For a small to mid-size company, IT services can be an expensive challenge. Having a fully-staffed IT department is cost-prohibitive. Having just one IT person on salary will not be enough to handle all the issues that arise with on-site servers, hardware, and the internet. Contracting for these services often means delayed repairs and a piecemeal approach to a vital business operation.
These smaller companies can benefit by migrating from on-site servers to cloud servers. By choosing the cloud, they are purchasing cutting-edge technology, software and security for less money. The cloud also offers them reliability and customization. On-site servers really aren’t practical choices for companies with 100 or so users. Using the cloud will give their businesses a competitive advantage.
Better for the Budget
Small and mid-size businesses will find maintaining their own IT department expensive and often inefficient. Some companies end up spending almost 75% of their IT budget just maintaining their systems, leaving little money left over to buy new software or needed computer upgrades.
They also tend to forget that buying new software is just the beginning of their expenses. They will need tech support, additional equipment, and frequent software and hardware updates. Going to the cloud means they can purchase only the software that they need without fear of acquiring faulty programs. They don’t have to worry about keeping programs up to date because their cloud service will take care of that as a matter of course.
Also, using cloud services only requires paying a monthly subscription, allowing companies to budget effectively. They can choose the package that works for their particular business and financial resources. Plus these businesses escape making huge, budget-busting software purchases each year.
Excellent Security
Hackers are becoming more and more sophisticated, requiring businesses to focus more on security. Some business owners may think the cloud is less secure than having on-site servers and software, but that is not true.
Cloud servers come with teams of security specialists who are equipped to handle the most advanced hackers. Even large corporations would have trouble matching that kind of technological firepower in-house. Companies can also limit the security clearance of certain users to protect sensitive data.
Since nothing needs to be stored on in-house hardware, theft of a computing device won’t threaten company secrets. In addition, a fire or other natural disaster won’t destroy essential data. Plus, operations can be restarted from a simple home laptop if necessary. A business with on-site servers will lose data and have trouble re-starting their operations. Hardware would have to be replaced and data recreated from filed documents, if they existed. The cloud really does offer top-level protections for its users.
Ease of Collaboration
Keeping everything on-site sound efficient, but the practice has its drawbacks. Unless every team member is on-site, working together is difficult. Using a cloud service makes collaboration with others much easier and more productive. Employees can easily out to people across the country or the ocean. Video conference calls are easy to make, and all documents can be safely created, edited and shared with numerous other contributors. Many business trips are rendered unnecessary, saving the business travel time and expense.
Mobile Workplaces
The days of everyone working from one central location is long gone. Contemporary workers frequently work from home, sometimes full time. Others split their work hours between different locations. With cloud computing, employees can work from anywhere as long as they have a secure computing device and connection. When trouble strikes, they do not need to rush to the office to address the problem. They can take out a laptop, log in, and work to fix the issue no matter where they are.
Integration of Services
Companies can spend a great deal of money on hardware and software and still end up with an inefficient mess. Not all programs and systems work well together. They often needs to be integrated, which can be costly if it’s done after the purchase. When a company signs up for cloud computing, their service provider can effectively integrate these systems, improving efficiency and keeping all departments “in the loop.” Project management systems, point-of-sale systems, social media outlets, team chat apps, etc., can all be integrated by the cloud server, which will save the company money and keep various departments running smoothly.
Companies of all sizes are moving to cloud computing. Many of their management’s reservations have been proven unfounded. The cloud means better security, better technology, less maintenance and more financial benefits. Imagine a mid-size company that has access to all the technology that a major corporation does. That’s what happens with cloud computing. Of course, a company can scale down their software purchases to fit their particular needs. They are also free to choose a plan that fits their monthly budget and adjust that plan at any time.
Most companies do not need to own their own server or install software onsite. A reputable cloud service can provide small and mid-size businesses with the technology they need, making their companies more efficient and giving them greater production capability. Economic growth lies in the cloud.
