Leverage Cloud Computing to Its Advantage
If you're a fresh small business owner, you will always be looking for ways to improve your business. Switching to cloud computing can provide a great boost to your business.
Firstly, cloud computing allows you to access your data anywhere on any device. This helps you remain competitive and reduces the need for costly in-house servers.
But this may sound like an overwhelming new language—especially if you are not tech-savvy or a beginner in the use of online resources.
No worries. We've got you covered.
At this point, you're asking:
What is cloud computing?
How can using the cloud benefit your business?
Let's briefly delve into some very important definitions and help you explore your options.
What Is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing allows data to be stored remotely. You can access everything via any device that is securely connected to the internet. This means you don't need expensive on-site equipment such as servers to store all of your business data.
Small businesses can give themselves a great advantage by using the latest technology, including cloud computing. It is usually best to start small, then upscale when required. Having a strategy is key as this helps avoid unexpected problems in the future.
Whether you're a small rural village business or an urban company, here are 6 ways your business can benefit from remote data storage.
#1 | Infrastructure-as-a-service (IAAS)
IAAS means switching from physical hardware to virtual. Doing this can save you money and (if needed) makes it easy to scale up at any time in the future. IAAS is a popular use of the cloud, especially for a small business, due to the potential cost savings.
#2 | Platform-as-a-service (PAAS)
The testing and development of new applications can become expensive due to the investment needed in software and hardware. A great feature of the cloud is that you can use it to develop new applications without further investment. All the tools you need are instantly available via the cloud to get started on your project.
#3 | Software-as-a-service (SAAS)
SAAS is a hugely popular way for businesses to benefit from the cloud. You can reduce the cost of in-house applications enormously by switching to SAAS via the cloud. Examples of possible uses include -
Email
CRM
HR management
#4 | Disaster Recovery
IT is essential to keeping businesses running. If there is an emergency, then you could potentially be unable to conduct business if you cannot access your data. Using the cloud means you can benefit from storing everything off-site. Yes, recovery is quicker— plus you can store plans for business continuity off-site.
A great feature of the cloud means you can access your business data anywhere from any device connected to the internet. You'd peace of mind that should your usual workplace not be accessible, then you can access your data from home—or anywhere you can access the Internet.
# 5 | File Storage
It is likely that you already use the cloud for file storage, apps such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox all use cloud storage. The benefit of cloud file storage is a much bigger capacity than your computer's hard drive would allow.
Cloud storage also means you can easily share your work with others. This means it's easier to collaborate on projects, manage version-control, and back up work.
#6 | Big Data
These days collecting data is essential to growing a business. The more you know, the better. However, storing all that data can take up a lot of room. The good news is that cloud computing solves that problem. Through the power of cloud computing, you can store an almost unlimited amount of data.
Cloud computing is a fantastic leap forward for any business to make. It can help you with efficiency, saving money, productivity, and security.
In this competitive business world and "new normal", any advantage you can obtain is important.
If you'd like a bit more support with understanding cloud computing and discovering the right options for your organizations, we invite you to connect with Gahn Studios to effectively enhance your business by using the cloud.