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Cloud computing has existed for decades now, and it’s growing faster than ever. It’s estimated that 95% of all workload will be done on the cloud in an upcoming couple of years, as more and more businesses are using cloud-based software and cloud hosting to help them conduct their business.

Cloud solutions not only allow businesses to set up their website, but they also solve various problems that using a physical infrastructure would bring.

In this article, I’ll explain what cloud computing is, tell you how to use it, and name eight benefits that can significantly help your business.

Let’s get started.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing delivers on-demand computing services like servers, storage, networking, software, databases, intelligence, and analytics over the internet. It’s usually done with a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

So instead of having to buy, own and maintain physical servers and data centers, you can access the computing services all from a cloud provider. This can lower your operating costs and help you run your business more efficiently.

Cloud computing is divided into three types, each having different control, management, and flexibility levels. Those are:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – Typically used to rent IT infrastructures like servers, storage, networks, operating systems, and virtual machines.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Provides an on-demand environment to develop, test, deliver and manage software applications.
  • Software as a Service (SaaS) – This is often referred to as the end-user applications where you can use software without worrying about the technicalities and maintenance.

How Can You Use Cloud Computing?

There are various use-cases for cloud computing, and you’re probably using cloud computing right now without realizing it.

If you’re using an online service to watch TV and movies, listen to music, send emails, edit documents, play games, or store pictures and videos, that’s all cloud computing making it possible for you.

But in general, cloud computing is further divided into three categories, which are:

  • Cloud storage – allows you to store and back up your files. The files can also be synced and shared across multiple devices.
  • Cloud hosting – Helps facilitate multiple types of information sharing like data storage, email services, and application hosting.
  • Cloud backup – Designed to serve as a failsafe in the case where your website or business suffers from a server crash or cyber attack.

So if you already have a website and a domain name for your business, it may be a good idea to implement more cloud-based solutions to secure your data and processes.

8 Benefits of Using Cloud Solutions for Your Business

Cloud solutions can bring plenty of benefits to your business. It essentially creates a virtual office that gives you the flexibility to connect to your business from anywhere at any time.

With the pandemic still going on, cloud computing is more relevant than ever. Here’s how it can help you grow your business.

1. Reduce IT Costs

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As we mentioned earlier, using cloud solutions reduces the cost of having to manage and maintain your physical IT systems and other things like:

  • Wages for technical employees.
  • Energy consumption costs.
  • System upgrades.
  • Time delays.

The pay-as-you-go system also allows you to only pay for what you need for your business. There aren’t any specific pricing plans you need to pick to use cloud computing. Instead, you’ll be able to configure the storage space, speed, and other factors, all according to your needs.

2. Sustainability

One of the most significant benefits of using cloud computing is that it dramatically reduces your carbon footprint. It’s a lot more sustainable compared to physical infrastructure, and it tends to produce a much lower amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Cloud computing also lessens the environmental impact because most providers aim to use renewable energy sources. Meaning, cloud solutions are more environmentally friendly, which automatically improves the image of your business.

3. Easy Data Backup

You need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, whether it’s your data being hacked or having a prolonged downtime. Having a backup of all your information is a must to get your website up and running quickly should you encounter those scenarios.

Luckily, your data can easily be stored in cloud applications, and the storage capacity is limitless.

Having previous versions of your software stored in the cloud is also a good practice in the cases where the latest version of the software has issues or isn’t compatible with your plugins. Being able to get your website to its optimal functionality as quickly as possible is a must.

4. Scalability

Cloud solutions are ideal for businesses that have fluctuating or growing bandwidth demands. If your business demands increase, cloud computing allows you to quickly improve your cloud capacity without investing in additional physical infrastructure.

Cloud computing can also adapt quickly to your needs meaning that it won’t take as much time as your physical infrastructure. So what used to take months to do can be done in minutes.

This minimizes not only cost but also the risks that are associated with infrastructure issues and maintenance. In addition, cloud solutions provide you with high-performance resources with professional assistance without needing any up-front investment.

5. Automated Updates

Software is updated regularly to provide the latest features and security patches. One of the most bothersome issues is updating your software as you and your teamwork on projects.

Updating the software means that you won’t use it until the update is complete, hindering your productivity. Luckily, cloud computing can automatically update and refresh itself, saving valuable time and not affecting your working hours.

6. Security

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One of the biggest concerns of using cloud computing is security. After all, all of your data and programs are stored online.

One of the most significant advantages of cloud computing is that it allows multiple layers of security, like two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This means that the information stored is very unlikely to be breached by hackers or anyone unauthorized to access your data.

7. Support Team Collaboration

Cloud applications help create easy data viewing, sharing, and editing options, enhancing the collaboration process of your team. It helps your teamwork effectively on projects, even if they’re working remotely.

Cloud solutions with role-based access control allow team leaders to assign roles and permissions to the rest of the team to help with better visibility and monitoring on who does what and when. It also helps avoid confusion and conflicts.

8. Mobility

Cloud computing enables access from mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets. With over 6 billion smartphone users worldwide, the ability to access work from anywhere is a great benefit.

Your team with busy schedules or homes far from the main office can use cloud computing to keep up-to-date with the latest projects. Therefore, it’s not surprising that 24% of businesses are more likely to expand their cloud computing services to increase employee satisfaction.

Conclusion

Cloud services allow you to access computing resources and services all from a cloud provider. This means that you don’t need to own physical infrastructures to use computing services like servers, storage, networking, software, databases, intelligence, and analytics.

Cloud computing has plenty of advantages and use cases too. Some of them include reducing IT costs, increasing mobility, and easy scalability. You’re probably already using a cloud service to either stream your favorite TV series or play games.

All that’s left for you now is to start moving your business towards cloud computing to not only lessen your expenses but also increase your team’s flexibility and effectiveness.

Good luck!