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Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses
Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

September 21, 2022

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Cloud computing for small and medium enterprises enables organizations to be more flexible, resilient, and connected. As we enter the post-pandemic era, cloud migration is just what the doctor ordered for businesses that empower employees to work from anywhere, at any time.

A survey by IDG reveals that 92% enterprises have implemented cloud computing in some capacity and the message is clear that the future of work will be focusing on flexibility, rather than limiting to physical workspaces.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing allows businesses to access data from a remote location. For small businesses like yours, this technology offers on-demand access to web-based applications, data storage, processing, and other services will be an efficient solution.

When it comes to data repositories and collaboration, fast-growing businesses choose the flexibility and cushion of cloud computing over traditional local hosting and on-premise software.

Negating the need for a hard drive, cloud computing allows you to access and store data and applications in an online platform. For example, Google Docs for editing and documenting, Google Drive for file storage, Slack and Microsoft Teams for cross-team communications, or online CRM software to manage sales.

You will usually pay for cloud computing services on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you will pay only for the applications you use. This digital transformation initiative will reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO) and gives you the bandwidth for better scalability.

In today’s ever-changing business climate, cloud computing is more of a necessity than a luxury.

Cloud Service Models

Cloud computing provides a gamut of services ranging from data storage to functional programs, such as accounting software, customer service tools, and remote desktop hosting.

These services are categorized into:

  • IaaS: With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), you can rent IT infrastructure – servers, virtual machines, storage and networks, from a cloud service provider on a pay-as-you-go model. IaaS offerings are a boon for businesses that handle different workload requirements. Example: Microsoft Azure and AWS
  • PaaS: Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers access to cloud-based tools such as APIs, gateway software, and web portals. Examples include Salesforce’s Lightning, the GoogleApp Engine, and the AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
  • SaaS: Software as a Service offers access to software over the internet. You can access any SaaS application through a web browser, desktop client or an API that integrates with a desktop or mobile operating system. SaaS applications allow businesses to collaborate on projects, download files, and work directly on specialized computing programs. Users will have to pay a monthly or an annual subscription fee.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

For small businesses like yours, cloud services is an important step toward achieving digital transformation. Listed below are some of the benefits you can enjoy by implementing cloud computing.             

1. Data Security

Businesses have been crippled by data loss in the recent past. From accidental deletions to phishing attacks and stealing critical data for ransom, businesses are engrossed with data security threats. While data is an asset to businesses, it’s paramount for businesses to outsource their data and processes to a more secure location.

Although storing your data in the cloud might sound ominous, cloud service providers are well-versed with security details including multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and permissions. You can shortlist the employees of your choice to access critical information and work with the provider to manage and safeguard your data.  

2. Cost Savings

If you are concerned about the total cost of ownership (TCO) with regards to buying, storing, and maintaining your own servers, cloud computing will be your trusted ally.

Although cloud computing could be a bit expensive, you could care less about the hardware components, servers, software upgrades, and licenses. With cloud computing, businesses have made peace with the high cost of storing and hosting data and have given up on significant on-premise investment.

3. Efficiency

Without having to employ IT staff specifically to maintain your servers, you can manage the costs from an HR perspective. This also leads to decrease in training and development demands.

4. Scalability

What if you win a client today and you’re trying to expand your operations? Most cloud service providers are ready to scale up your data and resources instantly.

They also help you with the right strategies to manage costs and make the process seamless during your growth phase. If you need to temporarily scale down, they will help you downgrade as well.

5. Mobility

Even as few businesses have implemented a return-to-work program, the appeal of remote work doesn’t fade away. Agile businesses should be able to access the right data anywhere and cloud-based applications are the way to go. They can keep your office connected despite all the challenges.

6. Disaster Recovery

There might be a day when you might lose confidential information. Cloud providers are equipped with disaster recovery plans to ensure there’s always a copy of your data to access in case of an emergency. Even if you have your own backup plans, the onus is on CSPs to provide additional assurances and help you remain compliant.

7. Automatic Software Upgrades

Aren’t you tired of upgrading your Microsoft or Linux operating systems on a regular basis? Cloud-based services give you the luxury of automatically updating and maintaining their tools, with negligible interruption to your daily workflow.

You can also enjoy other benefits such as quality control, increased collaboration across functions, and sustainability.

Abstract

The future of flexible workspaces is largely dependent on cloud computing services and you can enjoy the perks even if you wish to go for a hybrid model.

Regardless of the choice you make – full or hybrid cloud – it’s worth exploring how these benefits give you a competitive advantage and boost ROI for your business. Their only motto is to do more for your company at a lesser cost.


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Inspirisys has been achieving excellence in empowering enterprises toward digital transformation with the help of contemporary technologies for more than 25 years. The company is part of CAC Holdings Corporation—a Japanese company with a proven track record in providing top-quality solutions and services across several industries, including BFSI, telecom, and government/PSUs. Inspirisys' portfolio of services and solutions includes infrastructure management, enterprise security & risk services, cloud, IoT, and product engineering & development.

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