5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs to Move to The Cloud
Cloud computing is a term used to describe the delivery of computing services remotely by using online digital networks and outsourced data centres. This computing is used to help manage an organisation’s storage, database, network, software & analytics to intelligence systems without the need for in-house management or expertise.
In a way, information technology (IT) processes are exported to “the cloud” or the Internet, extending the activities that usually occur on local, physical computing devices to the wider internet space.
Since a large proportion of the usual computing work gets allocated to remote cloud servers, users’ devices that have access to the cloud don’t have to sacrifice memory or storage capacity to process/access data.
Businesses who want to stay relevant in the information age should consider incorporating cloud computing in their operations for the following reasons:
Cost-effectiveness
Building physical data centres from the ground might not be a feasible idea, especially for smaller businesses, considering the costs of initial investments, purchase of hardware and its consequent maintenance.
On the other hand, cloud computing is run by established companies who likely have a much greater level of specialised knowledge and experience. Using these cloud services, you can measure and keep track of the exact services, capacities and features that you use, and leave a precise budget for these exact needs (as cloud services are often subscription-based).
There’s not much commitment to it. You can adjust storage amounts or stop using the services entirely, which means there’s no real hassle because you don’t lose out on a huge up-front investment. As such, cloud computing can give you greater control over efficiency and return on investment.
Streamlined operations
Cloud computing can help streamline your business operations. Cloud-storage makes it easier for users to obtain data and information that they need, without having to comb through countless physical documents or books or send endless emails and files back and forth.
The whole process is laid out clearly, instead of getting lost in the communication between staff members. Everything becomes shareable and easy to navigate, which is particularly important if you have staff who work remotely or international clients who work with you virtually.
This way, they can access important data and information from various device and locations, making collaboration easy and coherent as you get everyone on the same page. As a result, your overall business operations will be well-integrated and consistent across the board.
Scalability
With cloud computing, businesses can stay agile because they don’t make costly initial investments to set up the operations, reducing operational risks by shifting such fixed costs as variable costs. Services such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) make infrastructure set-up and adjustments (like servers) easy, allowing seamless and flexible scalability that is not possible/feasible if you’re building the whole system from the bottom up.
In addition, Software as a Service (SaaS) options can give companies greater power and freedom in their operations. For starters, the software features would be accessible from any device, supporting flexible interactions internally (among staff) and externally (with customers).
But more importantly, its value comes from the customisability of these software packages. If the business doesn’t feel like it’s working, or if the business wants to integrate the software even further, they have the ability to add or remove the apps from their systems. This allows for businesses to be more agile (to expand or minimize their operations). Thus, making it a critical factor of survival in response to changing demands and market conditions.
Security
Cloud storage, data backup and recovery can increase the security around your data, as they become less prone to physical damages and losses, such as physical storage at the office, or lost work laptops and devices. Rather than depending on such physical medium, the data would always be safe up in “the cloud.”
For businesses who are worried about cyber-attacks, it is good to know that cloud storage technology is becoming increasingly developed, with advanced data backup and recovery processes. This means that your data would not be stored in one place but divided into different parts that are encrypted and distributed across various locations of remote data centres.
Tech support
Lastly, the core of outsourcing lies in leaving others to do what they do best, while you focus on yours. By using third-party cloud services, you don’t have to adopt complicated IT processes, which require solid infrastructure and expertise to set up and maintain. Instead, you should focus your efforts on what you do best and leave areas (that are not your expertise) to professionals who can actually take care of the necessary maintenance and updates.
In particular, for businesses who want to take part in digital transformation, digital migration can be complex and costly, and doing it incorrectly can result in even more costs and losses. Therefore, it might be better to outsource this process to achieve a smooth, seamless and secure transition.
Key Services & Benefits
Now that you understand the benefits of moving to the cloud, you might be wondering: which technologies will be beneficial for my organisation and what benefits do they actually provide?
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 performs a variety of functions including migrating all of your existing email addresses and messages to Outlook. It also allows for your entire team to access and share files and folders across Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. Users will also gain a greater degree of flexibility in how they edit, view and note work shared through OneDrive & OneNote.
Microsoft Azure
All lines of business applications require servers to make this entire process possible. Microsoft Azure is a key example of a service provider that hosts data, analytics, media and content delivery networks while also assisting with system integration for all of your cloud needs.
LastPass
The free-to-use cloud-based password storage system provided by LastPass is not only convenient for auto filling passwords but also provides a greater level of security than writing them down and locking them in a safe, thanks to the benefits of cloud encryption.
Netfone
Netfone provides a unified communication ecosystem for businesses throughout Australasia, South East Asia and New Zealand, providing audio and video messaging, data interchange and control of line of business IoT devices.
Datto
To protect, back up and store your data, services provided by companies like Datto help secure sensitive data and applications, regardless of whether they’re stored on local servers, end-user computers or in SaaS applications.
If you want to incorporate cloud computing and digital solutions into your business, Provide Technology can help!
