Benefits of the Cloud: Why Your Business Data Should Be Stored Virtually
Cloud computing is no longer a new and exciting piece of technology. It’s everywhere you look, from your email accounts to the mobile games you play on your phone.
It’s so ubiquitous now that the average person in America will interact with 36 cloud-based services per day.
Has your business taken advantage of the benefits of the cloud? If not, you’re missing out on a host of capabilities that modern businesses rely on.
Read on to find out how virtual servers could take your company to the next level.
Convenience and Efficiency
The number one advantage of cloud computing is something that we all rely on in the digital era: convenience.
With so many business owners taking their work on the road and employees working remotely, it’s vital to be able to access data from wherever you are. Setting up a cloud network lets anyone with valid credentials login to do their work from a coffee shop, airport, or the beach.
Being able to work on-the-go boosts productivity and makes keeping in sync with your colleagues much more efficient.
Security and Disaster Recovery
No matter how much time we spend preparing for the worst, Mother Nature has a way of catching us off guard.
Storing all your data on physical servers in your office means you could lose it all if a natural disaster strikes. If a fire, tornado, flood, or earthquake hits, it doesn’t matter how many backup copies you had on external hard drives—they’re likely to get destroyed.
The weather isn’t the only thing that can attack, though.
Data thieves and hackers love it when you keep your information stored on an unencrypted physical server. Not only could they break in and physically steal your backups, but they can also hold your data hostage in a ransomware attack.
Even if you don’t get hit by theft or a storm, all it takes is a spilled cup of coffee to damage years’ worth of sensitive data. Cloud servers always keep a current copy of your data safe from disaster—human and natural alike.
The Cost of the Cloud
One of the largest cloud computing advantages is the dynamic pricing scale.
This means you only pay for the exact amount of users and storage space your business needs, keeping you from wasting money on extra features. Many cloud companies will even let you scale your plan up and down on a monthly basis.
For example, the NetSuite cost of operation starts at $999 per month for a small business on a budget. If your business grows, you could upgrade to the $2,500 per month plan that’s designed for a company with enterprise-level needs.
Many companies start with much lower costs, and some enterprise packages go well over the $2,500 price point. Do your research to find an option that matches your budget and computing requirements.
Remember that the amount you spend to keep your data safe in the cloud is less than you would spend to recover it after a disaster.
What Benefits of the Cloud Would Help Your Business Grow?
If you’re still only trusting physical servers to hold and protect your data, you’re leaving it vulnerable to attack.
Not only that, but you’re missing out on convenient access that could boost your team’s efficiency. It’s time to take advantage of all the benefits of the cloud and let virtual computing work for you.
For more insight into how tech can support your business ventures, make sure to read through the other content on our site.
