How Can Cloud Computing Make Your Business Stronger?
Cloud computing — the buzzword that has been growing over the past decade with reinforced security, easy access to data, and the growth in supportive technologies backed by strong internet connectivity, compatible mobile devices, and powerful web-based and mobile applications. As many companies were compelled to adopt the remote working model since the pandemic rocked the world, it has augmented the use and benefits of cloud computing for smooth business continuity. Cloud-based services offer a scalable and reliable IT infrastructure to streamline business operations and support business performance and growth.
With that being said, let me present an interesting stat for you: 85% of the organizations around the world are currently using a multi-cloud strategy to increase business productivity. By 2020, 67% of enterprise infrastructure has become cloud-based, while 82% of workload resides on the cloud. On average, a person uses 36 cloud-based services every day. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has the largest cloud computing market share at 32%, and Platform as a service (PaaS) adoption is expected to grow by 56% since 2020.
Apparently, cloud computing is the new normal for businesses, and in today’s scenario, it presents opportunities for small businesses to access high-end technologies. And when it comes to large companies, they can easily scale up their business and create better connectivity with a global presence.
Understanding ‘Cloud’
Cloud computing provides businesses a way to manage their computing resources online by storing and accessing data via the internet. It helps enterprises access information on any internet-enabled device from any location. Instead of storing information on a computer server in the office and limiting its access, cloud computing allows data to be stored on the internet.
Over the internet, cloud computing delivers on-demand computing resources Based on the size of the business, the extent of its use, and security perspective, businesses can choose public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud. Let’s first understand them in detail.
Public cloud is off-premises and run by third-party companies using a mix of applications from different consumers on a shared infrastructure. Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform are some of the prominent examples of public clouds.
Private clouds are designed and managed by the organization’s IT department specifically for internal purposes. It gives the organization a high level of control over the cloud services and infrastructure.
Finally, the hybrid cloud is where the business uses both public and private cloud to manage sensitive business-related data in-house and store less sensitive information with a third party.
Why Do Businesses Need Cloud Computing?
No business, irrespective of its size, can stay beret of software solution adoption. Cloud computing is becoming a conscious choice for business as it is cost-effective and easily accessible. Here are some prominently used cloud computing services that have been skyrocketing for the past two decades.
● Cloud Storage
One of the first uses of the cloud was for the storage of files and business data. With internet-enabled devices and secure web or mobile applications, the stored data can be edited, shared, and viewed in its latest version across all synced devices.
● Cloud Backup
Cloud backup is a failsafe solution for a company, protecting it from data loss due to any server crash or cyber-attack.
● Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is cloud applications hosted by the third-party cloud provider to customers over the internet. It has made expensive, high-powered software accessible to small and mid-sized businesses as they are mostly subscription-based.
● Cloud Hosting
It is a fixed-size server space that businesses can procure for email services, application hosting, data storage, and sharing. While the business will own the stored data, the cloud hosting company will own and maintain the hardware.
For more worthwhile insights, here’s a read on the importance of cloud computing that might provoke your thoughts. Go through it!
Benefits Of Cloud Computing For Business
In spite of the dramatic increase in the use of cloud computing among industry leaders and tech-savvy enterprises, there is still a hovering hesitance for adopting cloud-based solutions for whatsoever reason. So here I’m, taking a few minutes aside and sharing 5 great benefits cloud computing can bring to your door.
Glance them through!
1. Portable Applications And Data
As the applications are all cloud-based and data is accessible through the cloud, executives can access key business data remotely through secure channels on a compatible device. So, data can be shared straight from the web or mobile application rather than saving onto a hard disk or pen drive, resulting in data corruption or loss when you go to make a client-site presentation or over a video conference.
Also, it can easily be shared and collaborated among remotely located team members or business partners.
For supporting the business, a host of web-based applications can be used for communication, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and so on. The mobility of the applications supports faster data access, giving real-time information for informed business decision-making.
2. Cost Saving
Buying and maintaining servers and other hardware will require time, money, physical space, and expertise. Additionally, there will be a replacement cost of upgrading the system, leading to extra expenses besides the allied downtime. With cloud computing on public or hybrid clouds, the service provider is responsible for all server and hardware maintenance and upgrade. The business will only incur a standard monthly expense that will still cost less.
3. Disaster Recovery
Cloud computing services are enabling small businesses to have durable disaster recovery. A study shows that small companies are twice as likely as large companies to have implemented cloud-based backup and recovery solutions. As part of the package, they get third-party expertise to aid them with disaster recovery.
4. Scalability
For a growing company, cloud-based services are ideal as they support the fluctuating operational demand, and it is easy to scale up and scale down. Based on the company’s storage needs, companies can make quick adjustments to suit demand variations. The company can upsize the cloud capacity as their needs increase using cloud ERP.
Besides, as the business grows, its software needs will increase. Cloud computing provides easy software integration. So, a business can easily introduce new software applications and services customized to suit the business needs.
5. Agility With Automation
Cloud computing services help in automating all the core business processes, contributing to agile business operations. Businesses can respond to customers faster, collaborate with the right partners, and streamline processes between the various departments with cloud-based SaaS and PaaS software integration. The greater transparency that comes from interdepartmental communication lends to swift isolation of anomalies and better business responsiveness.
With lesser investment in IT resources, the company can focus on core competencies and build a strong business. As business response time to market changes and its internal issues are greatly reduced, enterprises can strive towards modernity in operations and approach backed by powerful cloud-based software solutions.
The Ultimatum!
The cloud computing revolution has taken the world by storm, and there is no way of going back; at least, there is no reason not to embrace it. Yes, many companies are puzzled by the thought and worries of moving to the cloud, such as privacy risks, external attacks, data loss, etc. But are these concerns heavier than the benefits of cloud computing? Or are you just not ready to embrace the change?
Cloud computing adoption is soaring up like never before, and for good reasons. It’s high time you recognize the benefits of it and get your business to the next level. My sage advice would be to look for the best cloud computing services in the market and endorse them for a seamless business experience.
The world is advancing in the blink of an eye, so are businesses. Don’t let clunky technology hold you back!
