Businesses large and small are looking to make big changes in the coming year. 2021 will certainly be shaped by lessons learned the year prior. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted just about everyone in the world in one way or another. In the business world, small businesses faced unprecedented challenges and difficulties. Those will not end simply because of the calendar shift to a new year.
All in all, when the going gets tough, small business owners get tougher. A huge trend many are looking into is the expanding world of cloud hosting. IT service providers are recommending that many small businesses consider these tools and resources to help combat budget issues, outdated technology, and other issues holding back a sector of the economy that needs to keep moving forward. So, what are some 2021 cloud hosting trends that might impact small businesses? Here are a few for which to look out and note as the world continues to recover and rebuild from a rough 2020.
What’s Changing in Cloud Hosting Technology?
Just about everyone is investing in cloud hosting technology. Individuals use it to store photos and media. Businesses, on the other hand, use it to expand what they can offer their clients and customers. As 2021 brings about a new year that hopefully means economic recovery for small businesses, cloud hosting and managed IT services could prove to be highly beneficial. A huge change that’s affecting trends in cloud hosting is the lack of any in-house servers at all.
If you’re a small business running any functions of operation on a server, there’s a good chance you’re held back by one limitation or another. Server capacity, storage, mobility for your workforce, and bandwidth concerns are all likely things that keep you from growing. Well, serverless cloud computing is here and it’s becoming a highly popular tool for small businesses. The service requires no stress of housing, operating, or troubleshooting servers. Instead, a cloud hosting service provider gives you everything without any hardware needed in your office. That’s going to be a huge 2021 trend as many look to downsize or get rid of outdated technology.
Another relatively big trend will be the introduction of some level of cloud hosting and computing into businesses. Some are simply not ready to move all operations into cloud computing. That’s not small business owners’ fault; it’s a daunting move that many would rather make incrementally. Hybrid cloud computing is going to lead many to at least dip their feet into the technology in 2021.
From freeing up server stress to increase computing speeds to accessing files and documents on-the-go, hybrid cloud computing is going to help a lot of people learn the technology’s benefits. Many IT solutions experts think that the work-from-home model is here to stay in at least some form or fashion. Hybrid cloud computing allows small businesses to use the benefits of a mobile workforce to their advantage while recovering from economic hardship endured in 2020.
Small Business Needs in Cloud Hosting
A lot of small business owners might consider cloud hosting to only be for larger companies. Likewise, they may see cloud computing as a need only those in the technology sector could require. All in all, cloud computing trends in 2021 point to many discovering the ways in which small business needs are solved thanks to cloud technology. One example is the integration of more technology into business conduct.
We’re all using video conferencing services right now to hold safe cyber-meetings. Clients and meeting planners are likely to continue to want to operate this way for the bulk of 2021. Likewise, curbside pickup and other online ordering methods are making it easier for clients to continue to buy what you sell. Embracing these tech changes and the increased reliance on mobile devices and computers in the conduct of business isn’t optional for 2021. You either hop on board or struggle to keep up. Cloud computing can make it easy to quickly up your offerings in the digital space, ensuring you’re not left behind in 2021.
With this increasing reliance on technology, IT solutions and troubleshooting will become crucial. Many cloud hosting service providers include these services in their business. Many plans also include a new trend in cloud computing: AI support. AI can be used to input data, automate initial interactions with potential customers and clients, or even boost your offerings on your website. Many cloud hosting and computing providers offer these services in their subscription plans. AI isn’t going to sound so futuristic in 2021. In fact, the small businesses that employ these features will offer more comprehensive solutions to the needs of their clients and customers. In a year that’s expected to begin the long rebound from COVID-19, that could prove incredibly impactful for the future of small businesses.
Take Full Advantage of the Latest Trends
Many small businesses look to the top cloud hosting trends as inapplicable to their business. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s data storage or actual virtualization to increase your computing power in the office, cloud technology is built to help everyone in 2021. Taking the time to research what offerings might benefit your business can help cut costs, increase your reach and growth potential, and ease the worries you have about the coming year. Take time now to plan for what is sure to be one of the hottest 2021 trends in small business technology needs.
Contact IT Vortex for any of your Cloud Services and/or Managed IT Services today!
