There’s little doubting the way IT, tech, and computers have transformed the business over the last two decades. However, while the web has undoubtedly changed how and where we work, it could be argued its greatest period of evolution is only now getting underway in the form of cloud computing.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand remote computer services, primarily over the internet – anything from processing to storage or running applications. Cloud services have only become viable in recent years due mainly to improving connection speeds and better server technology. Where once companies looking to operate over the web had to install private servers and networks, these days, it’s possible to run these services remotely using third-party providers.
The business benefits of operating in the cloud
There are several benefits for firms willing to migrate their digital services to the cloud, including (but not limited to):
Reduced overhead and operating costs: Running IT internally is expensive. The costs soon mount up from the significant initial outlay for hardware and software to ongoing maintenance and paying for skilled staff to run networks. Moving to the cloud eliminates these costs and puts them squarely in the hands of your cloud provider.
A truly mobile workforce: By using remote storage and processing, staff can work from anywhere they can find an internet connection. Given that almost all of us have a smartphone these days, employees can work on the road, tapping into files and apps held and run remotely. Moreover, by utilizing the power of remote machines, even the lowest-grade handheld can be transformed into a processing powerhouse, performing complex operations on vastly more powerful servers.
Scalability: Managing IT requirements’ constant ebb and flow is one of the biggest headaches in running an in-house network. No firm stands still, and, in the space of a year, your computing needs can vary massively. For example, firms might have needed to take on extra staff or beef up their tech requirements in times of growth, while the opposite was true when things got quieter. By moving to the cloud, your company’s IT will become truly scalable and adaptable with upgrades or downgrades possible with just a quick call to your support department, giving you the maximum Return on Investment (ROI).
24/7/365 support and backups: Cybercrime is growing at a truly alarming rate. By 2025, industry experts suggest the costs of online criminality could reach a whopping $10.5 trillion globally, making it, by comparison, the world’s third-largest economy. In truth, if your firm operates to any degree online, it risks falling victim to a cyberattack. By using a third-party cloud services provider, you’ll get access to industry-leading security and support, available 24/7/365. While it won’t do any harm to encourage someone in your company to learn cloud computing basics for the day-to-day maintenance of your services, in the main, you’ll be able to pass most of these responsibilities to your dedicated cloud provider.
The takeout
The points above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of cloud computing, and there are many, many other reasons you should outsource your IT to a cloud provider. Indeed, as more and more firms move to the cloud, you could soon find your firm gets left behind if you don’t embrace cloud services soon.
