Cloud Computing for Beginners: How to Transition Your Business to the Cloud

Keeping an organization’s vital information, programs, and systems up and running on in-house servers is proving difficult today. Modern businesses store data with a third-party cloud-based network management host on a secure online network connection, allowing employees access to all features and system files without keeping the bulk on their office computers. Users usually send personal information to a cloud-hosted server allowing them to later access it. This way, they can concentrate on meeting company goals. So, how do these services sharpen your competitive edge? Below are the leading ways in which they give your business competitive advantage through cloud-based network management.

Cost Savings

Only the initial cost of installation of the cloud software is high. But once you are on and running, accessing company data becomes easier. Thus, it saves time and money for start-ups. It has numerous features for which you won’t need to pay additional costs.

Security

Data is transmitted over networks and stored in databases for security reasons. The information is encrypted to prevent access from hackers and unauthorized personnel. With cloud-based services, you can set the security based at the user level. The concern here is how files, programs, and other data kept online are protected from cybercriminals. That’s the responsibility of a cloud host; to monitor security 24/7, which is more effective than an in-house system. In fact, employees steal most data. Therefore, it is safer to keep classified information offsite.

Flexibility

Hiring an external organization to handle IT hosting and infrastructure gives you time to concentrate on achieving the company goals and satisfying clients. It’s better than using a local server. If you need more bandwidth, the host provides it instantly instead of updating your IT infrastructure. This freedom and flexibility contribute business efficiency.

Mobility

Considering the wide usage of smartphones today, cloud-based software is all-inclusive. They allow data access through smartphones and other devices. An employee residing far from the company, as well as the one who has a busy schedule, can still keep up to date with clients and workmates. Likewise, a team leader can contact the sales team and provide information to them when they travel for business. It also enables remote and freelance employees to communicate with their employers — companies embracing cloud management report high client satisfaction.

Increased Collaboration

Cloud-based solutions simplify group working. Team members view and share vital information easily and securely across the platform. Some cloud-based services even offer social spaces where employees across the organization can connect and engage with each other. 

Quality Control

A successful business has good quality and consistent reporting. The cloud platform has all documents stored in one place and in a single format. This arrangement lets everyone access the same information. There will be fewer errors since each employee has a clear record of revisions and updates. Further, there are fewer situations of workers accidentally saving documents in different versions.

  • Predictable Spending

Cloud managed services help you maintain a consistent monthly bill; hence, accurate budgeting. If your requirements change, the service provider develops a suitable plan, unlike the IT services where you might have to call in experts impromptu. Knowing your spending gives you ease using these services whenever the need arises at a constant cost.

Disaster Recovery

Even in an organization, uncontrollable events occur and may cause unproductivity, revenue loss, and tarnished brand reputation. Some disasters are unpreventable or even anticipated, but cloud-based services provide fast recovery to data in case of natural disasters and power outages.

Loss Prevention

Computers malfunction from viral infections, deterioration, user errors and even loss, and laptop misplacement. If your computers have substantial data, and the local hardware develops a problem, all data will be permanently lost. But being on the cloud, all uploaded information remains safe and easily reached from any computer with an internet connection.

Automatic Software Updates

Cloud-based applications automatically update themselves as opposed to waiting on IT experts to perform manual updates on your computer as you wait. This saves time for the IT staff, and in the case of outsourcing, saves the company’s money.

Sustainability

Hosting on the cloud is environmentally friendly. It has fewer carbon prints, physical products, and hardware, and paper wastage. It also reduces commuter emissions through remote access.

Managing and maintaining complex IT projects can strain an organization. The cloud-based network management aspect diverts the focus on key company goals. Your company might be susceptible to security risks, data loss, and costly downtime. As an organization, eliminate unwanted costs and maximize the cloud computing services for better productivity. Thus, hire a host to manage your data around the clock.