Cloud computing has been around for approximately 20 years. Despite the numerous benefits of using cloud technology, many businesses still haven’t implemented it.
A study by Dell showed that businesses that invest in cloud, big data, security, and mobility, register a 53% increase in revenues compared to their rivals. This has recently led to a considerable growth in businesses that started to adopt cloud technology.
There are multiple benefits of using cloud technology. Keep reading to find out everything about how businesses can increase their profit margins, better serve clients, and improve corporate efficiency.
What Is Cloud Technology?
Cloud technology is similar to web-based email clients. In other words, users can access all their files and features without having to store the bulk on their computers.
Cloud technology is more used than some people realize; some examples include Google Drive, Gmail, Facebook, and even Instagram.
All of these services store users’ information on a cloud-hosted service. Despite this obvious functionality and benefits of using cloud technology, many businesses remain reluctant.
Cost Savings
A study by Dell shows that about 20% of businesses are concerned with the initial costs of using cloud technology. However, it is important to consider ROI (return-on-investment), rather than simply prices.
For instance, cloud technology allows the company to save both money and time on projects. Furthermore, most cloud computing services offer pay-as-you-go plans, so businesses do not have to pay for features that they do not require.
Security
One concern associated with cloud-computing solutions is security, considering that cybercriminals can easily access the data kept on the cloud. However, cloud hosts provide the highest standards of security.
In other words, as the cloud host’s full-time duty is to protect the data, it makes it more efficient than in-house data protection systems. The business needs to divide its focus on numerous other concerns, with security playing a limited role.
More specifically, 94% of businesses declared that their security was improved after switching to cloud technology. And 91% of them stated that it is easier to comply with government requirements while using cloud computing systems.
Mobility
Cloud computing allows businesses more flexibility and instant access to data via devices, including smartphones.
This is a valuable feature nowadays, considering that there are more than 2.6 billion smartphones used globally. Through the cloud, everyone is permanently in the loop, whether it is the staff, clients, or co-workers.
Collaboration
If you have two or more employees or co-workers, cloud computing systems can help you make your team work like one.
Collaboration becomes easier as team members can view, share, and use information across the platform. Some services even offer collaborative social spaces that aim to connect employees from one organization, boosting engagement and nurturing interest.
Indeed, collaboration is achievable without cloud-computing solutions, but it is not as effective or easy.
Quality Control
As a business owner, you should be aware that maintaining quality control is crucial for the success of your business. Inconsistent reporting and poor quality can lead to numerous errors.
One of the main benefits of using cloud technology is that all your documents and folders are securely stored in one single format and in one place only. This means that everyone accesses the same information, ensuring data consistency, and having clear records or updates or revisions.
Similarly, traditional data management might allow employees to save different document versions, which results in diluted and confusing data.
Disaster Recovery
Finally, control is yet another crucial business aspect. Without controlling everything, the business might suffer severely.
However, it is impossible to keep everything in control at all times, and even a small amount of downtime nowadays can have a tremendous negative effect, being associated with revenue losses, loss of productivity, and even damaged brand reputation.
Some aspects cannot be controlled, but there is some you can do to speed up business recovery in case of disasters and downtime. Another advantage of cloud technology is its ability to rapidly recover data in any situation, from power outages to natural disasters.
Summary
All in all, cloud infrastructure supports virtual services, cutting down on waste regarding paper and energy, and allowing better collaboration between stakeholders.
The benefits of using cloud technology cannot be neglected, especially in the fast-paced technological society nowadays.
This is one of the main ways of helping your business achieve success, remain competitive, and improve its efficiency across all operations.