“Cloud” is a word that has more than one meaning to people. To the layman, it’s a blight on an otherwise bright and sunny sky. But, to individuals in the business world, the word has positive connotations.
The cloud offers business leaders a real way to make their firms more efficient. It also negates the need to spend thousands on expensive in-house IT equipment. So, how can the cloud be a brilliant business boost to you? Let me share with you a few real-life strategies:
Data storage
Even if you’re a sole trader or you only have a couple of employees, you’ll store a lot of data. The information you keep on record will relate to your customers, staff, and suppliers. You’ll also need to save information that relates to your suppliers. And let’s not forget about things like copies of bank statements and tax details!
Years ago, businesses used to have one or more servers on their premises. The trouble with that approach is that servers don’t last forever. A faulty hard drive can be slow to replace and repopulated with backed-up data. At worst, you could lose everything if you forgot to make backups!
The cloud enables us to keep data offsite in a secure location. What’s more, there are backup servers in place that will take over in an instant should yours fail. Now you don’t need to worry about downtime because you can’t access your database!
Web applications
Another useful feature of the cloud is that we can carry out many tasks online. We don’t need to install any software on computers because it runs in your web browser! That means, in theory, you can use any system anywhere in the world to do your work.
These days, there is a plethora of web-based applications or “apps” that businesses use. For example, you can use the excellent Xero to manage your accounts.
Now, you might be critical of that and wonder how your accountant can access the app. The thing is, you’ll find there are accountants who are expert in Xero. And the same applies to other forms of web apps as well!
More businesses are moving to the cloud. One of the main draws is how it makes life easier for them and the people that work with them.
It’s cheap
Okay, you’ll need to pay something to use cloud-based services. Here’s the clincher: the cost is significantly lower than traditional options! Data storage, for example, is cheaper than buying servers and maintaining a server room.
Online apps like Microsoft Office 365 are cheaper than buying standalone software. It doesn’t matter how small or big your business is; you will save a fortune by going to the cloud!
It’s secure
Some critics of the cloud feel that the Internet isn’t a safe place to store your data. Or, indeed, use services that have your personal details on file. The truth is, cloud computing is often more secure than on-premise solutions!
All connections between clients and cloud servers get encrypted using bank-grade encryption. For added security, you could also use a VPN connection, if you wish.
So, when will you be moving to the cloud?
This article was provided by ellie jo