There are many reasons why so many businesses are now using Cloud as opposed to servers. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have resorted to hybrid working, where Cloud systems allow multiple home users, all on their own different home networks, to work together more efficiently and cohesively by storing jobs online with access to all involved in a project. Google Drive surpassed a billion users in 2018, while the Google Workspace Cloud productivity platform as a whole reached 2 billion users in 2020. The second most popular cloud storage service is Dropbox, with over 700 million reported users.
A survey of IT professionals by Deloitte revealed that the top three drivers for moving to the Cloud were 'security and data protection', 'data modernisation', and 'cost and performance of IT operations'. This is because Cloud computing is cost effective, flexible, easy to maintain, and straightforward to back up. It can also reduce the technical issues that arise from data storage on files and desktop systems, and can be implemented with very few start-up costs.
Here are some of the main reasons for why business are switching to cloud based software.
1. Reduced costs
When shifting to cloud computing, you will only pay for the services use. Providers charge cloud computing services based on the features, storage, number of users, time, and memory space among other factors. Hence, you can choose a package that suits your budget and save costs.
The cost of owning and managing critical IT hardware and systems can put a strain on the finances of any small company. By moving your data to the cloud you no longer need to worry about hardware and software upgrades, licensing or supporting your IT systems. You can have everything managed for you, and at a fixed monthly price so you will always know how your IT budget is being spent.
Cost and performance has been a significant driver for cloud migration over the years. Although, cost has become less of a factor of late, as other benefits of the cloud have emerged. For example, the cloud can enable operational agility and greater efficiency. Cloud can also present a range of solutions and options from established tech vendors and supports enterprises’ digital transformation efforts. Therefore being more productive to a business over the initial costs.
2. Flexibility
One of the major benefits of cloud computing is mobility. The service gives you and your employees the flexibility to work from any location. Employees can complete their tasks at home or from the field. By reducing the number of workstations in your office and allowing some employees to work from home, will also in turn save costs further.
Cloud computing enables you to monitor the operations in your business effectively. You just need a fast internet connection to get real time updates of all operations.
3. Scalability
The traditional way of planning for unexpected growth is to purchase and keep additional servers, storage, and licenses. Scaling cloud computing services is easy. You can get additional storage space or features whenever you need them. Your provider will simply upgrade your package within minutes as long as you meet the additional cost.
4. No need for a backup plan
Traditional computing system require back up plans especially for data storage. A disaster can lead to permanent data loss if no backup storage is in place.
On the other hand, businesses do not require any such means when storing data on a cloud. The data will always be available as long as users have an internet connection. Some businesses use cloud computing services as backup and a plan for disaster recovery.
5. Data security
Sometimes storing data on the cloud is safer than storing it on physical servers and data centers. A breach of security at your premises can lead compromised data security if laptops or computers are stolen.
If you have data on the cloud, you can delete any confidential information remotely or move it to a different account. Breaching the security measures on clouding platforms is difficult. Hence, you are assured of data security.
6. A wide range of options
There are main groups of cloud computing services, including the likes of, IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Each of these groups has many sub categories that vary across providers. For instance, if you are looking for software, you will have hundreds of options from different providers. You can choose the service providers with the best features and rates for the service that your business needs.
7. Improved collaboration
Cloud computing is among the most effective ways of improving team performance. Staff members can easily share data and work together to complete projects even from different locations. Field workers can also easily share real time data and updates with those in the office. In addition, cloud computing eliminates redundant or repetitive tasks such as data re-entry.
How to switch to the Cloud
The best approach is to shift operations gradually to avoid data losses or manipulation during the shift. Compare different service providers and their range of benefits to pick the right solution for your business. Ask for referrals from other business owners or conduct a thorough background check to ensure that the service you are opting for has the longevity and storage capabilities that you require.
Public Cloud vs Private Cloud vs Hybrid Cloud
There are three main types of cloud computing deployments: public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud.
Public Cloud is owned and operated by third party service providers and is the most common of the three. It includes cloud storage providers like Sync.com and pCloud, as well as larger platforms such as Microsoft Azure. Key advantages of Public Cloud is that it could lower costs, there is no need for maintenance, it has high reliability, and lastly it provides almost unlimited scalability.
Private Cloud is used by a single organisation, with the entire infrastructure being maintained by that organisation. Private Cloud users are most often Government agencies and multinational corporations. Key advantages of this system are that it allows a high degree of control and privacy, with drawbacks including cost to maintain.
Hybrid Cloud combines the advantages of Public and Private Cloud, with elements that are hosted by the organisation, and others residing elsewhere, allowing data to be shared between them.
Cloud Industry Forum findings showed that the Cloud is critical in more than eight in ten digital transformation projects. For more information about how your business can move to the Cloud as part of digital transformation, contact us today.
