Many organisations have already implemented cloud-based software as part of their technology arsenal. And there are good reasons why.
Even if you or your organisation doesn’t actively use the cloud, it is likely you’re surrounded by technology and people that do. Cloud computing has fast permeated every part of business life, from accounting software to word processing. In fact, some employees may already be benefitting from cloud systems without even knowing it.
In this blog we’ll unpack some of the basic principles and benefits of cloud infrastructure thanks to Syntax IT support based in London
Cloud Infrastructure and Data Storage
The cloud has physically streamlined the way we store data. Flash drives, and CDs packed full of backups of important files cluttering up the office shelves and drawers are fast becoming a thing of the past. With the growth of the capabilities of cloud storage, many businesses are storing data or at least parts of it in the cloud. Hard drive crashes are something that no longer strikes fear into users knowing all the important data is backed up in the cloud.
Flexibility
With files being stored in the cloud, it is now possible to conduct business from virtually anywhere with an Internet connection.
Whether it’s working from home, or across the world if you travel for business, you can have constant access to your files and even share your latest reports directly through file storage systems such as Dropbox and Office 365.There is no longer the need for emailing work to yourself or saving files on flash drives.
This also means you can access your work from multiple devices on the go, from laptops to tablets and even smartphones. Paperless offices are actually now a realistic prospect.There is no need to print when you have access to files at the click of a button,on whatever device you have handy.
This is a radicalchange to the way we work, as we are no longer tied down to bulky desktop computers.
Software
Technology corporations are making the most of the cloud and advancing the clouds benefit to business. The two front-runners in business software, Office 365 and Google Apps are both cloud-based suites. This allows growing accessibility to the software with monthly contracts available.
While making the move to the cloud is relatively straightforward, the larger and more complex a business’s IT infrastructure, the more a company can benefit from expert assistance from specialist IT support experts.
With all the software and data we need being stored remotely in the cloud, we no longer need cumbersome hardware with masses of storage space. Devices have got portable, smaller and sleeker, maximising features such as battery power over memory. Some businesses are increasingly operating on a bring-your-own technology basis, with employees bringing in their own devices to work.
Collaboration
So many employers stress the importance of working as a team, but this can be difficult if everyone is stuck behind their individual desks, working independently of their colleagues. The cloud has made collaboration much simpler with live document creation andintra-office messaging. Two or more users can work together on files in the cloud instantaneously.
Connectivity
Video calls or meetings and webinars use cloud software. Messaging and video streaming has helped to make working away from the office much more productive. It has enabled users to be in constant communication with not only those in the office,but those in other buildings, locations and even different countries.
Cost
The cloud has made setting up and running businesses considerably cheaper. Rather than using fairly inexpensive cloud-based tools and storage as we have now, businesses would have to buy or develop any software needed for the business, plus purchase the infrastructure to run it on. Not forgetting the cost of hiring IT staff to keep the systems running smoothly.
Without the cloud, many virtual or small to medium-size businesses will go from being constrained to particular locations to having the ability to work internationally due to lowered overhead costsand ability to work anywhere in the world wherever there is an internet connection.
The ROI is clear when it comes to cloud computing. Businesses have become more agile, responsive and cost-effective, and in many cases small enterprises have been able to compete alongside larger organisations on a level playing field.
Cloud computing affords any business the same facilities (as long as a company is prepared to pay the necessary subscriptions and fees), and this has seen a seismic shift in working patterns.
We are just a few years into cloud computing and already the working world has become hugely dependent on its capabilities. On that basis, it is hard to imagine how our working practices will have changed in another 5 or 10 years. Will office working be a thing of the past? And will paper still be used at all?
