Every Cloud has a Silver Lining: Shedding Light on Cloud Computing

As a human with internet access, you’ve undoubtedly heard of “the cloud.” Harnessing the power of cloud-based technology is already the standard for the world’s industry leaders, but everyday people constantly use it as well. Hundreds of billions (yes, you read that right) of dollars are spent through the cloud across the globe, with metrics rising every year. Almost every smartphone app is reliant on cloud computing. This means streaming services, shopping apps, and email are all cloud-based. 

So how can the cloud serve your business? Let’s shed some light on the benefits of cloud computing.

Be prepared for anything. The past year has taught us that businesses must always be prepared to shift quickly when conditions change. Faced with a global pandemic, companies have pivoted, relying heavily on cloud-based tools to help maintain the integrity of the customer experience while navigating new restrictions and safety considerations. 

Scale to your needs. Scalability is one of the most important characteristics of cloud computing, especially for businesses experiencing rapid expansion. With the cloud, companies can continue to grow and thrive while still utilizing the same digital ecosystem. This inherent adaptability saves companies the headache of managing their own servers, which frees up the IT department’s time to tackle other goals. In addition, as demand increases a company can grow without the need to revamp their systems. 

Ditch the hardware. Before cloud computing was a readily available option, businesses had to invest in on-site servers that could handle their projected performance. If the system was overloaded with too much growth too fast, servers could crash, bringing business to a halt. Now, you can let the experts handle the server maintenance. Cloud servers are typically off-site. They’re far bigger than the equipment most businesses could afford, allowing companies to reap the benefits of huge servers without all the headaches. 

Only pay for what you use. In a lot of cases, cloud services are billed on a consumption basis. This means companies only pay for what they actually use, or licensing fees are tiered based on user count. This saves money by not only negating the heavy hardware investments discussed above, but also ensures that a business doesn’t end up paying for services they don’t need. 

Resolve issues quickly. Another strategic benefit of cloud-based programs is that technical issues can often be fixed remotely. Rather than an expert having to physically come to you to diagnose and resolve hiccups, they can access everything they need from afar. In an age where working from home is becoming the standard, remote support is crucial to keep a business going. 

Be everywhere at once. Incorporating cloud computing into your business opens doors. You’re no longer bound to one office, region, or even country. The cloud allows you to tap into the global economy, giving you an endless customer base and fuel for exponential growth. This technology also allows your employees to connect with other team members and consumers from wherever they are currently. In short, cloud-based technology is the only way to keep up in the modern era.