Cloud computing isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Have you ever logged into a platform on one device, and then at some point on another and all the information or data you were working on is available and up to date? Well, that’s cloud computing! No matter where you are, or which device you’re using, your information is securely stored and ready for you to work on with the latest version at any point in time as long as you have an internet connection.
Cloud computing is pretty much used by everyone these days – from personal users to SMEs – and it’s no surprise why. It’s highly valuable software that makes the lives of entrepreneurs and small business owners so much easier. In fact, recent market research has found that 82% of South African businesses have increased their investment in cloud computing during the pandemic.
The benefits of cloud computing to your business are vast and they’re only predicted to increase as more businesses adopt this way of working. and cloud computing is only set to grow in the future. If you’re on the fence about moving over to the cloud, we’ve got the top five benefits of cloud computing for business.
Decreased business costs
Switching over to a new system, platform or set of processes will always come with some upfront costs. But once that investment has been made, cloud computing will begin to reduce your costs. Mainly because cloud computing offers a pay-as-you-go payment model, where you pay only for what your business needs. Plus, if you need to scale up in the future, the option is always there. Whether it’s more memory for your business email or add users to your file management system, there’s always room to scale up or down as your business needs change.
Enhanced cybersecurity
Data protection, since the implementation of the POPI Act and increased cybercrime activity, has become an extremely high priority for SMEs across the country. Cybersecurity is a must-have, not just a nice-to-have. It’s an essential part of running a business and cloud computing offers all the basics. Of course, regularly changing passwords and educating staff on best practices is still important, but with cloud computing, you will get automatic authentication and encryption systems to secure your business data. You get instant access to protection from hackers, malware and theft.
Additionally, if your colleagues and staff travel frequently or work remotely, you can get even more protection with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Your entire connection between the server and all devices is encrypted via secure tunnel, upping the privacy of your business data.
Team flexibility & mobility
If remote work is your new normal, or your team is back to regular travel, cloud computing software gives you both the flexibility and mobility to connect and get work done no matter where they are. The result? A constant flow of work that allows teams the ability to travel and move around without intense breaks in progress.
Not only does this benefit your workflow, but you also give your employees the benefit of a flexible workday that allows them to navigate the basics of life with ease.
Improved collaboration
Cloud computing gives us instant messaging, video conferencing and lives working documents. This means that no matter where your team is, they can connect and collaborate at any point in time. If your business is extremely busy and files, presentations need to be shared and worked on at all times, team members can share links and work together as and when they need to.
Gone are the days of downloading documents, making changes and saving them with a new name until hundreds of versions are floating around. Plus, permissions can be managed so that your important files and documents are shared publicly with whoever has a link.
Simple data backup and recovery
Cybersecurity is extremely important, but life does happen. Even if you do everything you need to protect your website and data, hacks can still happen and data is lost. Fortunately, if you’re on the cloud, your data is automatically backed up and will be available for quick recovery. Even if your physical device has suffered some damage, your information will be safely stored and available from a new device.
So, to summarize the benefits of cloud computing:
- It helps keeps costs down
- It enhances your cybersecurity
- It improves company flexibility and mobility
- It’s increases collaboration
- It provides quick and easy data recovery
