How to take your business to the next level with cloud computing

Technology has the power to transform your business fortunes. There are a lot of different digital solutions to choose from. But nothing is quite like cloud computing. You can take your business to the next level with this technology. Here’s everything you need to know about the cloud.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing has been around for over a decade. The system essentially means that you’re storing and placing data into a separate location from your desktop computer. Instead of saving the file in the physical hardware that you are using, you’re storing it in a different location. You could access your file in Dubai while the data is actually saved in a data centre in New York and so on.

There are three main types of cloud computing available for business. Each of them provides a little different degree of control and access. The different systems are:

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – Your business hires an organization to provide you with a traditional data center, including storage and networking hardware. This type is usually used by big corporations.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) – Your business uses a specific platform and custom applications that are used by everyone in the organization.
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – Your business buys into a single software to use for a specific area of use such as cloud-based HR software for SMEs. The most popular type of cloud computing system.

Your business has lots of opportunities to use cloud computing. The most accessible form is the last system, as mentioned above. There are lots of different examples of SaaS. Plenty of software operates this way. It means you don’t have the software running as hardware on your business system but instead it is using the cloud. This adds a lot of benefits to dealing with things like payroll, onboarding, accounting and so on. Even many internal communication tools use the cloud.

The main benefits of cloud computing

Now that you understand the basics of cloud computing, it’s time to look at the benefits. By understanding these advantages, you can start using cloud computing to your benefit and take your business to the next level. There are five major advantages to opting for the cloud.

1. It reduces the cost

Cloud services are a lot cheaper. You don’t need to invest a lot of money in physical hardware. In addition, you can skip expensive additional support such as storage space, backup software, physical security and so on. All of these would require a lot of initial investment and this is often not something small businesses can afford. With the cloud, the physical security aspect is taken care of by the service or platform provider. They can do it cheaper as they are providing support for many businesses at once.

2. It provides you with stronger security

As alluded to above, you’re also going to enjoy higher security. You often don’t have the resources as a small business to go all out on security. But cloud software has a lot of additional security features that guarantee your data is safe. A good HR software for SMEs, for example, will offer two-factor authentication, the highest level of encryption and automated backup solutions.

3. It comes with additional features

Your business can also enjoy a plethora of additional features with the cloud. Cloud computing provides your business with access and the actual service you’re buying into. But on top of this, you are often getting the additional benefit of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Simple software such as payroll can use these features to give you additional analysis. These systems can help you understand your different business practices better. You can use the information to transform your business. You will have tools to predict certain outcomes and change business strategies according to data.

4. It helps with access and work flexibility

Another important advantage is naturally the access. The main selling point of the cloud is the fact that you don’t need physical access to the platform or service. The hidden benefit of this is work flexibility. In a world where remote working is becoming increasingly important, wider access can be a huge booster to your business. You could promote flexible work and as a result, enjoy a more productive and happier workforce. In general, having more access will help with a lot of things. You don’t have to worry about dealing with unusual circumstances, as you can ensure your team has the tools to access all the business information no matter where they are in the world.

5. It gives you the tools to scale

Business needs change. You will most likely start as a small business whose need for HR software is not the same as a multinational company. However, your business can grow into one of those big corporations. When it does, cloud computing makes scaling easier. Most cloud computing makes it easy to add more space, include new features and so on since you aren’t relying on the physical hardware. You don’t have to worry about changing your whole data infrastructure. You can simply opt in to grow your software solutions to meet your changing business needs.

Get on board with cloud computing

The above benefits show the power of the cloud. Cloud software is good because it levels the playing field. It’s inexpensive and accessible. Your small business can use the same software as a major corporation and enjoy the benefits. You don’t need a huge initial investment. You’re also not taking a huge risk – most cloud computing allows you to trial the system before you purchase. This can help your business shop around for the best solutions.

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your business operations, then looking into cloud computing can really help. You can find lots of solutions from finances to HR. The software solutions available can integrate with your existing systems and help you maintain a cohesive digital footprint.