Nearly 75% of global IT decision-makers believe 95% of all workloads will exist on the cloud before 2025. In fact, cloud spending could increase by 37% among all industries. With cloud computing, you could give your business the boost it needs.
What is the cloud, exactly, and how can it benefit your business? Keep reading to find out.
After reading this guide, you can make a more informed decision regarding your company’s future. Cloud computing could give you a competitive edge within the next few years. Without it, however, you could risk falling behind the competition.
Read on to discover the amazing benefits of cloud computing today!
Table of Contents
What is the Cloud?
First, let’s answer the question that brought you here: what is the cloud?
Most businesses own all of their computing infrastructure on-site. Others have started using data centers. Data centers allow businesses to rent access to storage, applications, and other needs.
With cloud computing, you won’t have to keep massive amounts of hardware on-site anymore. Instead, you can access what you need using a cloud service provider.
Keeping your entire infrastructure on-site can lead to unnecessary upfront costs. You’ll need to handle the complexity of maintaining the equipment and infrastructure, too. You might have to hire additional staff members to manage and improve the infrastructure as well.
With cloud computing, however, you’ll only pay for the services you need. You can develop a customized plan based on your company’s unique goals. Customizing your computer cloud services can help you cut costs.
You can choose between different services, too, including storage, processing power, and networking.
Switching to the cloud means you’ll no longer need to house equipment on-site. You won’t have to remain physically close to the hardware.
Instead, you can access everything remotely, through the cloud.
Infrastructure Types
When asking the question “what is the cloud,” it helps to look into your serverless options. You can choose between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Each infrastructure allows you to customize your cloud computing plan with specific needs in mind.
For example, you might want to consider IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service. This plan is managed over the internet. It’s also called an instant computing infrastructure. It includes lift-and-shift migrations, testing, and development processes, data storage, backup, and recovery, and web app support. Integrating IaaS into the working process allows businesses to pay providers for services like data storage and network resources. This prevents businesses from avoiding paying for the services they don’t need. However, PaaS includes development tools, operating systems, business analytics, and database management.
With IaaS, you can scale the services you need. Scaling will ensure you only pay for services you need and use. You can use IaaS for:
- High-performance computing
- Website hosting
- Web apps
- Big data analysis
- Storage, backups, and recovery
- Creating testing and development environments
If you need to use cloud-based apps through the internet, consider Software as a Service (Saas). SaaS allows businesses to access emails, calendars, and other office tools. It can help if you have a CRM, too.
Otherwise, consider Platform as a Service (PaaS). PaaS is a development and deployment environment.
It’s ideal for the complete web application lifestyle. You can build, test, and deploy your web apps. You can also access business intelligence, development, and middleware tools.
You can check out this page to learn more about updating your business.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is the cloud,” let’s look into how it can benefit your business. Here are a few benefits of cloud computing to consider if you’re on the fence about making the switch.
1. Work Remotely
More businesses started working remotely in light of the outbreak. As a result, more businesses also made the switch to cloud computing. Cloud computing will allow your entire team to work and collaborate from anywhere in the world.
You won’t have to worry about accessing your files from your offices anymore. Instead, you can access everything through the cloud.
At the same time, you can cut unnecessary operational costs. Your team can work from the comfort of their own homes instead.
You can use your cloud-based system to encourage collaborative projects. Your team can work together on the same documents in real-time.
Instead of project delays, they can remain efficient and on time.
2. Simple Backups
You don’t need backup drivers to save your data anymore. Instead, consider cloud computing services. You can backup your company’s files straight to the cloud.
Otherwise, a virus, hack, or even power outage could cause you to lose essential files.
With cloud computing, you won’t have to worry. Automated backups will give you peace of mind if there’s ever an emergency.
3. Increased Flexibility
Cloud technology can also give your team additional flexibility. You can add certain tools to your infrastructure. You can also change your bandwidths and storage space to ensure your team is equipped with what they need.
4. Cut Costs
Many businesses are also switching to the cloud to cut costs.
Maintaining equipment on-site can become expensive and time-consuming. You’ll have to train and hire an IT expert to handle the equipment, too. Meanwhile, your storage equipment will take up space within your offices.
That’s space you can dedicate to new employees.
Instead, work with a cloud computing company. They’ll handle the storage and equipment for you, allowing you to save money.
5. Improved Security
Switching to the cloud can improve your company’s security, too.
In fact, about 94% of businesses report improvements to their security after switching to the cloud. You could protect your business from a hack or cyberattack.
Protecting your business today could benefit your brand for years to come.
6. Scalability
If your company starts growing, you’ll need to update your IT needs. If you start cutting back, you shouldn’t have to pay for equipment you’re not using.
With cloud computing, you can scale with ease! Scalability can improve your spending.
What is the Cloud?: 6 Benefits of Getting Your Head and Business Up in the Clouds
To recap, what is the cloud, exactly? Cloud computing will allow you to access your files from anywhere in the world. You can remain flexible and scale your business with ease.
Meanwhile, you’ll have an easier time protecting your business from potential cyberattacks or ransomware.
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