Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has been around for nearly two decades, and despite data indicating business efficiency, cost advantages and competitive advantages in the old business way, much of the business community continues to work the old way. 

According to a study by the International Data Group, 69% of companies already use cloud technology in one capacity or another, and 18% say they plan to implement cloud computing solutions at some point. At the same time, Dell reports that companies that invest in large data, cloud, mobility and security have a 53 percent faster revenue growth than their competitors. As this data clearly demonstrates, an increasing number of technology companies and leaders in this field are realizing the many benefits of cloud computing. But more than that, they use this technology to manage their organizations more efficiently, serve their customers better, and increase their gross profit margins dramatically.

All this seems to indicate that given the clear direction in which the industry is moving, there is no better time to get your head in the cloud.

Cloud computing is a term that has been widely used over the last few years. With the dramatic increase in the use of data that accompanied the transition of society into the 21st century, it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals and organizations to keep all their vital information, programs, and systems running on internal computer servers. The solution to this problem is a solution that has been around for almost as long as the Internet, but it has only recently gained widespread application for companies.

Cloud computing works on a similar principle as web-based e-mail programs, allowing users to access all system features and files without having to keep most of the system on their computers. In fact, most people already use a variety of cloud computing services without even realizing that they 'Gmail, Google Drive, TurboTax, Facebook and Instagram are all cloud-based applications. For all these services, users send their personal data to a cloud-hosted server that stores the information for later access. Because these applications are useful for personal use, they are more valuable for businesses that need to access large amounts of data over a secure online connection.

For example, employees can access customer information via a cloud-based CRM client such as Salesforce from their smartphones or tablets at home or while traveling, and can quickly share this information with authorized third parties anywhere in the world.

However, there are those leaders who are still reluctant to commit to cloud computing solutions for their organizations. Therefore, we would like to take a few minutes and share 12 business advantage in cloud computing.

Cost savings: If you're concerned about the price tag that might come with switching to cloud computing, you're not alone. 20 percent of organizations concerned about the initial cost of cloud-based server implementation. But those who try to assess the advantages and disadvantages of using the cloud need to think of factors more than just an initial price; they need to look at the return on investment.

Once you reach the cloud, you will have easy access to your company's data time and money in new projects. For those concerned that they will end up paying for features they do not need or want, most cloud computing services are paid when they start working. This means that if you do not benefit from what the cloud offers, at least you will not have to drop the money on it.

The pay-per-use system also applies to the data storage space needed to serve stakeholders and customers, which means that you'll get the space you need, and you're not charged for any space you can not afford. T. Taken together, these factors lead to lower costs and higher returns. Half IT department heads and IT leaders surveyed by Bigglass reported cost savings in 2015 due to the use of peer-based applications.

Security: There is a lot of comment on many institutions when it comes to adopting a cloud computing solution that is security. After all, when files, programs and other data are not securely saved in the site, how do you know they are protected? If you can remotely access your data, what prevents some cybercriminals from doing the same? Well, very little, actually.

On the one hand, the time spent by the cloud host is carefully monitored and is remarkably more efficient than the traditional rules of procedure. The organization must divide its efforts among innumerable IT concerns, with security only one of them.

1. Flexibility: Your business has only a finite amount of focus to divide between all of its responsibilities. If your current IT solutions are forcing you to commit too much of your attention to computer and data-storage issue, then you aren't going to be able to concentrate on reaching business goals and satisfying customers. On the other hand, by relying on an outside organization to take care of all IT hosting and infrastructure, you'll have more time to devote towards the aspects of your business that directly affect your bottom line.
   
   The cloud offers businesses more flexibility overall versus hosting on a local server. And, if you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly, rather than undergoing a complex (and expensive) update to your IT infrastructure. This improved freedom and flexibility can make a significant difference to the overall efficiency of your organization. A 65% majority of respondents to an InformationWeek survey said 'the ability to quickly meet business demands' was one of the most important reasons a business should move to a cloud environment.
2. Mobility: Cloud computing allows mobile access to corporate data via smartphones and devices, which, considering over 2.6 billion smartphones are being used globally today, is a great way to ensure that no one is ever left out of the loop. Staff with busy schedules, or who live a long way away from the corporate office, can use this feature to keep instantly up-to-date with clients and coworkers.
   
   Through the cloud, you can offer conveniently accessible information to sales staff who travel, freelance employees, or remote employees, for better work-life balance. Therefore, it's not surprising to see that organizations with employee satisfaction listed as a priority are up to 24 percent more likely to expand cloud usage.
3. Insight: As we move ever further into the digital age, it's becoming clearer and clearer that the old adage 'Knowledge is power' has taken on the more modern and accurate form: 'Data is money.' Hidden within the millions of bits of data that surround your customer transactions and business process are nuggets of invaluable, actionable information just waiting to be identified and acted upon. Of course, sifting through that data to find these kernels can be very difficult'unless you have access to the right cloud computing solutions.
   
   Many cloud-based storage solutions offer integrated cloud analytics for a bird's-eye view of your data. With your information stored in the cloud, you can easily implement tracking mechanisms and build customized reports to analyze information organization-wide. From those insights, you can increase efficiencies and build action plans to meet organizational goals. For example, the beverage company Sunny Delight was able to increase profits by about $2 million a year and cut $195,000 in staffing costs through cloud-based business insights.
4. Increased collaboration: If your business has two employees or more, then you should be making collaboration a top priority. After all, there isn't much point to having a team if it is unable to work like a team. Cloud computing makes collaboration a simple process. Team members can view and share information easily and securely across a cloud-based platform. Some cloud-based services even provide collaborative social spaces to connect employees across your organization, therefore increasing interest and engagement. Collaboration may be possible without a cloud computing solution, but it will never be as easy, nor as effective.
5. Quality control: There are few things as detrimental to the success of a business as poor-quality, inconsistent reporting. In a cloud-based system, all documents are stored in one place and in a single format. With everyone accessing the same information, you can maintain consistency in data, avoid human error, and have a clear record of any revisions or updates. Conversely, managing information in silos can lead to employees accidentally saving different versions of documents, which leads to confusion and diluted data.
6. Disaster recovery: One of the factors that contributes to the success of a business is control. Unfortunately, no matter how in control your organization may be when it comes to its own processes, there will always be things that are completely out of your control, and in today's market, even a small amount of unproductive downtime can have a resoundingly negative effect. Downtime in your services leads to lost productivity, revenue, and brand reputation.