Cloud Computing: Enhancing Efficiency and Collaboration in Small Businesses

Imagine a small business owner competing with larger companies for the same target audience. Unlike these companies, which offer the same products or services, yours doesn’t have a large enough team for 24/7 assistance, meaning when you close up for the day, there’s no one there to help your potential customers. Rather than maintain this reality, consider cloud computing for more efficiency. 

Cloud computing allows your business to keep running and customer satisfaction to grow long after you’ve turned over the “closed” sign on your storefront. Below, we’ll elaborate on cloud computing and how it can help your small business grow. 

What Should I Know About Cloud Computing?

Unlike old-fashioned desktop computers that store information in hardware and software, cloud computing services allow all companies to enter the 21st century with data on the go. From Google Drive and Dropbox to Google Documents and PowerPoints, employers and their teams can now effortlessly transfer valuable information via the Internet from anywhere and on any mobile device. 

That’s because these cloud technology solutions provide data processing, storage, and countless on-demand applications for remote work and flexibility. So, you can close your business in the evenings but still answer emails, phone calls, and customer service chats from your home to maintain customer attention and satisfaction. 

What Are the Primary Cloud Models?

There are three main cloud deployment models: 

• Software as a Service keeps you from downloading applications like Microsoft Word onto each desktop since it hosts software applications like Google Docs in the cloud, making it available from everywhere. 
• Platform as a Service provides tools and frameworks for companies to create and test their applications without purchasing expensive physical software. 
• Infrastructure as a Service offers virtualization and cloud resources in the form of storage and servers without hardware, which would cost more and cause inflexibility. 

How Can Cloud Computing Benefit My Small Business?

Cloud infrastructure management gives a small company with limited funds the freedom to scale up or down. For instance, if you have physical hardware, you’ll have to upgrade it as your business grows. Still, if your company goes through a bad period, you’ll have paid for more hardware than you need.

On the other hand, cloud computing is set on a pay-as-you-go foundation, meaning you only pay for what you use. Scale your business without worrying about available storage space. You also save money since mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops (for which you use cloud-based applications) are more cost-effective than desktops. 

Furthermore, you won’t have to deal with an in-house IT infrastructure that comes with installation, repair, and replacement costs. Still, those aren’t the only benefits since you’ll receive:

• Better collaboration since you share and edit files in real-time with all customers, partners, and team members
• Sophisticated tools usually used by only large businesses, which help you make data-driven decisions and receive a competitive edge
• Data security in cloud computing that safeguards valuable information and backs it up so you can retrieve it in case of a crash or other disaster