Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Business

The Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

cloud

One of the buzzwords in the IT arena of recent times, is the concept of cloud computing. Many firms have taken on board cloud computing services to conduct their business operations, and small firms in particular have reaped the benefits to be gained. Here’s the lowdown on the advantages of cloud computing for small businesses.

What is cloud computing?

For those not in the know, cloud computing is basically about using applications from the internet to conduct a host of business operations. The cloud, essentially, refers to the internet. A user connects to the application through their internet browser, without the need to install software or installation discs onto a computer or server.

A wide range of uses

Cloud computing is a favourable option for many businesses, especially small ones, as it allows them to complete a wide range of tasks. You can use cloud computing for emailing, storing or working with files and documents and sharing data.

Accessible

Once you’ve downloaded the application you want onto your personal device – be it your laptop or mobile phone – you can use it anywhere. This is particularly advantageous for small firms who may lack human resources at the office to complete tasks. In effect, it can also mean that you could have staff at the other end of the globe working on files and sharing data with you through cloud services.

Instant

Because you are downloading applications from the internet, you have instant access to cloud services. If you were relying on having to install hardware or discs onto your computer, there might be a lag in time whilst you wait to get it ordered and shipped out. This may be a crucial element for a small business, who needs to react quickly in order to be competitive and grow. You also don’t have to wait for the latest versions and updates to become available, as you can download updates as soon as they are released.

Easy maintenance

Many small business owners may lack technical expertise, so will want to use IT services that are easy to maintain and not too complicated. Cloud services offer a low maintenance way to use applications, as the user doesn’t need to troubleshoot any applications. Many firms using cloud computing don’t require as much internal IT resources as those that don’t use them.

Cost effective

Keeping costs down is of top priority to a small business, so investing in cloud computing can be advantageous, as it doesn’t rely on having to buy expensive hardware. With cloud computing you can be flexible and scale your costs to your needs. Cloud services are also usually cheaper than other software packages, and you are often able to invest in more flexible packages, either a monthly or yearly basis, or even as a pay-as-you-go service. There is also no need to buy expensive servers or offline storage space. This reduction in costs can have a positive impact on a small business, which is then able to plough the savings made in other aspects of their operations.

Back-up and security

For any business, no matter what its size, back-up of data and its security are of paramount concern. Cloud computing is able to offer robust back-up and recovery tools, as well as feature current antivirus protection, management of spam and privacy protection.

This advice on cloud computing was written in collaboration with wdstorage.co.uk. Having worked with many small businesses, they like to write content that is helpful for their clientele as well as guest blog on similar topics.

Written By

Amy is a media graduate with a passion for technology and business. she regularly writes for a number of blogs, sharing her ideas and advices.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Pramod

    October 3, 2013 at 3:26 am

    Excellent Article Amy !
    Cloud platforms come with several advantages and you’ve highlighted the most important advantages very wll. Thanks for sharing the information .

    -Pramod

  2. Jo

    October 13, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    Cost effective indeed. We are using Copy [cloud computing] for small files – the software is free with 5gb, and gives additional free 5gb for every referral.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like

Tech

In recent years, the finance sector has witnessed a significant transformation in its approach to data management and security, largely driven by the adoption...

Tech

Remember, when standing up a Fresh database case involved Mimicking the Application Using the database to Ascertain which hardware (storage, Host, etc… ) Was...

Tech

Seeking ways to reduce Cloud waste and costs? If yes, consulting with an offshore Cloud-based services provider is a strategic decision. These experts ensure...

Tech

In today’s cloud-native landscape, agility, scalability, and resilience are paramount, where microservices architecture has emerged as a cornerstone for building modern applications. By breaking...