Companies run on data, and they should be able to access it when the need arises. Advances in cloud computing have changed how businesses get their information.
Before cloud technology, enterprises had to rely on software and hardware to get the required applications. They had to invest heavily in entire IT departments that were responsible for installing, configuring and running the systems. Businesses incurred astronomical costs, which presented numerous complications for small companies.
Cloud computing simplified that, allowing companies to outsource the heavy lifting. It’s for this reason that small and medium enterprises can afford quality IT solutions. Before hiring cloud services, be clear about what your business stands to gain.
Understanding Cloud Computing
In cloud computing, data is stored on the cloud as opposed to computers or servers on the premises. You only need an internet connection to access cloud-based applications and files, which means they are available on any device, from anywhere.
Employees can collaborate on a project seamlessly even from different regions enabling remote workers. Cloud computing comes in different alternatives, which a business has to consider carefully.
What are the different types of Cloud Services?
There are a few cloud service types that all offer different benefits to businesses. What are the 3 types of cloud computing?
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Examples of SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS providers:
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Microsoft Azure
Software as a Server (Saas) provides end-user software solutions, Platform as a Service (PaaS) is the service that makes it possible for developers to create applications and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is responsible for the critical Infrastructure.
A business has to hire third-party providers for the relevant services. SaaS is the go-to cloud service for small enterprises because it offers ready-made software. A company can get accounting, data filling and CRM tools from it. Besides SaaS, SMBs get cloud computing for hosting, data storage and backup.
The Value of Cloud Services
Small enterprises operate on limited budgets, so they can’t afford investments that don’t add substantial worth.
Cloud computing is advantageous to your business in numerous ways. The most obvious one that should interest any business owner is saving costs. When you don’t have to store data on-premises, you forgo certain expenses.
A company doesn’t have to shoulder the costs of setting up and operating a data centre. You don’t need to pay for the equipment or space. Installing and maintaining software requires money. In the past, a small business would need to hire a full-time IT team to ensure that things run smoothly.
With cloud computing services, all those duties fall on a third party.
Real-time Access to Data
Access to real-time and up to date data increases efficiencies and productivity. All the data in a cloud system is on a central hub that syncs with every device that connects to it. As people add data, it automatically updates.
The advantage is that collaboration is simplified. Employees don’t have to pass emails around to be on the same page. Projects become easy to manage
Remote workers and Makes Working from Home is Easy
Users have data access from anywhere with the right permissions, which makes remote work convenient. Companies are accepting that not every employee has to work from the office.
Cloud systems allow the staff members working from home to have the same information as everyone else.
A small business owner can also keep an eye on the operations when away because everything is readily available.
Disadvantages to Moving to the Cloud
Cloud-based systems are not without risks. Adopting new technology is always complicated for any business. You have to factor in the training that employees have to come through to be able to leverage the advantages of cloud computing.
If an SMB / SME is already using on-premises data storage, moving to the cloud can be taxing. Downtime is another issue that a cloud-based enterprise can encounter. A technical outage can leave a company scrambling to minimise losses.
However, cloud computing providers have been working on reducing downtime. A majority will offer 99.9% uptime these days.
Cloud Services has more Positives than Negatives
Cloud services can help a small business boost operations with improved productivity, reduced costs and enhanced convenience.
Cloud services are virtual services that enable you to digitally manage, store and process business data and information.
Providing virtual space to process and store data is an extremely cost-effective way along with saving time and resources.
Be keen on finding a cloud service provider that aligns with your business objectives.