Simply put, cloud computing is computing based on the internet. In the past, people would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building, cloud computing allows people access to the same kinds of applications through the internet.
When you update your Facebook status, youโre using cloud computing. Checking your bank balance on your phone? Youโre in the cloud again. Chances are you rely on cloud computing to solve the challenges faced by small businesses, whether youโre firing off emails on the move or using a bunch of apps to help you manage your workload.
In short, cloud is fast becoming the new normal. By the end of 2015 itโs estimated that 90% of UK businesses will be using at least one cloud service. But why are so many businesses moving to the cloud? Itโs because cloud computing increases efficiency, helps improve cash flow and offers many more benefitsโฆ Take a look at ten of the best, and if it interests you and your business then take a look at our cloud computing services and what we can do for you:
Wish there was a simple step you could take to become more competitive? Moving to the cloud gives access to enterprise-class technology, for everyone. It also allows smaller businesses to act faster than big, established competitors.
Businesses of all sizes should be investing in robust disaster recovery, but for smaller businesses that lack the required cash and expertise, this is often more an ideal than the reality. Cloud is now helping more organisations buck that trend. According to Aberdeen Group, small businesses are twice as likely as larger companies to have implemented cloud-based backup and recovery solutions that save time, avoid large up-front investment and roll up third-party expertise as part of the deal.
Lost laptops are very costly, and potentially more so is the loss of the sensitive data inside it. Cloud computing gives you greater security when this happens. Because your data is stored in the cloud, you can access it no matter what happens to your machine. And you can even remotely wipe data from lost laptops so it doesnโt get into the wrong hands.
The beauty of cloud computing is that the servers are off-premise, out of sight and out of your hair. Suppliers take care of them for you and roll out regular software updates โ including security updates โ so you donโt have to worry about wasting time maintaining the system yourself. Leaving you free to focus on the things that matter, like growing your business.
The more employees and partners collaborate on documents, the greater the need for watertight document control. Before the cloud, workers had to send files back and forth as email attachments to be worked on by one user at a time. Sooner or later (usually sooner), you end up with a mess of conflicting file content, formats and titles. And as even the smallest companies become more global, the scope for complication rises. According to one study, “73% of knowledge workers collaborate with people in different time zones and regions at least monthly”. When you make the move to cloud computing, all files are stored centrally and everyone sees one version of the truth. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which ultimately means better work and a healthier bottom line. If youโre still relying on the old way, it could be time to try something a little more streamlined.
Cloud computing cuts out the high cost of hardware. You simply pay as you go and enjoy a subscription-based model thatโs kind to your cash flow. Add to that the ease of setup and management and suddenly your scary, hairy IT project looks at lot friendlier. Itโs never been easier to take the first step to cloud adoption.
With cloud computing, if youโve got an internet connection you can be at work. The result is that businesses can offer more flexible working perks to employees so they can enjoy the work-life balance that suits them โ without productivity taking a hit. One study reported that 42% of workers would swap a portion of their pay for the ability to telecommute. On average theyโd be willing to take a 6% pay cut.
When your teams can access, edit and share documents anytime, from anywhere, theyโre able to do more together, and do it better. Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps help them make updates in real time and gives them full visibility of their collaborations.
While the above points spell out the benefits of cloud computing for your business, moving to the cloud isnโt an entirely selfish act. The environment gets a little love too. When your cloud needs fluctuate, your server capacity scales up and down to fit. So you only use the energy you need and you donโt leave oversized carbon footprints. This is something close to our hearts at Salesforce, where we try our best to create sustainable solutions with minimal environmental impact.
Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands. If your needs increase itโs easy to scale up your cloud capacity, drawing on the serviceโs remote servers. Likewise, if you need to scale down again, the flexibility is baked into the service. This level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a real advantage over competitors โ itโs not surprising that CIOs and IT Directors rank โoperational agilityโ as a top driver for cloud adoption.
Thank you to Salesforce!