From cost savings to scalability, cloud computing can ease IT headaches and transform your business. If your company still uses on-premise hardware servers, now might be a smart time to make the switch to the cloud.
What Is The Cloud?
The cloud refers to a network of remote servers and software that users can access over the Internet. Rather than owning and maintaining physical servers and other hardware on-site, businesses can now access computing resources online. When a business “moves to the cloud,” its IT infrastructure is stored remotely at a data center maintained by a cloud computing provider, or its software is delivered by a Software as a Service (Saas) provider.
For businesses, the cloud has many benefits, including:
Cost Savings: Cloud computing eliminates the need for businesses to invest in and maintain costly hardware and infrastructure. Also, businesses only pay for what they use, making the cloud a more cost-efficient option.
Scalability: Businesses can easily scale up or down their computing resources based on demands and workload without purchasing additional hardware. If there’s a sudden spike in demand, the cloud service provider can quickly provision additional resources, allowing businesses to respond to the changing needs of the marketplace with more agility.
Flexibility: Cloud computing provides employees access to data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling remote work and collaboration. If you're experiencing a network outage or are unable to access the internet, applications like SharePoint and Outlook allow you to work offline and sync your changes once internet access is restored.
Security: Cloud service providers use a range of security measures to protect data and applications stored in the cloud, like encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent, cyber insurance companies are requiring businesses to adopt more robust cybersecurity measures via the cloud. If your business isn’t currently using the cloud, your cyber insurance policy may require you to make the shift, otherwise, you risk liability in the event of an attack.
Reliability: Downtime due to a failure or outage can cost companies countless dollars. Cloud service providers are typically more reliable than hardware, because they leverage multiple data centers across geographic locations, allowing for redundancy and failover mechanisms. In the event of a hardware failure or outage in a data center, the workload can be redirected to another data center, ensuring businesses can access their data and applications when they need them.
Many Businesses Need an IT Managed Services Provider to Help Manage The Cloud
While there are many benefits to using the cloud, managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure requires expertise and constant monitoring. An IT managed services provider (MSP) can help businesses optimize their cloud resources, right-size their infrastructure, and implement cost-control measures. With round-the-clock technical support, businesses have peace of mind knowing expert assistance is available if an issue arises, minimizing potential impact on business operations. Cloud security is also a critical concern for businesses.
An MSP can help businesses navigate the complex landscape of cloud security and compliance requirements. They help keep sensitive company information safe, using robust security measures, like data encryption and access control. In addition, a managed services provider can ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, like GPDR or HIPAA, by implementing security controls and conducting regular audits.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the cloud provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way for companies to access the resources they need to support operations without having to invest in and maintain their own infrastructure. With less energy spent on legacy IT systems, companies are able to focus on more strategic, core business tasks. Whether your company is in-office, hybrid, or remote, moving to the cloud supports your business today while providing the flexibility to change your work model as the business climate evolves.