If there is one thing that has changed how businesses and people in general use the internet, it is cloud computing. While many people may still think the cloud is a nebulous concept, it does in fact have plenty of very real applications and benefits for businesses that choose to adopt it. Below are a few ways that cloud-based communications improve business operations.
It Protects Vital Information
In today’s highly digital and global economy, one of the greatest resources any company has is its information. Information about customers and sales can help drive future product lines, marketing and overall strategy. This is why having a backup of this information is paramount. Storing it in the cloud insures that events like natural disasters will not destroy this information. This was not the case in the past for information stored only on local hard-drives that were destroyed by fires and floods.
It Increases Flexibility
Cloud computing also greatly increases the flexibility of a business. For example, before the cloud, internet services provided by companies often ran into a brick wall in regards to bandwidth limitations. This is not a problem with cloud computing. Due to how the resources of remote servers are shared in a cloud network, capacity expands along with demand.
It Places Less Strain on IT
Before cloud computing, IT professionals needed to be present to do things like install updates to software used on a company’s network and address problems like bugs. Cloud computing greatly simplifies this entire process. Software vendors that implement the cloud automatically perform updates and bug fixes on their end for you.
It Allows Work to Be Done from Anywhere
Perhaps the biggest advantage of cloud computing is it lessens the need for all employees to be situated in the same place. Software that is run through a cloud computing service can be accessed from anywhere that has available internet service. It is not localized on a single piece of hardware like traditional software. The examples of how this could benefit a company are endless. Employees who are on a business trip to Japan, for example, can still have the ability to connect to the network and complete work. Telecommuting is also now a real possibility for far more employees than ever before.
Overall, there are many great advantages to cloud computing. It is quickly changing the way companies do business. Companies that do not take advantage of this amazing technology may be left behind.
Informational Credit to Steton Technology Group