Earlier, applications or programs were run from software downloaded on a physical computer in the building, but cloud computing gives access to the same kinds of applications through the internet.
According to IDC, Cloud computing spending is growing at 4.5 times the rate of IT spending since 2009 and is expected to grow at better than 6 times the rate of IT spending from 2015 through 2020.
And the reason for this rise in investment in cloud computing? 74% of Tech Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) say cloud computing will have the most measurable impact on their business in 2017.
Why are businesses migrating to the cloud?
Increase in Productivity
The biggest benefit of the cloud to mobile users is the ability to work from anywhere. Your team will be able to access business software tools anytime from anywhere through the cloud.
Google Apps for Work and Microsoft Office 365 are popular business cloud platforms integrate a complete suite of collaboration tools into a package exclusively tailored for mobile employees. Now, it is easy for small businesses which are using Google and Microsoft programs to migrate to the cloud easily as their cloud interfaces are quite familiar.
Though you need an internet connection to work on the cloud, many platforms have offline modes also. You can do the work offline, and all the changes will sync up once you connect to the internet again.
Streamline Human Resources
Now, HR departments can work more efficiently with the help of cloud-based human resources tools. Earlier, HR departments relied on manual data entry and review which did not only drain resources, including money but also took much time to derive results.
When it comes to Cloud HR software, it eliminates most of the paperwork by streamlining processes, for example, tracking timesheets, scheduling sick leave, PTO and calculating payroll taxes, and onboarding new employees.
Many established companies such as SAP and Oracle have developed comprehensive systems, while many startups like Cornerstone and SilkRoad offer niche solutions to perform various functions like talent management.
Automate Accounting
Many small businesses often stumble when it comes to cash flow management and bookkeeping, revealing an Achilles’ heel because they can not afford to expose. Fortunately, some cloud-based solutions are excellent that keep accounting manageable.
For example, Intuit QuickBooks Online (QBO)automates accounting functions like invoicing, payroll, and payable and receivable accounts. From sales transactions to business expenses and inventory, all the data can be automatically uploaded to the cloud. Automated accounting eliminates manual data entry which saves time and minimizes costly clerical errors.
Automate accounting enhances your remote work capability as you can manage your company finances from anywhere and can even accept mobile payments.
Hassle-Free Security
Security is the primary concern for small businesses during their migration to the cloud, but cloud service providers are outfitted with security far more sophisticated as compared to services offered by an on-site IT department.
The top cloud services provider, for example, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce offer security solutions like data encryption, firewall, virus detection, and multi-factor authentication all designed for your data security.
These companies take security on priority and are prepared to tackle online security issues like cyber attacks that might arise.Companies run their applications in the cloud without any fear of downtime.
If you want to alleviate your cloud worries, then educate your team about the cloud. You can also provide training like AWS training to your team and certify their skills in cloud computing.
As soon as your company understands the extent of risk mitigation, physical security, backup, and recovery these companies are capable of, the team will feel confident about their decision to migrate to the cloud.
Customise Scalability
Business requirements and conditions change regularly, and cloud gives you the freedom to scale up or down your businesses quickly. For example, if you anticipate the increase in sales or a sudden spike in a number of users, you are likely to require more servers. Your cloud provider can offer more servers and bigger bandwidth according to your requirements to manage the spike, for as long as you need. When you don’t require or in case of downtime, you can revert to cloud service provider using less. Either way, you experience higher flexibility to scale with the cloud, and you pay for what you use thus eliminating upfront investments.With this model, you can customise what you need when you need it at any point in time.
If you and your team are ready to embrace the wave of cloud computing, start by assessing your requirements and goals, find areas where your workflow is inefficient and cluttered, then choose your cloud partner that can cater for your needs.