Benefits Of Cloud Computing

There’s never been a better time to get your head in the cloud.

If you’ve used a computer at any point over the past twenty years, chances are you’ve already used a cloud service. Gmail, Google Drive, and even social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are all cloud-based services, with users sending their personal data to be stored in an external server for later access. And while the cloud is great for personal use, it’s even better for businesses looking for access to large amounts of data.

Outsourcing your IT support to a cloud service can do wonders for your business, so allow us to guide you through a few of the cloud’s many benefits. And if things still appear difficult to fathom, there are always cloud consultancy services to help you along the way.

Enhanced security

Security is one of the main concerns business owners have about adopting the cloud. The idea of not having all your data stores securely on site can be unnerving. If you can remotely access your data, what’s stopping a hacker from doing the same?

But in actual fact cloud storage is better for businesses from a risk perspective because it does not leave a business susceptible to problems on their premises such as fire, flood or theft. The cloud also encrypts your data to anyone who has not received your authorization, meaning that, even if your cloud was somehow hacked, all a hacker would be able to get their hands on would be encrypted data.

Lastly, while it might not be pleasant to think about, most business data breaches are internal. This means it is actually much safer to keep your sensitive data off site in order to restrict access.

Cost savings

When it comes to IT outsourcing, UK businesses have access to many pay-as-you-go cloud services, meaning you only pay for the features, storage space and security you need. Having easy access to relevant data will also help to save money on project start-ups.

Accessibility

This is the cloud’s main allure. Once you use the cloud, you can access all your business’s data from a laptop, tablet or smartphone at any time, and from any place. This goes for your employees as well. If they work remotely, or are travelling, they can keep up with their workload, clients and colleagues with a few taps of their phone screen.

It’s flexible

You’re not superhuman; you can only give a certain amount of attention to your IT support without taking focus away from your customers and business goals. By outsourcing your IT solutions, you can focus on your other duties, knowing that someone else is keeping your network secure, and is able to update your system instantly to fit your business’s changing needs.

Easy collaboration

A business team should be able to work like a team, and the cloud makes this process a very simple one. Authorized employees will be able to view and share information across a range of platforms wherever they may be, making group projects and training sessions much more efficient.

Quality control

If all your documents are stored in one place, everyone has access to the same information. This creates a consistency across the whole business, limiting human error and the need for multiple drafts and save files of the same document.

Keeps you updated

With the cloud, the days of the IT department performing a manual system update are behind you. The cloud keeps itself updated, meaning you won’t have to delay the start of your business day because of a time-consuming update.

Loss prevention

If all your data is stored on one piece of hardware, then you’re depending on that piece of hardware remaining functional in order to keep your business functional. This means it only takes one virus, power outage, or spilled drink to bring your business to its knees. If your data is stored externally, this risk doesn’t exist.

Sustainability

The cloud is a virtual service that doesn’t depend on the powering of physical hardware. Also, if everyone has access to the same documents, then there’s less need for paper waste. In short, the cloud could help save the planet, and your electricity costs.

Disaster recovery

You can’t anticipate a disaster. A flood, a power outage, or a burst pipe can come out of the blue and do untold damage to your business. But if your data is stored safely offsite, then it’s easy to recover, meaning your business can get back on its feet in a matter of hours.