What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a technology that is revolutionizing how businesses and individuals use the internet. It involves having access to shared computing power and storage over the internet. It has three main elements, which are cloud-based software, infrastructure, and platform.
Benefits covered in this blog include:
- Business cost savings
- Unrivalled security measures
- An increase in flexibility and scalability
- Staff productivity and increased collaboration
- Continuous software updates
Cloud-based software refers to computer programs that use the internet to deliver digital tools and store documents, records, digital assets and data on remote servers or computers in data centres. This means that users have access to these tools via their web browsers without needing to install them onto their devices. It is often referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud-based infrastructure refers to remote computers or data centers that you can use for your computing needs on demand such as compute power or storage capacity. Cloud-based platforms also provide complete development and deployment environments so applications can be built, tested, deployed and managed more quickly than ever before. With cloud computing technology, businesses can benefit from improved scalability with reduced operational costs due to pay-as-you-go basis of using resources from remote data centers.
Cloud computing has grown in popularity with SMEs across the globe, as decision-makers see the value it can bring to their organisation. Businesses are realizing that cloud computing can provide them with a cost-effective and agile way to increase scalability and security. It has become commonplace for organisations of all sizes due to its ability to help improve IT operations while simultaneously providing world-class protection against cyber threats.
As more businesses look towards cloud computing as an IT solution, current evidence shows that it is already helping thousands of UK based companies to streamline their digital services and create an infrastructure that encourages creativity and collaboration. The advantages offered by cloud computing are numerous; from increased productivity, better communication channels and improved resources management, it’s clear that businesses that invest in this technology can gain significant benefits from doing so. With the 5 key benefits outlined here, more business owners are set to make the switch from old to new technologies in the near future, upping their game on both a functional and financial level.
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Business cost savings
Businesses in the 21st century are constantly striving for higher efficiency and more cost savings, and cloud computing is proving to be a great way to achieve that. Cloud computing can lead to significant reductions in upfront costs; businesses no longer need to buy hardware, software or spend money on installation, with most cloud services requiring little or no setup expenses. In addition, these services generally operate on a ‘pay-for-what-you-use’ model rather than a fixed rate plan, even further reducing the strain on budgets.
Given that cloud computing systems are hosted remotely, businesses also save money in terms of managing and maintaining IT systems - as there’s less need for physical servers storing huge amounts of data or associated support staff. Furthermore, companies using cloud technology will benefit from automatic updates delivered directly by the provider where applicable; meaning operations performed at maximum speed without the need for expensive component upgrades or replacements over time. By utilizing the cloud, businesses can maximize their the use of resources while cutting back unnecessary expenses overheads in unexpected areas - enabling them to become more profitable overall.
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Unrivalled security measures
Cloud computing has revolutionised the way that businesses deal with IT infrastructure. Since its introduction in the 1990s, it has developed immensely and now provides unrivalled levels of security for both small and large businesses. Cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure use proactive measures to continuously review and enhance security, deploy updates, and patch applications without requiring customers to worry about IT concerns. This keeps customer data up-to-date on the latest security protocols, ensuring that businesses are proactive against potential threats.
The benefits of cloud computing don’t stop there - it can help protect organisations from malicious cyberattacks or data breaches. With customer data becoming increasingly vulnerable over time, cloud computing offers an invaluable solution to those needing additional protection. The combination of automated defences provided by cloud systems and a team of experts working on solutions provides an unbeatable defence against data threats 24/7 - leaving customers safe in the knowledge that their IT systems are consistently kept secure.
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An increase in flexibility and scalability
Cloud computing provides businesses with an unprecedented level of flexibility and scalability, meaning businesses of any size can take advantage of the latest IT solutions on offer. Cloud computing enables organizations to easily alter their IT requirements depending on business demands. For example, if a small start-up venture suddenly experiences a sharp increase in customer demand, they can quickly scale up their cloud storage capacity without having to invest heavily in physical infrastructure like traditional server rooms. Additionally, when demands decrease or budgets change, businesses can also easily reduce the amount of resources being used as cloud computing is pay for what you need model.
This level of agility makes cloud computing a very attractive solution for modern businesses and organizations that need to stay competitive and operate quickly and efficiently to keep up with industry trends. Companies within these industries experience rapid changes in technology; cloud computing is thus a great option for them as it allows them to access new features easily due to its high scalability levels. Additionally, the flexibility offered by cloud services makes them more cost-effective because businesses are able to opt into using more services when they need it and turn it off when they don’t -meaning they wouldn’t have wasted money investing in physical servers or excess storage capabilities that may not be
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Experience a positive shift in staff productivity and increased collaboration
With the increasing prevalence of remote and hybrid working becoming the norm within thousands of organisations in the UK, business owners need to consider how their employees’ productivity and collaboration will be impacted. Switching to a cloud-based solution can reduce the downtime staff may experience on a day-to-day basis in terms of technology, as well as any potential for costly repairs or new equipment purchases. This allows them to remain focused during their working hours, enabling minimal disruption and maximum productivity levels. With unlimited access to data from anywhere with an internet connection, businesses can benefit from enhanced employee collaboration regardless of distances and location.
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Take advantage of continuous software updates
The advantages don’t end there – cloud solutions are also affordable and flexible which means that companies won’t break the bank trying to keep pace with changing demands. All these elements taken together dramatically improve staff productivity and enable improved collaboration between colleagues spread across multiple locations. To learn more about how businesses and their workforce can reap the rewards of increased productivity and collaboration, our in-depth business guide is invaluable source of information!
Continuous software updates allow organisations to stay up to date with technological advances and be competitive in the market. Without these updates, businesses soon get left behind and cannot progress, which can be detrimental for their future prospects. Keeping your business operations at the forefront of your industry is a difficult task in itself, you don’t need to throw your IT systems into the mix too.
Organisations can benefit from continuous software updates by switching to the cloud. The cloud provides an efficient way of automatically updating software and it eliminates some of the costs associated with physical servers or computing systems. Through this method, businesses significantly reduce their IT department’s budget while still staying ahead of competition and advancing technologically. Cloud computing offers flexible data storage that grows with a company, making it a reliable and cost-effective option for updating software regularly.
Overall, when moving across to a cloud computing system, your company will experience a positive shift in a range of ways.
Get in touch
If you are considering a cloud computing update or implementation but are struggling to find the right talent for the job, get in touch with our specialist Cloud Recruitment Consultant Dan Hudson.
Dan would be happy to talk you through best practices for implementation and introduce you to available candidates.
