If you’re competing in today’s business landscape, you should have a thorough understanding of cloud computing and the benefits it brings to your organization. In the simplest terms, cloud computing is leveraging hardware and software delivered securely over the internet, rather than physical tools located on-site in your office or building. Business leaders are utilizing the cloud to more efficiently operate, better serve customers, and boost their bottom lines. What are the competitive advantages and benefits of using cloud computing? We’ve outlined the top 12 reasons why you should consider the cloud for your organization.
- Cloud computing emphasizes data security at every point.
Information stored in the cloud is often more secure than that housed in on-premise servers. Cloud computing encrypts data sent over the network or stored within the database, making your information less accessible to compromise. Permissions and access can be adjusted to the individual user, data can be backed-up to secondary remote servers, and security audits and patches are regularly performed. Entire teams of specialists continuously work on the security and resiliency of the cloud platform. How does your internal IT team compare?
- Loss prevention is key.
Accidents happen. Laptops are lost or stolen. Servers get overheated and shut down. If your data is stored locally or inseparably tied to a single location, you’re putting your organization at risk. The cloud allows data to be automatically uploaded and backed-up to a remote location, so information can be easily and securely accessed from any device with an internet connection.
- When disaster strikes, the cloud facilitates rapid recovery.
If the unthinkable happens, whether data loss, compromise, inaccessibility, or breach, the cloud can quickly bring your organization back online. Avoid unproductive downtime (and the associated loss to revenue and reputation), even in the face of natural disasters, power outages, malware, deprecation, user error, and malicious attacks. With redundant backups and off-site storage, disaster recovery is made easy in the cloud.
- Organizations that move to the cloud reduce costs.
While the initial cost to migrate to the cloud remains significant, the long-term cost savings easily make cloud computing an attractive investment. With scalable pay-as-you-go models, your organization can customize which features are included in the plan. You only pay for what’s needed and you’ll no longer have to purchase and maintain your own equipment. Plus, employees save time and money by accessing data smoothly and efficiently from anywhere. All IT issues are handled remotely, so your team can focus on other projects.
- In the cloud, you’re always up-to-date.
Automatic software updates and cyclic upgrades keep your organization running on the latest and the most resilient, without relying on an in-house team to complete tedious manual checks, tests, and updates. You’ll never be burdened with obsolete technology; user experience improvements and security enhancements come with every refresh.
- Cloud computing facilitates agility and flexibility.
Organizations that leverage cloud computing are poised to scale rapidly, pivot effortlessly, and innovate regularly. If you need additional bandwidth, even for just a temporary spike in traffic or demand, a cloud-based service can accommodate the request instantly. This enables decision makers to act quickly without having to worry about whether in-house infrastructure can cope.
- Mobility is easy and accessibility is universal.
Think of the myriad ways you can now connect to information: computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone – even voice-command stations like Amazon Echo and Google Home. The cloud makes this possible, enabling individuals to connect remotely, travel and work seamlessly, and collaborate with peers from anywhere in the world.
- Scale as quickly as you need.
Whether demand fluctuates seasonally or spikes around new projects, the cloud enables seamless and efficient scalability. In an instant, capacity can be added to accommodate fluctuating bandwidth demands, without the need to invest in new hardware or physical infrastructure. If your business is growing, your IT environment can grow with you.
- Collaboration is at the heart of cloud computing.
Your workforce brings valuable insights and experience to your organization, but if they can’t work like a team, you’re losing out on new ideas, synchronicities, and efficiencies. Cloud computing allows team members to view and share information easily and securely within the network, boosting interest and engagement across the enterprise. Edit files in real time, effortlessly access work and tasks, and collaborate in shared social spaces. You can even cast a wider net in the talent pool, attracting team members from across the globe with remote work opportunities.
- Decision makers have a bird’s-eye view of the entire operation.
Cloud computing offers managers complete control over the organization’s systems and operations. Work and access is compartmentalized to an employee’s duties, reports and project tracking is done at the click of a button, and inefficiencies are highlighted and quickly addressed. You can see everything in the cloud.
- Measure productivity, quality, and effectiveness.
With your data residing in the cloud, you can leverage cloud-based tools that hunt for bottlenecks across the enterprise, track performance, and issue customized reports. This, in turn, allows leadership to implement new action plans that steer the organization to more efficiently meet business goals – a competitive edge over competitors.
- It’s about a sustainable future.
Sustainability is one of the less recognized benefits of cloud computing, but one that’s becoming more and more important to organizations around the world. By cutting down on paper waste, reducing the reliance on physical products and hardware (like on-premise servers), and improving energy efficiency, the cloud reduces your organization’s carbon footprint. Plus, with the ability to work remotely, your team spends less time commuting to work, thereby reducing emissions and pollution.
It’s easy to implement.
There’s never been a better time to start your organization’s migration to the cloud. Cloud systems can deploy rapidly, and cloud specialists like GovDataHosting can guide you through the process for an easy, seamless transition. Save time, save money, and save resources by leveraging the cloud for your business needs. Not sure how to get started? Contact us today to speak with a cloud migration specialist.
