“You should move your business to the cloud.” You probably hear this a lot, but have no idea what it really means. To be honest, you really should move your business to the cloud. But before we insist on making this change, we feel it is our job to explain to you what the cloud is, why you need to move there and how moving to the cloud will be one of the best decisions you have ever made.
How Do Cloud Services Work?
A standard computer network consists of workstations attached to a server. Companies prefer all data storage to be done on the server for security reasons, and because the server gets its data backed up while the workstations do not. Some companies will force employees to access all application software (Microsoft Office, Salesforce, etc.) from the server to make it easier to update applications and maintain them. But in most networks, there is an unhealthy combination of application software and storage on both the company server and all of the workstations.
The cloud eliminates the need for a server, solves all of your storage problems, and hosts your applications. To get started, you set up your cloud computing service through a third-party provider and create parts of your cloud where all employees can go to get applications and store data, and only certain employees can go to protected, sensitive and confidential information. You only pay for what you need, and you never have to worry about the network going down.
Then you get workstations that connect to the Internet (usually through wireless routers) and everyone accesses the company cloud computing system through a secure Internet connection. You no longer need expensive networking equipment, servers, or additional support personnel. Aside from the cost savings, there are several other good reasons why you should move your company to the cloud. Here are the top 10:
1. The Cloud is Really Flexible
With the cloud, you can start setting up satellite offices anywhere in the world and they can all connect to your company’s cloud service. You can also work with your cloud backup provider to add more services if you need them as you expand, or reduce the number of services you pay for based on changes in your business. The cloud grows with your business, and you don’t have to invest in any extra equipment to add to your network.
2. The Cloud is Secure
Since all of your data and applications are on your cloud service, you know that you will always have access to your data no matter what. If one of your field personnel gets a laptop stolen, not only can you access the data, but you can wipe out any sensitive data so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
3. The Cloud is Green
If you are a business with a few hundred employees and a standard computer network, then you are using a lot more energy than you need to. Your air-conditioned server room and all of the energy you use to run your network are causing all kinds of problems for the environment.
With the cloud, you get rid of all of that energy-guzzling equipment and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This is just one way that the cloud saves you money and helps your company to do something good for the planet.
4. The Cloud is Portable
Because your cloud service is available through a secure network connection, you and your staff can access your data anywhere you can access the Internet. You simply log into your computer and your entire network is available to you. You can even get some work done while you are on vacation, but you should probably clear that with your spouse first.
5. The Cloud Protects Your Data
Does your business have a disaster recovery plan for your data? Do you back-up your data on a regular basis to an offsite and secure location? The cloud is a great way for small businesses to get the kind of data disaster recovery plan that used to only be available to large corporations, but at a fraction of the cost.
With the cloud, your data is stored in a secure facility that backs up your data on a regular basis. Your cloud provider also has offsite storage that makes sure that your data is protected from any kind of potential disaster.
6. The Cloud Unifies Your Data
When you have a standard network, there could be important documents saved on the server and workstations. There may even be versions of those documents on the laptops of field personnel. In the end, your sensitive data is not safe and different parts of your company are getting different versions of the same information.
Cloud storage is done using a centralized system where everyone can access the same document at the same time. You no longer have to worry about people making changes to the information that no one else will see because all of your data is centralized. You can also set up secured parts of your cloud storage that prevent your confidential and sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.
7. The Cloud Updates Itself
If you use a standard network, then you know the headaches that come with updating software. If you update your network software, then every workstation has to be updated individually. Some applications are on the server, and some are local on the workstations. Updating software becomes an expensive and time-consuming job.
A cloud service updates all of your applications from one central spot, and you don’t need networking software to connect to the cloud. Your cloud provider makes sure your applications are updated and maintained, and you just keep on working.
8. The Cloud Gives You a Competitive Advantage
Simply put, the cloud gives any small business the same kind of comprehensive enterprise software solutions that only large corporations could afford in the past. If you want your business to have a competitive advantage through the use of the latest enterprise application, then move your business to the cloud.
9. The Cloud Improves Your Cash Flow
When you move to the cloud, you no longer need to spend money on expensive equipment. You can put that money back into your cash flow and grow your business. The cloud also prevents you from having to take out loans or take on debt just to keep your computer network running.
10. The Cloud Connects Your Entire Company
Teams do not have to be in the same place at the same time to work on a project. Your teams will be able to do more together and do it better with the ability to access, edit and share documents any time of the day. With the cloud, everyone can talk freely to everyone else and your company can enjoy complete collaboration.
Now is the Time
Cloud technology is constantly being improved and expanded to accommodate more business needs. If your company is not on the cloud, then you are wasting money, preventing innovation, and slowing growth. Instead of sticking with the standard networking tools you know, it is time to talk to evaluate your options and find out just how much more your company could be doing if it was using a cloud solution.
To discuss moving to managed cloud service, please visit https://globalit.com/services/cloud-services/cloud-managed-data-center/ or contact us at (877) 822-5565.