With the rapid advancement in modern technologies, various businesses have adopted to new modes of functioning. Companies are now moving from an on-premise IT setup to the more advanced cloud computing.
A study by Flexera suggests that, currently, around 94% of SMBs are already using cloud services, and this will keep increasing in the next couple of years.
This infographic lists 10 important benefits of cloud computing that every SMBs need to know.
Infographic: 10 Benefits of Cloud Computing for SMBs
Let’s explore in detail.
1. Remote Access
Hosting your applications and data on cloud enables you to access them from anywhere around the world at any time on internet-enabled devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This ensures that your work does not stop, even when you’re not in the office.
2. Better Collaboration
Cloud hosting creates a virtual workspace with all your files and data on one common platform. You can easily share these documents with your colleagues, who can work on and edit the same version of the document. This not only eliminates multiple versions of the same file but also enhances teamwork.
3. Cost Reduction
Adopting cloud computing for your business saves you a lot of money, such as – the cost of deploying the IT workforce, managing IT infrastructure, taking backups, and maintaining local hardware setup.
Moreover, opting for third-party cloud services also gives you the option to choose from multiple pricing plans (monthly and annually). Thus, you have to pay the provider only for what you use as per your requirements.
4. Increased Security
A research study by Small Business Trends shows that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses.
Migrating to the cloud helps keep your entire business process secure. The competent cloud hosting providers offer advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, access control, IDS/IPS, and many others to prevent data loss during any disruptive event.
5. High Scalability
When working on a local on-premise system, it gets tough to scale your business because of a rigid hardware system.
However, the cloud environment can be scaled easily as per the business requirements. You can easily modify the specifications, such as the number of users, server resources, and services without the need for hardware replacement.
6. Business Continuity
Any unplanned server downtime can cause a massive loss to any business in terms of money or clients. Hence, uptime is vital to ensure that your work never stops. The competent hosting providers guarantee an uptime of at least 99.99% so that your work is always up and running.
Moreover, cloud hosting providers ensure that backup of all your files and data is taken in multiple locations for easy recovery in case of any loss.
7. Automatic Software Updates
Any software comes with regular updates of new features or security patches. On cloud, you get all the updates automatically at no extra cost.
Thus, you and your team are always working on the latest version of any software with all the advanced features.
8. Eco-Friendly
With the environment degradation continuing over the years, it has become imperative for everyone to take relevant measures to protect the environment.
Cloud computing is a green IT practice that helps reduce carbon footprint, energy wastage, paper usage, protecting the environment from any further harm. The cloud hosting providers implement environmental-friendly practices in the data center to prevent ill-effects to the environment.
9. Easy Integration
On the cloud platform, you can easily integrate all your applications to create a unified workplace for your entire team.
For example, you might want to integrate your accounting software with billing software in order to migrate all the invoices and transaction records to your software to carry out all your work. The cloud environment makes this possible.
It not only makes it easier to access different applications and work on them together but also improves the quality of work by reducing errors.
10. Better Control
Hosting applications on private cloud servers gives you the flexibility to access applications as per your needs. On the cloud, you get full control over managing your resources, users, and charges easily.
The access control feature also gives the admin the option to manage the accessibility of all applications between the entire team, depending on their roles in the organization.
Cloud is a Boon for Small Businesses
Cloud computing not only offers more security and flexibility to the small businesses but also the ability to access applications and data from anywhere at any time. In addition, you also do not need to invest in the IT infrastructure and can pay the provider as per usage.
For small businesses, cloud comes as a platform to skyrocket their growth and compete with the big conglomerates in the market.
Need to know more about cloud computing? Get in touch with our Solutions Consultant at 855-223-4887.
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Comments (1)
To complete this whole point, I just want to add that ultimately Cloud Computing has more benefits then the number of faults it has.
The best point I see here is disaster recovery, no matter what happens your data will remain safe.
I like the automatic software update better; it is highly customizable with any system.
To be very precise about cloud computing, I think it is very much necessary for any new startup as the operational costs for businesses these days is very high.
Yes Ron, it certainly helps SMBs to cut down their operational costs
The fact that cloud computing gives its user the power to work from anywhere he wants, is the biggest plus I see here.
Above all Cloud Computing is the thing of the future; it is beneficial for the environment and cost-cutting as well. I am all in for it.
Cloud Computing helps an organization to collaborate very efficiently; it keeps all the information grounded.
As far as cloud technology delivers steady results, it will keep gaining more and more users.