Advantages of Cloud Solutions for Small Businesses
By Udit Agarwal
The importance of cloud computing is not only confined to large business organizations. On the contrary, the Cloud-based solution is one of the few groundbreaking technologies that are equally accessible even to Small and Medium-sized businesses. This is the only solution for the removal of entry barriers for SMBs and provides a level playing in differentiated fields to a great extent.
The usage of cloud computing in the business organization is the perfect choice both in the short as well as long term basis. SMBs particularly have the requirement of the initial “nudge” during their infancy stages. Right before gaining mainstream status over the product or service, the Cloud is helpful in facilitating the small prices to boost the generation or the scale.
Flexible Access
After the generation of a unique user on the cloud network, the employee can access the cloud by using multiple device platforms and locations. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops are some of the most popular examples of the same. Further, an employee can access the work from the office, home or anywhere else.
This flexibility can be helpful in enhancing the productivity and motivation level of an employee. With the usage of the cloud, small entities can make the hiring of mobile or remote workers that would be willing to work at much lesser wages as compared to a regular employee who is working on a daily basis in the field.
Ease of Collaboration
The involved workforce is diverse and physically dispersed. The data is centrally maintained in any cloud solution; the physical distance does not impact the overall efficiency. The condition of projecting the projects can be the situations where a task or process has to be accomplished by a small group of employees, and real-time collaboration is required.
After the plotting of data on the cloud network, each employee can take over the task from the point where it was left previously. This entire process can be helpful in enhancing collaboration and coordination between employees, which can be an asset for a small entity with a limited number of skilled employees.
Improved Security
One of the major and best things about the cloud solution is that all the data is maintained at a central location, in-house or with a CSP. It will be more convenient to secure a centralized database from cyber threats as compared to data that is stored sporadically across many devices.
Another major benefit of a cloud solution is that if an individual device used to log in to the cloud network is lost or stolen somewhere, then, in that case, the data will remain safe from unauthorized usage. The only security precaution will be that the employee concerned will change the password that can be utilized to gain access to the cloud network.
Efficiency
Whether in-house or outsourced, the servers are generally used to centrally store the data that are quite superior in performance. Another point that needs to be considered is the productivity-related applications and software that are helpful in running the cloud network. Even if the devices of a small business are obsolete, the overall efficiency will remain unaffected. Employee productivity tends to extend beyond the physical boundaries of the workplace.
Flexibility
Cloud solutions are highly flexible in nature. They are flexible from the perspective of both the small business and its employees. As the company hires an additional workforce, it is not required to make the purchase of some additional personal computers.
The small; scaled business organizations need to worry about the device they are using to access the cloud network. They just need to make the credentials safe. Moreover, an employee can remain productive even without turning up to the workplace.
Scalability
In case any small business organization is planning to make an increment in its operations, it will have to procure additional IT hardware to support the new staff. In the event of downsizing, all the capital expenditures incurred to procure the additional hardware will be rendered unutilized.
On the other hand, it is much quicker and cost-effective to scale up or scale down the cloud solution. As a purpose to scale up the business, the IT department will simply create new users over the cloud network. Similarly, when an employee leaves the organization, the user will simply be removed or deleted from the cloud after securing the data.
If the cloud solution is outsourced to a CSP, the only cost of upscaling will be an additional fee for each new user.
Compatibility
In both in-house and outsourced, the entire data and the applications are maintained at the central location. Any update, security or performance-related issues are mandatory to be installed at a single location.
In the case of a conventional infrastructure, the machinery of every small business will have to be updated on an individual basis. This process will not only raise concerns regarding poor compatibility, but the small business will also have to maintain an army of full-time IT technicians to take care of these recurring and trivial tasks.
Remote Work
One of the main competitive advantages of SMBs is the cost. Because of the existence of limited resources, most businesses are taking an active initiative to save costs. A reliable cloud computing solution like dinHVD can serve as a seamless remote work platform for employees.
No matter the circumstances, the business organization can result in cost savings for SMBs. With the entire or majority of your employees working remotely via the Cloud, you can save a host of business overheads like rent, utilities and similar administrative expenses that are improving viability.
Business Continuity (BC)
Different from the strategies of large enterprises that have deep pockets and contain ample capacity to absorb shocks, SMBs are very susceptible to factors that can potentially affect smooth functioning. Cloud computing is helpful in facilitating unrivalled Business Continuity (BC) to SMBs at a fraction of the costs of developing such mechanisms on-premise.
The disruptions are caused by natural or man-made events. Small business is quite likely to remain immune from its effects because of Cloud Computing.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, cloud solutions offer numerous advantages for small businesses. Cloud-based software and services are cost-effective, scalable, and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. They also provide enhanced security and data backup, which can help small businesses protect themselves against cyber threats and data loss. Furthermore, cloud solutions enable collaboration and remote work, which can improve productivity and efficiency. Overall, small businesses can benefit greatly from the flexibility, convenience, and affordability that cloud solutions provide, making them a valuable investment for any small business looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world.