How’s that saying go? “Head in the clouds?” It’s a term that usually has negative connotations, but maybe not for much longer.
That’s because nowadays, the term “cloud” has become synonymous with technology and cloud computing, a service that lets users store data and programs on a remote server—the cloud—and access it from anywhere they have an internet connection.
It’s quickly becoming apparent that migrating their network to the cloud is an absolute must for businesses that aim to stay on the cutting edge: in fact, a Verizon study in 2017 found that 77% of businesses felt that the cloud gave them a competitive advantage (and that number has surely only gone up since then).
Cloud servers offer far more data storage than you’d get from a typical server (and certainly more than saving directly to your hard drive). The cloud offers more than just storage solutions, though. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits of cloud computing, and why you and your business should get your head (and network and data) in the cloud.
Mobility and Remote Collaboration
The days of work being confined to the office are over. Whether you and your team are working from home or logging in to get some tasks done while traveling, remote work is now the norm. Fortunately, the cloud makes this easy. With all of your data and important applications housed in the cloud rather than in the office, you can be sure that everyone on your team can access what they need, when they need it, regardless of their location.
Even better, the cloud allows easier collaboration between remote colleagues, or even between two people working on their computers in neighboring offices. With the cloud, everyone is able to work on the same version of a file, in real-time. Ever spend an hour working on a document only to discover that a co-worker has already gone in and made changes, making your work incorrect or moot? With cloud computing, that frustration can be a thing of the past.
Security and Disaster Recovery
Of course, the cloud offers massive and scalable data storage solutions. But beyond just offering you more storage, it offers more secure storage, too. Though your data will be on a remote server, most reputable cloud hosting services offer full security monitoring and encryption that’s far more robust and cost-effective than you can implement internally. One 2015 survey found that 94% of businesses that synced their network with the cloud saw an improvement in their internal security.
The cloud also offers optimal disaster recovery capabilities. Regardless of how prepared you are, disasters do strike, in the form of accidents or natural disasters affecting your office, or network issues affecting your data. With your data secure in a remote cloud server though, you can recover much (if not all) that you lost. Not only that, you can recover your data much quicker from the cloud, meaning less downtime and lost revenue for your business.
Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability
While migrating your network to the cloud does present some initial costs, those will be offset in the long run by significant savings. For one thing, with the cloud, you’ll only be paying for the server storage space that you actually need and use. You also won’t be spending money and building and maintaining your own servers. The flexibility of the cloud and various services and software that typically come with cloud hosting packages will also save you considerable money (and time), allowing you and your team to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
Beyond the costs for your business, the cloud also offers tremendous savings on energy used. Running a business is always going to leave a significant carbon footprint, but the cloud offers one of the most environmentally sustainable solutions. Not only does the cloud cut down on paper waste and other physical expenses, cloud computing is also considerably more energy-efficient than on-site data centers. That means lower energy bills in the short term and a real investment in the planet and your community in the long term.
Find Your Silver Lining in the Cloud With BITS
Flexibility, collaboration, security, efficiency: these are just a few of the ways that migrating to the cloud will benefit you. Your business will be faster, safer, and more able to adapt to whatever challenges and innovations come along.
Don’t get caught standing in the rain: contact Beacon IT Services (BITS) to migrate your business to the cloud. Our expert team of technicians will work with you to seamlessly transition your network and data to the cloud without disrupting your business and service to your customers. Then, we’ll work with you and your team to fully understand the new technology and procedures. Bottom line – We will help you make the most of this powerful new tool.
Ok, one more cloud-related saying: “every cloud has a silver lining.” Well, with cloud computing, it’s all gold. Help your business be its best today and prepare for the future by contacting BITS. We’ll get you migrated right away. After all, with the cloud, the sky’s the limit.
