- If you experience any failures be it due to a technical issue, natural disaster, power failure or other crisis your data will be safe in the cloud.
- Having it stored there ensures it is backed up and protected in a safe and secure location.
- Enabling you to access your data again quickly and get back to business, reducing any loss in productivity and minimising any downtime.
- Regular updates
- Access to the latest updates may be included in your service fee.
- Many service providers regularly update their services to give user access to the most up–to–date technology.
- This could include upgrades to servers, updated versions of software and computer processing power.
As you can see there are many benefits of moving to the cloud, making it easy to see why so many businesses have taken the plunge.
If you’re interested in moving your business to the cloud and gaining that edge over your competitors we can help.
Contact us today and we’ll help get you set up so that you too can start reaping the rewards that cloud computing has to offer.
