An increasing number of small businesses is taking full advantage of cloud computing. If you are still not among them, you may want to think about making the migration soon. With small businesses being seemingly at a disadvantage when competing against larger companies, it seems that it always comes down to the bigger budget.
Cloud computing helps create a more level playing field for small businesses. Through cloud computing, you can save a substantial amount of money and enhance operations dramatically. Aside from having a shot at competing with big players, here are seven more great reasons to move to the cloud:
1. Scalability
Through cloud computing, you will have incredible control over your IT infrastructure. IT costs can be enormous for small businesses, so there is financial savings associated with being able to scale your infrastructure as needed. Many small businesses grow rapidly, or their needs fluctuate. Because cloud computing is scalable, you can easily expand your infrastructure or adjust it periodically as needed for functionality and financial savings. In fact, you may be able to adjust your IT infrastructure as desired within a matter of hours through cloud computing.
2. Flexibility
With cloud computing, your data can be accessed at any time and from any location where you have an Internet connection. With this incredible capability, you and your team are no longer limited to working only in the office and only during traditional business hours. Work activities can be completed remotely for improved efficiency. For example, you may work at home in the evening or on the weekend as needed. You can even take advantage of remote work teams, which gives you access to a much larger pool of talent. Remote work teams also help you keep overhead in check because they reduce the amount of physical office space that you need to pay for. Reduced office supplies, increased control over compensation and more also have financial benefits.
3. Automation
Many small businesses struggle to complete all the necessary tasks in a timely manner. After all, you may have a smaller workforce than the competition, and many team members may be required to wear multiple hats. To compete with larger businesses, you generally must do equivalent work with less manpower available. Through cloud computing, some critical tasks may be automated so that they are addressed without any action required on your part. For example, online marketing efforts may be automated. Automation is a simple benefit can free up hours of your time and help you and your team to function more efficiently.
4. Productivity
Through remote work capabilities, automation and scalability, you may find that your small business’s productivity skyrockets after you maximize the benefits associated with cloud computing. For example, the Office 365 suite that you and your team may already be familiar with and use frequently has cloud-based applications and productivity solutions. You do not need to be tied to your desk to take advantage of these applications for necessary work tasks.
Cloud computing also enables easier and faster file sharing, and it increases collaboration capabilities. For example, OneDrive, which comes as part of the Office 365 suite or a standalone app, allows you to store files in the cloud. You can access them yourself from any location, and you can also share them in real-time to specific approved users or publicly.
By enabling work on the same document or project from anywhere, you can get more done in less time, and increase your output considerably.
5. Reduced Costs
When you think about taking full advantage of cloud technology, you may think that it would cost a fortune to make such a huge upgrade. The reality is that your small business may actually save a substantial amount of money by migrating to the cloud. You will not need to make a huge financial investment, such as by purchasing new servers or building an infrastructure. In fact, you may be able to save money because you can avoid buying these items in the future when you use cloud computing. All of the software solutions that you may need are available through the cloud. In addition, you may save money through the use of a remote work team enabled by cloud computing
6. Increased Security
Some small business owners assume that cloud-based computing may not be safe and secure, but the reality is that cloud-based security may be much more substantial than what you can accomplish through your own efforts. One reason for this is because the infrastructure may be more advanced than what you could afford to create on your own. Another reason is because updates are performance regularly, and patches are installed as needed and in a timely manner. Many small business owners overlook these important steps with their own IT infrastructure.
7. Maintenance and Disaster Recovery
When you keep your data stored in your office, there is always a risk for a computer malfunction, a power outage, a virus or accidental deletion of important files and documents. When such events happen, you lose access to important data which can lead to substantial financial losses. In addition, you may not be able to recover the lost data. These events can be disastrous and costly for a small business. Cloud-based systems provide a good alternative because they are maintained regularly too have highest uptime and best security features.
Migrating to the cloud may seem like it would be a major expense without adequate benefits, but you can now see that this is not the case. A cloud migration is an easy step to take that could improve your business in substantial ways, including providing you with financial benefits. Now is a wonderful time to begin learning more about migrating your small business operations to the cloud and initiating the process.
