EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT MOVING THEIR BUSINESS TO THE CLOUD, BUT WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO YOU?

Let’s start off with “What is the Cloud all about?”, basically it puts your computer software and data on to the internet.  Up until the creation of Cloud Computing, businesses all had their software and files on a computer or server situated in their offices, with the Cloud, we can all access information and data through the internet.

One of the Clouds many advantages is the ability to connect a large number of devices across a secure network, thus allowing quick, safe communication throughout the global business platform.

Further Cloud technology was once thought to be a system just for storing data, but now is a means by which business entities can efficiently manage and work with their resources using many devices both static and mobile. Business premises, Server and IT employees are extremely costly. With Cloud services, all your documents are stored online so there is no need for large capital outlay for servers or the extended offices and personnel needed to keep them.

So what are the benefits of this form of computing to your business?

Here are just a few of them….

DISASTER RECOVERY
For any business, the loss of data can be catastrophic, however for smaller companies to invest in a strong disaster recover structure can be expensive and may need the employment of personnel with the necessary skills. Using the Cloud can help smaller businesses sidestep large upfront outlays, save implementation time, and harness expertise as part of the package.

FLEXIBILTY
Cloud based facilities are perfect for companies with increasing or changing bandwidth needs. If your requirements grow its easy to add more capacity and if your needs reduce you can scale down easily.

NO LARGE CAPITAL OUTLAYS
With Cloud services, you pay as you go, saving you the headache of finding the capital (and the effect that has on your cashflow) needed for expensive hardware and infrastructure.

INCREASED COLLABORATION
When you can access, change and work on the same document with your colleagues at anytime that suits you and from any location, you and your team can get more done in less time and improve efficiency. With Cloud based facilities you and your team can work in real time and every one required can work on documents together no matter where they are, as long as they have an internet connection..

SOFTWARE UPDATES AUTOMATICALLY DONE FOR YOU
As the Cloud servers are “Offsite” you don’t have to worry about the time or personnel to ensure your software is updated regularly, including security, this is done for you by your service provider.

WORK FROM ANYWHERE
With the Cloud, you can work from anywhere you have an internet connection and in most instances, you can connect using laptops, tablets, and even mobile phones, meaning that you can work anytime you wish from any location.

SECURITY
Some of us have been through the drama of having a laptop stolen or just stop working and not only do you lose a valuable business resource but more importantly and costly, you may have lost essential data as well.  If you are working in the Cloud, your data is stored there so it’s available from any other device you have to hand if something happens to your laptop.

CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS
As your team and partners start working on a regular basis together on documents there will be a necessity to ensure greater documentation control.  In the “old” days team members had to send folders backwards and forwards to each other as attachments to emails with the ever-present danger of work getting messed up, people using different fonts and formats or the files simply getting lost.

BE MORE COMPETITIVE
When you use a Cloud solution it gives you the opportunity to access leading edge technology, allowing smaller businesses to take quick actions and assist with rapid decision making, often much faster than your larger competitors. As most cloud based systems are based on a Pay-As-You-Go basis, you don’t have to outlay large capital funds to have the same access to services that your larger well-known opponents have.

IT’S GREEN!!
By moving to the Cloud, you not only improve your business efficiency and bottom line, but you can feel proud that you are helping the environment by using only the energy you need to use and reducing your carbon foot print.

We will be examining the above points and added issues in more detail in the next few weeks.  If you would be interested to read more, please Subscribe to our Blog...