8 Benefits of Cloud Computing for Business
8 Benefits of Cloud Computing for Business: Why You Should Make the Switch.
Are you looking for the best way to manage your business's data? Read here to learn about 8 benefits of cloud computing for business.
Since the introduction of personal computers, software and hardware have been fully contained inside the computer. The programs installed on a machine were accessible only on the same computer they were installed in. However, with the development of technology, came the introduction of cloud computing.
Through cloud computing, anyone can access programs and data outside of their personal computer. The information is no longer stored on the computer but instead in the cloud.
With the help of a company that specializes in cloud computing services, businesses have quickly taken to the benefits of cloud computing because of convenience in sharing of applications, files, databases, and email. There are 4 models in cloud computing based on a variety of security and access options. It is best to consider which model works for your business before moving your data into the cloud.
Cloud Computing Models
Before we dive into the advantages of cloud computing, it is best to familiarize with the different models of cloud computing that exist;
1. Private Cloud
A private cloud is one where the services and general infrastructure are solely maintained by an individual or a third party. This is a good option for controlling risks and increasing security. It is suitable for businesses where applications and data are the heart of the business and the business deals with sensitive data or requires a high level of security.
2. Public Cloud
A public cloud is one where data is stored off-site and can be accessed over the internet. An external organization such as Google or Microsoft manages the storage. This is a very flexible and affordable model but it is, however, far more vulnerable than the private clouds.
3. Community Cloud
A community cloud is another type of private cloud. It exists when several businesses share a private cloud and have similar security aspects. This works well when a chain of franchises has its own public cloud but the cloud is hosted in a remote private environment.
4. Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud is what you can call, the best of both worlds. It leverages both private and public clouds. When you spread your options, you are able to benefit from each. One example would be to use a public cloud specifically for emails, so as to save on storage costs, then storing the sensitive data on a private cloud.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Now that we have a general understanding of cloud computing for businesses, we can now dig deeper. Here are seven advantages of cloud computing that may make you consider shifting to the cloud:
1. Less Is More
One of the benefits of cloud computing for business is that businesses can save on their physical data center sizes or completely do away with them. Having a cloud server will reduce the number of servers, the cost of software and number of staffs which greatly reduces IT costs without affecting the businesses output or capabilities.
2. Availability
Businesses are heavily dependent on applications to run. In the event of a server failure that causes downtime, the entire company goes on a complete standstill as they wait to go back online after a long and gruesome process.
The benefits of using cloud computing in your businesses are that the possibility of server failure is removed and critical application will always be available. The efficiency is brought about because of the virtual machines that host clients. If an issue occurs they can swiftly be migrated between the servers.
3. Flexibility in Costing
Cloud computing is much more flexible than the traditional method. A company only needs to pay for what it needs in terms of server and infrastructure capacity. When a higher capacity is required, then the company will pay for it, but when it is no longer required, the costs reduce.
4. Fast Performance
There are a host of cloud service providers in the market. This means that there is a lot of competition for clients.
These providers are continuously updating their tech in order to meet their customers’ demands. This results in high-performance servers with high technology such as extremely fast SSD drives and powerful CPUs for fast performance and the best results. Most of the cloud-based applications can be used instantly upon sign up thereby reducing execution time.
5. Increased Security
With cloud hosting, your business is protected from hacking, corruption by malware and internal data theft. All cloud providers have to comply with a series of strict security regulations so that they can protect their customers’ data.
They have state-of-the-art firewall technology that has systems put in place to prevent intrusion and provide virus protection. This technology can dictate and isolate threats long before they reach a customer’s server.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Owning a data center increases your carbon footprint. Moving your data center to the cloud decreases this footprint significantly because you don’t need to physically power the servers or keep them cool. Cloud computing, therefore, is a sustainable solution to your computing needs.
7. Mobility
It doesn’t matter where your employees are in the world. They can easily access shared data and applications, as long as they have access to a computer, smartphone or tablet. Flexibility in mobility enables businesses to offer their employees more flexible working conditions which are better for the company because the employee office space reduces.
Many companies have adopted the work-from-home system which in turn reduces expenditure and gives the employee a chance to work in an environment of their choosing.
8. Better Collaboration
Businesses that have adopted the cloud system have improved in collaboration and teamwork efforts because groups of people can meet virtually, share data, edit files and work concurrently on a single document in real time via the cloud. This improves product development and takes customer service to a whole new level of efficiency.
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
The benefits of cloud computing cannot possibly be exhausted. It is no longer the future of data storage and sharing but the present. It is reliable, flexible, scalable, efficient, cost-effective… and so much more as compared to traditional servers. Switching to the cloud is in the end cost effective and so much more.
For more information on cloud computing or to know more cloud computing advantages, feel free to check out our blog.
