5 Ways Small Businesses Can Benefit From Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a key component of the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry, which has grown to be a multibillion-dollar industry in just a few years. In 2021, Statista estimated the global SaaS market was worth 152 billion US dollars. This figure is expected to rise to 208 billion in 2023. The rise of cloud computing has been a significant change in business. Small businesses are beginning to understand the benefits of cloud computing, while large enterprises have incorporated it into their business strategies. Cloud computing services are ideal for small businesses due to their flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Overview: What is Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the process of storing and accessing data, systems, and programmes via the internet. Prior to the cloud, all data had to be physically stored on a computer’s hard drive. Local hard drive storage is no longer required with cloud computing. Many devices can access data at any time and from any location. This is especially useful for the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), in which many devices, instruments, systems, machines, and people must be connected across the globe.

While choosing cloud services, you should consider what cloud technologies your enterprise can handle and which should be delegated to a cloud service provider. You can hire a cloud architect for cloud management services and monitor its performance according to your business goals.

Benefits of cloud computing

Here are five ways you can take advantage of cloud computing services for your business.

1. Flexible approach

Improved flexibility is a significant benefit of cloud computing. Cloud computing enables small businesses to maintain a flexible work environment. You can access your data and applications from anywhere through an Internet connection with cloud-based applications. This means you can work from home, in the office, or while traveling. It is also simple to scale up or down as your company’s needs change. For example, you run a business in London but travel to India to finalize a contract. You can feed information into the cloud, allowing your employees to stay up to date on current events and help the business thrive even when you are not present.

2. Increased efficiency

In several ways, cloud computing can help you increase the efficiency of your business. For starters, it can assist you in automating tasks that are currently done manually, such as data entry or updating customer information. Second, it can provide you with access to powerful applications that would be prohibitively expensive to buy and maintain on your own. Finally, it can facilitate and improve information sharing and teamwork within your organization.

3. Data security

Data security is another important advantage of cloud computing. Data theft is a real problem, and information theft and abuse are on the rise. If you’re still using traditional storage systems, the chances of your data falling into the wrong hands could be much higher. However, your data is secure in the cloud and cannot be accessed unless you authorize it. You have control over the information you share. You can choose to give only trusted people access to the most sensitive information or keep it to yourself. Keeping your critical data in the cloud protects you against catastrophic data loss. Unlike risky physical mediums that can be destroyed by a computer or server crash, storing your data in the cloud eliminates this risk and allows you to access your data.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Reduced cost is one of the small businesses’ most prominent advantages of cloud computing. Cloud computing is significantly less expensive than traditional methods of data storage. Using cloud-based applications eliminates the need to purchase and maintain costly hardware and software. You also save energy because you aren’t running applications on your servers. Furthermore, many cloud-based applications have a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which means you only pay for what you use. In this way, cloud computing enables businesses to store massive amounts of data at a low cost. Because cloud data storage is nearly limitless, you don’t have to worry about running out of storage space.

5. Collaboration and transparency

Remember when you used to send versions of a document via email without knowing what was changed and when? Remember how those processes resulted in duplication of effort because no one but the immediate user could view or edit those documents? All of that is now history, thanks to cloud computing. Cloud computing improves team collaboration and teamwork transparency. Whether you’re dealing with sales strategy or lead management, cloud computing will enable you to share this information in real time with everyone on your team. Google Docs is an excellent example of this.

Guide to finding the best cloud computing services for small businesses

Things to consider when looking for cloud services:

• Not all pricing structures are the same. Some cloud services charge by the gigabyte or the terabyte, while others charge a monthly fee. One pricing structure may provide better value than the other, depending on how much storage you require or what tools are included in your cloud service.
• Automatic backup and a disclaimer that your files will never be shared with a third party should be included as security features in your cloud storage solution.
• Automatic sync allows you to upload files automatically to your cloud service whenever they are created on your computer. If you rely heavily on your cloud service, this feature is essential.

Conclusion

Every day, more customers use the cloud for data storage or to take full advantage of its features. Many entrepreneurs have turned to it for real-time IT solutions for their businesses. Cloud computing is a significant promoter of the modern digital economy because it enables leading companies to innovate, operate, and conduct business more quickly and efficiently. However, the advantages of cloud computing include more than just delivering cost-effective solutions. Cloud computing might be the solution if you expect your small business to expand, need more capital, or need more technological expertise. It can add value and propel your small business to the next level.

OpenXcell is a cloud service provider that offers cloud management services to a wide range of global SMEs. Our cloud-based solutions significantly improve their entire business process. If it is time for you to ride the cloud, get in touch with us.