Many businesses are finding themselves at a crossroads, torn between maintaining their current, on-site networking solutions, and making the switch to off-site solutions in the cloud. While it may seem easier to just maintain your current setup, it would benefit you and your business exponentially to take the plunge into the cloud for your file storing and sharing needs. There are countless benefits to cloud computing that work together to help make your business the best it can be, with more efficient and effective ways of working. Keep reading to learn about four great ways that the cloud can help your business.
Keep your files secure. These days, cyber security is one of the biggest risks to every person behind a keyboard. The majority of people do not realize that their laptops and desktops are not as secure as they assume, putting them at risk for hackers, spyware, and viruses. Cloud servers, however, can be more secure, and providers are able to provide many more options for protecting your data. Passwords are only the first level of defense against hackers. Many providers of cloud services offer higher levels of security by encrypting your data while it uploads and downloads and storing additional back-up copies of your data. When choosing your cloud server, make sure that the company you choose is able to meet your security demands.
Access to your work, wherever you are. We’ve all experienced the annoyance of unexpectedly missing a day at the office and falling way behind on your work because you can’t access the files saved to your PC at work. Thanks to cloud computing, that’s no longer the case. We are now able to access our files remotely, on an entire host of devices, from smart phones to laptops to tablets, and work from anywhere on the go. The cloud makes us faster and more efficient by allowing us to work from anywhere, while limiting our excuses to not get our jobs done.
Save a tree, save some green. It wasn’t so long ago (maybe even yesterday, for some of you) that when you left work each afternoon, you brought a mini file cabinet, bursting at the seams with anything you might need, just in case you couldn’t get to work the next day. Working from home meant bringing the majority of your office contents with you. Thankfully, those days are nearly over. By using the cloud, there is no need to fill jump drives with all your work each afternoon; no need to print hard copies of each file; no need to lug around all sorts of paperwork each day. You can store all your files and information on the cloud and access it from your computer, tablet, or mobile device any time you need it. You’ll be saving trees by the thousand, and saving money as well. Less printing, copying, and faxing means lower overhead for you.
Minimize disaster damage. Earth-shattering disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes can level an entire city in seconds. A thief can break in and take with him all of your computers and servers. If you are still using on-site storage for your data, you could be a blink away from losing everything you’ve ever created. While insurance may replace your computers and servers, it won’t be able to bring back your data. Protect your business from any potential disasters, by storing your data off-site in a secure cloud.
Cloud computing isn’t just some craze of the future, it’s a necessity of today. In our fast-paced business world, we have to be flexible to change and be willing to work more efficiently. The cloud offers a way to protect our businesses from the many hazards of storing data on-site, such as hackers, natural disasters and theft; simultaneously giving us a wider range of options for getting our work done; and saving money by paying for only the services needed, while reducing overhead costs.  Consider implementing cloud computing as a means to make your business more productive and successful.
