Cloud computing can be described as the practice of using a network of remote servers which are hosted on the Internet in order to store, manage and process data. Instead of using personal or local servers, one uses computing services delivered online.
Software programs can be delivered online, and when that happens, it is known as Software as a Service (SaaS). When a platform to build applications is delivered online to developers and IT companies, it is known as Platform as a Service. Similarly, when storage and other services typically associated with hardware are delivered online, it is known as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Evidently, cloud computing has allowed a number of companies to access technologies that they otherwise couldn’t have. Shared platforms mean, more money saved and technology being more accessible. With this premise, companies have been able to save costs and focus more on the things that they are great at.
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In this article, let us take a look at ten ways through which cloud computing revolutionizes your business.
Cloud computing brings a wide array of benefits to an organization – an important one being collaboration. Employees and their supervisors can easily collaborate, while they are on different systems, or in different countries. As unrealistic as that might sound, cloud computing is the only way to enhance collaboration at work. It is also easier to supervise and guide employees when files are shared and discussed together.
Most companies cannot afford to buy proprietary software programs with single licenses. It also does not make sense to do so. Even small companies can now access technologies that were hitherto unknown or inaccessible to them, thanks to cloud computing. Software as a Service (SaaS) ensures that everyone can have a piece of the cake. This inherent democracy is built into cloud technology, and that can revolutionize the way you conduct business.
Cloud computing helps you to bring in discipline and organization. You will be able to manage data better and get rid of unwanted files and software programs. Most importantly, when everything is run on the cloud, it frees up time and energy to focus on more important things. In other words, cloud de-clutters your organization and helps you to be more efficient and productive.
Most people use mobile phones and tablets more than they would ever use a personal computer. Society has vastly changed and even employees prefer their own mobile devices to working on computers. When such is the case, you can actually make this a double edged sword. Cloud computing helps you to access mobile technology and ensure that you are not left behind.
Whenever files are changed and edited, all the changes take place on the server. This helps everyone to access a single file and also track all the changes. This enhances data integrity, instead of you having to deal with various versions of a single file. In other words, cloud computing enhances data integrity and maintains uniformity of information all across.
Cloud computing reduces expenditure like no other form of computing has. You will no longer need to invest in expensive manpower, expensive storage or expensive software. Cloud solves all these problems by bringing the best of technology to you at a faction of the cost. Moreover, the added efficiency and tools will help you to drive growth, which further reduces cost in your company.
Cloud computing avoids all kinds of paper and helps saves trees. It also helps you to avoid purchasing unnecessary infrastructure, which needs to be discarded after a few years. Imagine having to throw away hundreds of computers that lead to environmental damage? Instead, if you could access cloud, you will not have to invest in unnecessary computers, storage devices and machines. All this is done online and you just need a few computers to access the cloud.
Cloud technology ensures that you do not have to upgrade your software or your storage systems regularly. You also do not have to worry about software updates as they happen automatically. In other words, you remain updated with all the latest in technology and you will never be redundant or outdated again.
Automation helps companies to save costs, reduce manpower and make things more efficient. Many tasks could be automated, if companies were ready to do so. HR, finance, billing, shipping, etc can all be automated and unnecessary jobs can be cut. Freed up manpower can be trained and used for tasks that cannot be automated. In fact, we are all moving towards a service-oriented society, where most things are done by computers, and people just manage things.
With all the time, money and manpower that you save, you can focus on growing your company. You can focus on your core activities without feeling bothered by unimportant things such as upgrading software or how much storage you are left with. Cloud computing makes everything easy and streamlined so that you can spend time on what is really important for your business.
Revolutionize your growth with cloud computing
As you can see above, cloud computing has a number of advantages and can revolutionize your business in no time. In fact, the changes are so quick and apparent that most companies choose to integrate cloud computing deeper into their architecture. Cloud computing enhances collaboration, gives you access to difficult and expensive technologies, makes you efficient by removing clutter, helps you go mobile and is cost effective.
It is also an added bonus that you can claim to environmentally friendly and green, which helps in promotions and branding. Last but not the least; you will be able to automate most of your critical functions and remain abreast with the latest in technology, ultimately helping you with your growth.
