For a lot of small businesses, cloud computing sounds out of the question in terms of new services or changes to operations. There are a lot of misconceptions about cloud computing’s resources as well as its costs. To help combat this, let’s take a look at why cloud computing could be the best thing to happen to small businesses in a long time. Better yet, why do recent changes in cloud computing services make now the perfect time to start utilizing this invaluable tool? Firstly, let’s start with what cloud computing is in terms of how most small businesses utilize it.
What Does Cloud Computing Mean to a Small Business?
A small business likely does not have hundreds of employees to manage or a wild server center that requires excess resources. What most small businesses do have, however, are real concerns about growth, stability, and maximizing somewhat limited resources. How could cloud computing fit into this?
Cloud computing services offer you enhanced internet applications, security, and storage. It doesn’t matter what industry in which you operate; those last two points are crucial to any business. Security and storage are at play for any business using computer hardware to operate. That could mean something as simple as sending emails and files or something more complex like accounting and finance data, virtual desktops, and as we all know quite well now telecommunication services.
No matter how you use technology in the workplace, your business relies on a secure network to store files and access the internet. Cloud computing services can offer both of these things plus so much more. When we think of huge computer networks and complicated server storage systems, we usually think about large companies. That said, most small businesses are using the same organizational methods but on a smaller scale. That means while the scope might look different, the needs and reliance on technology are the same. Think about it this way: without a computer, tablet, or phone, how much does running your business change?
Even the not-so-tech-savvy can turn to cloud computing services to help boost their business. Here are a few of the most popular ways small businesses utilize them.
The Best Benefits to Cloud Computing for a Small Business
Two of the most impactful ways you can utilize cloud computing to help run your small business include improved workflows and secure mobile connections. Let’s start first with the latter.
As a small business owner, you’re likely wearing a few different hats. Okay, let’s face it, you’re probably wearing more hats than you have room for. It likely means that you’re not always in your place of business when you’re conducting business. Even if you operate from home, you’re probably out and about taking meetings, introducing yourself to vendors and clients, and putting in the legwork to help your business grow. If that sounds familiar, then cloud computing is a resource you surely can find useful.
Cloud computing keeps remote workers, including yourself, connected to all necessary work files and documents on-the-go in a secure way. Accessing a hotspot at a coffee shop or even browsing confidential business info on a home wi-fi network can present security risks for you and your business. Likewise, if you access a server from outside the office to grab a file to forward someone, you want to be sure you’re the only one who can access your digital storage.
Cloud computing helps keep this safe and secure through encrypted networks that you can likewise utilize to easily share files with co-workers without the worry that a data breach might occur. Plus, cloud computing solutions for your website can help make it easier to access on mobile devices when customers are on the go. We’re in an increasingly remote, mobile world, and your business can make the most of it with cloud computing.
The other key benefit to cloud computing for businesses is an improved workflow. If you’re still relying on a number of different computer programs across different applications and even possibly different devices, then you’re dealing with more of a headache than you should. Cloud services help keep all work-related tasks in a mitigated, multipurpose space. Every element of your day-to-day can seamlessly be at the click of a mouse or a press of the finger.
These solutions save you time, and thanks to cloud computing services beginning to cater to small businesses, also save you money. There’s a misconception with cloud computing that it costs you an arm and a leg you don’t have as a small business owner. Not only is that not the case, but once you see the cost-effective approach cloud computing takes to helping you run your business, you’ll be glad you didn’t waste another work week without these tools.
Transform Your Small Business in 2021
With everything on your plate as a small business, you don’t need a life preserver, you just need something to help you swim. Cloud computing services offer you and your business a smarter, faster, safer, and more cost-effective way to run a business in 2021. Get started today and make the most of your potential by maximizing your digital operations.
Contact IT Vortex for any of your Hosted Cloud Services and/or Managed IT Services today!