In recent years, there has been a shift in the way businesses operate. Thanks to technological advances, companies can now take advantage of cloud services to increase efficiency and productivity. Here are a few cloud-based options now available to the average business owner:
- Cloud-based accounting software
- Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Cloud-based project management software
- Cloud-based file sharing and storage services
- Cloud-based email services
- Cloud-based computing
- Cloud-based marketing tools
- Cloud-based data storage
- Cloud-based ecommerce platforms
Cloud Services – Two Definitions
When you do an internet search for “cloud services,” you will come across two definitions. The first definition of cloud services has to do with the services offered by cloud platforms to the business. Some of these cloud-based options are outlined in the list above. The second definition you will come across in your search will say something like “The services provided by an IT professional to help businesses secure, streamline, and optimize their cloud-based operational assets.” This is what we refer to as our Cloud Services offering. In this blog post, we will use the words “cloud” or “cloud assets” to describe the first category and “Cloud Services” to describe how a Managed IT Services provider like Universal Data helps companies like yours take full advantage of their cloud-based workflow and storage.
Increased Flexibility and Scalability
One of the biggest benefits of cloud assets is their increased flexibility and scalability. With on-premise solutions, you’re limited by the amount of hardware and software you have on-site. If you want to add more users or increase capacity, you should purchase additional hardware and software, which can be expensive.
Improved Collaboration and Communication in the Cloud
Another benefit of using the cloud for business processes is that it can improve collaboration and communication within your team. Utilizing the cloud, team members can easily access shared files and documents from anywhere in the world, making it easier to stay connected and work together on projects,
Enhanced Security in the Cloud
Regarding security, many businesses are hesitant to move to the cloud because they worry about data breaches. However, cloud providers have prioritized security and invest heavily in their infrastructure to help ensure that data is protected from threats like DDoS attacks, malware, and ransomware. In fact, sometimes cloud-based solutions can be more secure than on-premise ones because they’re constantly updated with the latest security patches and features. But even with baked-in security features that come along with cloud-based business assets, monitoring and cybersecurity risk management of your assets within the cloud is still your responsibility. We help you understand cloud asset cybersecurity by putting industry best practices in place and being there for you if any negative event does impact your workflow.
The cloud offers many benefits for small-to-mid-size businesses that want to grow without investing in on-site hardware or software. Hiring an experienced Managed Service Provider for Cloud Services can deliver the support and expertise needed to leverage cloud-based workflow.
Are there disadvantages to using the cloud?
A main disadvantage of using cloud-based platforms for day-to-day business operations is that cloud assets require an internet connection. If your internet goes down, so do your cloud-based applications and access to stored data. Additionally, the cloud can be more expensive than on-premise solutions if you need a massive amount of storage or bandwidth.
There are plenty of reasons to consider migrating your small to mid-size business. From increased flexibility and scalability to enhanced security, many benefits come with switching to the cloud. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, contact us to learn more about our cloud services offerings. We can help.