In today’s digital world, cloud computing has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes. It offers a more flexible and cost-effective way to manage resources like servers, databases, and software by providing access over the internet, rather than relying on traditional in-house infrastructure. Whether you’re looking to reduce operational costs, improve security, or streamline collaboration, cloud computing provides a scalable and efficient solution.
In this blog, we’ll explore what is cloud computer, the benefits of embracing the cloud, its various applications, and how it can transform the way your business operates.
What is cloud computing
Cloud computing provides access to resources such as servers, data bases and software via the internet (otherwise known as the cloud) as opposed to having an in-house computing infrastructure that your company must maintain. Cloud computing is usually provided by an external company, like Quiss, on a pay as you go type service.
What are the benefits of cloud computing
Being an on-demand service, cloud computing services provide businesses with a host of benefits including:
Cost
By paying only for the services your company needs, you can lower the costs of new hardware and software. This also helps you avoid expensive data centres that you might have had on-site before.
Security
Cloud providers invest heavily in cyber security, and cloud computing uses methods such as encryption and 2 factor authentication systems to protect sensitive company data.
Accessibility
Cloud computing can be accessed with an internet connection in seconds. This means employees have full time access to important documents and software from any location, without the need of IT support. Following the surge of hybrid and remote working, it’s vital that business operations can still commence in the absence of an in-house IT department.
Collaboration
By being accessible to any member of the team, cloud computing allows for easy collaboration no matter the distance between employees. Operating within a centralised system allows employees to work together on the same documents and systems to avoid duplication and errors.
Scalability
Cloud computing allows businesses to expand their capabilities in seconds or scale back according to the needs of the business.
8 Applications of cloud computing
A lot of companies already use cloud computing in their everyday practices without even realising it. Here are 8 examples of cloud computing that your business could be utilising unknowingly:
Online Data Storage
Cloud computing gives protected access to your company’s data, like documents, images and audio in just a few clicks.
Storing this level of data on site would require a large amount of space and incur high running costs. Switching to cloud storage for your business allows users to access files with a login and collaborate on live documents together in a secure network. Quiss Technology use the Microsoft range of products for our customers to access important documents safely.
Big Data Analytics
Using cloud computing to access big data analytics is one of the other applications. Big data analytics is the process of gathering, processing, and analysing vast and complex datasets to uncover insights and derive value for various applications.
Data backups
Cloud computing eliminates data backup complications by streamlining the process at a reduced cost and with added security.Microsoft Azure provides the perfect platform for most businesses to backup important data and always have easy access to documents and files.
Disaster Recovery
Without a business continuity plan in place. 75% of businesses will fail to survive within 3 years of a disaster. With cloud computing, you can build your disaster recovery solution in the cloud, creating a replica of your systems, software and documents that are constantly backed up for a smooth transition if disaster strikes.
Data governance
Cloud computing puts businesses one step ahead of hackers and cyber security threats. Effective data governance and compliance are paramount for organisations to maintain trust, mitigate risks, and adhere to industry regulations.
Communication
In the past we’ve used Skype, WhatsApp and now Microsoft Teams at work, all of which are examples of cloud-based communication apps. Any files and messages sent via these applications are securely saved in the cloud.
Business Management Applications
Your customer relationship management system (or CRM) is likely be cloud held database; this is another example of cloud computing. You may be using a system such as Salesforce to record customer data or utilise the Microsoft Azure database every day to access important data.
Software Testing & Development
Cloud computing enables software developers to work collaboratively, efficiently and securely across different environments and devices. Users can test, deploy and maintain software applications easily within their on-demand cloud platform. It’s a transformative approach to how businesses manage, store and process data.
By leveraging the cloud, companies can reduce costs, improve security, enhance accessibility and streamline collaboration, all while scaling their operations effortlessly. With diverse applications ranging from data storage and backups to communication and software development, cloud computing serves as a potent tool for modern businesses looking to stay securely ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital landscape.
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