Cloud computing has helped level the playing field among small and larger businesses. If your business has yet to take the plunge, we highlight 7 benefits of cloud computing to help with your decision.Cloud software has changed the competitive landscape for businesses. Whereas enterprise-level technology previously required significant upfront investment, it is now readily available. Consequently, it has helped level the playing field. Larger businesses have seen their competitive advantage diminish as smaller businesses now have access to the same leading technology for an affordable monthly fee. If your business has yet to embrace the power of the Cloud, we highlight 7 of the key benefits below.

Business benefits of Cloud Computing

Adopting Cloud services offers a number of benefits, as highlighted below:

• 1. Reduced capital expenditure – Cloud computing avoids large upfront investments. Instead, you can pay a predictable monthly or annual fee, helping with budgeting and cashflow.
• 2. Availability anytime, anywhere – as long as you have an internet connection, you can access your information and work from any device, anywhere. Not only does this allow your employees to work more flexibly and enjoy a better work-life balance, it improves responsiveness and customer service.
• 3. Flexibility and scalability – Cloud services can be scaled in accordance with your business growth. This makes them ideal for fast growing businesses. Extra capacity can be purchased on an as needed basis, rather than making over-allowances for future requirements. Likewise, you can scale down again if necessary.
• 4. Reduced administration – with automatically administered software updates, you can save time and maintenance costs. This means you can focus on running your business.
• 5. Collaboration – by making your data and documents more accessible, your employees can work together more effectively. Importantly, this promotes teamwork and collaboration.
• 6. Backup – as your data resides in the Cloud, it is stored across multiple servers and data centres, rather than a single physical device. This protects against data loss and provides a suitable backup option for your business.
• 7. Security – this may seem a contradiction, particularly given the fears concerning Cloud security. In reality, you are less likely to suffer an attack in the Cloud as providers apply more sophisticated layers of security. Moreover, they automatically update patches and fixes behind the scenes. Few SMEs have the time or resources to match these security levels. Hence, your data may actually be more secure in the Cloud.
• 8. Competitive advantage – moving to the cloud gives small businesses access to enterprise-class technology, without large upfront investments. This means they can compete with the big players, whilst remaining lean and agile.

Summary

In conclusion, Cloud computing offers substantial benefits to businesses of all sizes. Firstly, for start-ups, its allows them to get up-and-running quickly with enterprise-grade systems that require minimal up-front capital expenditure. For small and medium sized businesses, it provides unparalleled levels of flexibility, scalability and availability. Finally, for larger businesses, it reduces the complexity of managing their IT infrastructure, whilst increasing efficiency and productivity. If you are considering a move to the Cloud, contact us today to find out how we can help.