Why go for cloud computing?

In simple terms, cloud computing is computing that is based on the internet. In the past, people run programs or apps from software that is downloaded on a computer or server in the building. Cloud computing lets people access to similar types of apps via the internet.

THE NEW NORMAL
When updating a Facebook status, it is using cloud computing. Checking bank balance on a smart phone means one is in the cloud again. These days, people rely on cloud computing to solve the issues faced by small businesses. Cloud is fast becoming the new normal and estimated that around 90 percent or more businesses would be using at least one cloud service.

THE MAIN IDEA BEHIND THE CLOUD
The cloud has been one of the hottest buzzwords for the last few years, but amazingly, people have been using it for over a decade. Consider Facebook, Gmail, Skype, Dropbox, PayPal and Salesforce, they are all examples of cloud solutions.

The main idea behind the cloud is accessing all information over the web even without detailed knowledge of the infrastructure that is used to enable it. Does one really need to know about the cloud? Take for instance what the electric company or phone company does on their end to allow lights or enable calls to go on when flipping a switch. Of course, one really do not want to know so long as when it is plugged in, it works.

WHY GO FOR CLOUD COMPUTING?
Why are there so many businesses that are moving to the cloud? This is because the cloud boosts efficiency, helps enhance the cash flow and provides a lot more benefits. Check out the ten of the best benefits that cloud computing could offer.

1. DISASTER RECOVERY. All sizes of businesses should invest in a robust disaster recovery, but for smaller ones, they lack the required expertise and cash, which often is more an ideal than reality. Now, the cloud is helping more businesses buck the trend. Small businesses are twice as likely to implement backup and recovery solutions that are cloud-based, which save time, avoid huge up-front investment as well as roll up third-party expertise as part of a deal.

2. FLEXIBILITY. Services that are cloud-based are ideal for a business that has a growing or fluctuating bandwidth needs. As the need increases, it’s easy to scale up the cloud capacity, drawing on the remote servers of the service. In the same way, if a business has to scale down again, the flexibility is baked on the service. The agility level could provide businesses that use cloud true advantage over their competitors.

3. WORK FROM ANYWHERE. With cloud, any place that has an internet connection allows one to work. With most serious cloud services providing mobile applications, there is no restriction on which device is being used. The result is that businesses could give more flexible working perks to their staff, thus they could enjoy the work-life balance which suits them without productivity being affected.

4. AUTOMATIC SOFTWARE UPDATES. What is beautiful about the cloud is that the servers are out of sight and off-premised. Suppliers handle them and roll out regular software updates, such as security updates. There is no worry on wasting time in system maintenance. This leaves a business free to allocate more time on things that matter, such as growing the business.

5.  FREE CAPITAL-EXPENDITURE. Cloud computing slashes down high hardware cost. It only takes pay as you go, then enjoy a subscription-based model that is kind to the business cash flow. Additionally, there is ease of setup and management and all of a sudden, the terrifying IT    project will look much friendlier.

6. SECURITY. Lost laptops are a billion dollar headache for any business. Furthermore, it’s potentially greater than loss of costly kit is the loss of sensitive data stored in it. Cloud computing provides greater security when this occurs. Since data is stored in the cloud, one could access it whatever happens to the machine. Moreover, one could even wipe data from lost laptops remotely so it will not fall into the wrong hands.

7. INCREASED COLLABORATION. When a team could access, edit and share documents anytime, anywhere, they could do more together and do it better as well. A workflow that is cloud-based and file sharing applications help make updates in real time and provide full visibility of the collaborations.

8. COMPETITIVENESS. Moving to the cloud offers access to enterprise-class technology for one and all. It also enables smaller businesses act faster than established competitors. Cloud business apps and pay-as-you-go service mean small outfits could run with the big ones, disrupt the market while staying nimble and lean.

9. DOCUMENT CONTROL. The more partners and employees collaborate on documents, the bigger the need for watertight document control. Before there was cloud, workers had to send files to and fro as email attachments for a user to work on one at a time. Sooner, one ends up with a mess of conflicting formats, file content and titles. Moreover, as even small organizations become more global, the complication scope rises. With the cloud, all files are stored in a central location and this greater visibility means enhanced collaboration, which means better work and healthier bottom line.

10. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Moving to the cloud offers a little love for the environment as well. When the cloud needs to fluctuate, the server capacity scales up and down to fit. It only uses the energy needed and do not leave oversized carbon footprints.
Truly, the cloud is being used by majority of businesses all over the world. Cloud computing has become a fast growing trend for the past decade or so and continues to grow.