Simply put, cloud computing is computing based on the internet. Where in the past, people would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building, cloud computing allows people access to the same kinds of applications through the internet.
When you update your Facebook status, you’re using cloud computing. Checking your bank balance on your phone? You’re in the cloud again. Chances are you rely on cloud computing to solve the challenges faced by small businesses, whether you’re firing off emails on the move or using a bunch of apps to help you manage your workload.
In short, cloud is fast becoming the new normal. By the end of 2015 it’s estimated that 90% of UK businesses will be using at least one cloud service.
Why are so many businesses moving to the cloud? It’s because cloud computing increases efficiency, helps improve cash flow and offers many more benefits…Here's ten of the best.
1. Flexibility
Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands. If your needs increase it’s easy to scale up your cloud capacity, drawing on the service’s remote servers. Likewise, if you need to scale down again, the flexibility is baked into the service. This level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a real advantage over competitors – it’s not surprising that CIOs and IT Directors rank ‘operational agility’ as a top driver for cloud adoption.
2. Disaster recovery
Businesses of all sizes should be investing in robust disaster recovery, but for smaller businesses that lack the required cash and expertise, this is often more an ideal than the reality. Cloud is now helping more organisations buck that trend. According to Aberdeen Group, small businesses are twice as likely as larger companies to have implemented cloud-based backup and recovery solutions that save time, avoid large up-front investment and roll up third-party expertise as part of the deal.
3. Automatic software updates
The beauty of cloud computing is that the servers are off-premise, out of sight and out of your hair. Suppliers take care of them for you and roll out regular software updates – including security updates – so you don’t have to worry about wasting time maintaining the system yourself. Leaving you free to focus on the things that matter, like growing your business.
4. Capital-expenditure Free
Cloud computing reduces the high cost of hardware. You simply pay as you go and have a subscription-based model that’s kind in your cash flow. Add to which the ease of setup and management and suddenly your scary, hairy IT project discusses lot friendlier. It’s never been so easy to take the starting point to cloud adoption.
5. Increased collaboration
When your teams can access, edit and share documents anytime, everywhere, they’re able to perform more together, and take action better. Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps assist them to make updates in real time and provide them full visibility in their collaborations.
6. Work everywhere
With cloud computing, if you’ve got a net connection you can be at the job. And with most serious cloud services offering mobile apps, you’re not restricted through which device you’ve have got to hand.
The result? Businesses will offer more flexible working perks to employees to allow them to enjoy the work-life balance that fits them – without productivity having a hit. One study reported that 42% of workers would swap a portion of the pay for a chance to telecommute. On average they’d be ready to take a 6% pay cut.
7. Document control
The more employees and partners collaborate on documents, the higher the need for watertight document control. Before the cloud, workers were forced to send files forward and backward as email attachments to become worked on by one user at the same time. Sooner or later – usually sooner – you choose a mess of conflicting file content, formats and titles.
And as even smallest companies be global, the scope for complication rises. According to one study, "73% of data workers collaborate with folks in different time zones and regions at the very least monthly".
When you create the proceed to cloud computing, all files are stored centrally and everyone sees one version on the truth. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which ultimately means better work along with a healthier net profit. If you’re still relying upon the old way, it can be time to try something somewhat more streamlined.
8. Security
Lost laptops certainly are a billion dollar business problem. And potentially more than the loss of a high-end piece of kit would be the loss in the sensitive data there. Cloud computing provides you with greater security at these times. Because your details are stored in the cloud, will come your way it it doesn't matter what happens on your machine. And you can even remotely wipe data from lost laptops in order that it doesn’t enter into the wrong hands.
9. Competitiveness
Wish there was clearly a simple step you might take to are more competitive? Moving to your cloud gives use of enterprise-class technology, for every individual. It also allows small enterprises to act faster than big, established competitors. Pay-as-you-go service and cloud business applications mean small outfits can run using the big boys, and disrupt industry, while remaining lean and nimble. David now packs a Goliath-sized punch.
10. Environmentally friendly
While the above issues spell out the main advantages of cloud computing for the business, moving to your cloud isn’t a completely selfish act. The environment turns into a little love too. When your cloud needs fluctuate, your server capacity scales along to fit. So you don't use anything but the energy you may need and you don’t leave oversized carbon footprints. This is something in close proximity to our hearts at Salesforce, where we try good to create sustainable solutions with minimal environmental impact.
Not moved to your cloud yet?
Any three with the above benefits will be enough to convince many companies to move their business in the cloud. But when you accumulate all ten? It’s approaching no-brainer territory.
This is the reason Salesforce pioneered enterprise cloud computing. From CRM to marketing automation, our solutions are entirely cloud-based.
If you are feeling ready for the people advantages, and even more, grab this free Jumpstart Your Journey on the Cloud e-book today.
