5 benefits cloud computing brings to your business

Cloud computing is a hot topic of conversation across all industries, with many business leaders talking about cloud technology and deciding whether to move their organization “to the cloud.” Yet some business owners and employers still have their doubts about moving to cloud technology. Often, they may not quite understand what the cloud really is, and are therefore unsure of how it can benefit their organization.

If you’re still a bit confused by all this mysterious cloud talk, it’s worth taking the time to understand the many benefits it can bring to your business. You might be surprised to know that you’re probably already using cloud-based technology in your everyday life. Posting a status on Facebook? You’re using the cloud. Scrolling through Twitter while listening to your favorite band on Spotify? You’ve definitely got your head in the cloud. Gmail accounts, internet banking apps, Instagram… all of these services utilize cloud-based technology.

In the same way that these apps and services help to keep you connected and entertained, cloud computing is a very effective form of technology for your business needs. To help you feel more informed and comfortable when making your decision, here are 5 key benefits cloud computing can bring to your business.

Cloud Computing Allows You to Work from Anywhere

One of the greatest benefits of cloud computing is that it allows you to easily access cloud-based applications and services from anywhere in the world.

With any internet connection and your device, you (and your employees) can simply open a web browser, log in, and get to work! With the rise of remote workers across the modern workforce, your staff can have reliable, secure access to their work documents – whether working from home, at a different office, or on the road.

Many cloud-based services also offer mobile-friendly apps, so users aren’t restricted to working from one device. This way, employees can access the cloud from their desktop computer, laptop and even mobile phone. Wherever and whenever they need.

Better Collaboration and Document Control

Collaboration is also greatly improved with cloud computing, as the technology allows workers to easily access, edit and share documents and data. Regardless of whether your team is located all together in one office, or spread out across the world working remotely, collaboration across documents couldn’t be easier.

Working without cloud technology, employees would have to rely on emailing documents and attachments to one another for edits or approvals. This can often lead to confusion with versions and document control, while also meaning that only one team member can be working on the data at any time. By using cloud computing to store and manage documents, you’ll increase efficiency and save time when collaborating.

By creating a single source of truth, with the one document version saved centrally in the cloud, you’ll also have less problems with conflicting file formats and content. Each person will be able to see the revision history and previous versions of each document, making the process very transparent and clear for everyone.

Increased Security with Cloud Computing

Worried about security? Some business owners still think that cloud computing presents more of a security risk for important company files. However, this is not the case, with cloud data being better protected than many local computers, networks and servers.

When employees use a laptop computer for work purposes, there’s always a risk of it being lost, broken or stolen – allowing sensitive or confidential data to disappear with it. When information is stored securely within the cloud, there’s no way it can fall into the wrong hands, as the data is stored in the cloud rather than the device itself.

Cloud computing can give you even greater security, by allowing you to log in and remove data from any stolen or lost devices. Cloud service providers may also have more money to allocate to their security budget, which can be an affordable and reliable security solution for business owners.

Convenient, Cost-Effective Tech Solutions

With cloud computing, you’re cutting out the need for expensive software, which can save your business considerable amounts of money. Cloud services are run on subscription, allowing you to pay as you go, for as long as your organization and staff require the service.

This means that you don’t need to invest any time in managing, maintaining or updating services – cloud-based technology takes care of any software and security updates in the background, so you can get on with your work without interruption.

Because the cloud is basically infinite in size, there’s never any need to worry about running out of room. As your organization grows, you can easily increase (or decrease) the size of your cloud capacity to accommodate these changing needs. No need to purchase expensive new software or hardware.

Cloud Technology is Better for the Environment

Finally, if you’re green minded you will be pleased to know that cloud computing offers a more environmentally conscious alternative. Particularly if you’re moving from a paper-based document control process.

But also, when you move your data from on-site facilities to the cloud, it’s similar to moving your home electricity from an on-site generator to a power company. As we mentioned before, your cloud capacity can be increased or decreased to suit your business needs. This means that the server you’re using can scale up and down to fit this, drawing only the energy you need. With cloud computing, you’ll be using less energy than before, while also helping to reduce pollution and your organization’s carbon footprint.

As you can see, cloud computing can offer many benefits for your business, improving the way in which your employees work, as well as your bottom line. If you’re looking for greater organizational flexibility, collaboration and security, it’s worth considering making the move to cloud technology.