Business migration into the cloud has been one of the most boggling innovations of the last decade. Cloud computing has revolutionised the world of information technology. Cloud computing refers to the provision of IT infrastructure, operating software, middleware, and applications hosted in a data centre. It can be accessed on demand by the end-users via the internet.
Cloud computing offers three primary service models that businesses opt to streamline their growth processes.
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): This model allows businesses to access on-demand IT hardware like servers, data centre space, and system administrators. It helps save a considerable chunk of money buying and building their in-house data centre.
- Platform as a service (PaaS): This model allows app developers to create, run, and manage applications without requiring complex infrastructure associated with launching an application.
- Software as a service (SaaS): SaaS model provides licensing and delivering centrally hosted software via the internet on a subscription basis to businesses and end-users. A typical example of SaaS is a web-based email subscription.
As per a forecast, the global cloud computing market was valued at $368.97 billion in 2021. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2022 to 2030.
Cloud-based services offer a scalable and reliable infrastructure specifically designed to streamline business performance and support growth. Now, let’s understand in detail why shifting your business to the cloud can be a game-changer:
- Cost-efficient
One of the most significant advantages of migrating to the cloud is the IT operational cost savings. Cloud offers remote servers that eliminate the need for in-house storage application requirements. Also, it covers overhead expenses like software updates, new hardware, and data storage are covered as per your contract.
Cloud services are much cheaper than setting up the whole infrastructure as they are typically deployed on a pay-per-use basis. It guarantees a higher return on investment as you pay only for business-critical necessities.
- Better customer experience
Customer experience is crucial for your business as users expect companies to be more attentive to their specific needs. Cloud computing solutions empower businesses to deliver better services and maintain the standard level of customer service. Businesses that prioritise the customer experience gain early success by establishing long-term relationships with users.
Cloud adoption boosts the experience for customers, employees, and ecosystem partners for a business by
- Providing an omnichannel experience
- Reduction in response time
- Real-time interaction with customers
- Higher flexibility
Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword in the modern business world, but it is necessary to grow your business over time. Your customers’ needs are frequently changing, and companies must be able to adapt to these changes. Cloud provides high flexibility as it offers unlimited bandwidth and storage space to ascend or descend as per business requirements.
With this, you don’t need to invest money in purchasing or installing additional equipment instantly, saving ample money. It also improves workplace flexibility as the team can access applications and data from a remote location.
- Enhanced secured environment
Every business contains critical information that is must to protect from unauthorised access. Cloud computing solutions offer centralised security with robust architecture that allows efficient security controls to be embedded over multiple layers.
Cloud service providers generally give clients the freedom to determine their security implementation. Working in an enhanced security environment helps organisations achieve lower upfront costs, lower administrative costs, and ongoing operational costs. Also, it increases reliability and improves DDoS protection.
- Builds better communication between team
Cloud services established efficient communication channels between the groups and communities with access to the same data. Colleagues, clients, or third-party contractors can access files in real-time via the cloud removing the communication limitations of old infrastructure.
With cloud integration, you can streamline efficient processes, manage deadlines, and work output increases in less time. Employees can quickly and easily access information and collaborate with teams and key stakeholders. You can acquire solutions that offer various functionalities under one umbrella, such as messaging, business phone calls, video meetings, etc.
- Reliable continuity
One of the greatest fears of modern businesses is downtime. There could be various reasons for downtime, like power outage, system collapse, or natural disasters. Companies need to assure continuity, and cloud services offer reliable progression independent of what may come. The data stored is stored in the cloud and is accessible as long as you have a stable internet connection.
A cloud is designed so that data stored is mirrored across various servers. If one server fails, data can be easily backed up from another server. Rapid data recovery ensures a reduction in downtime and loss of productivity.
- Higher scalability
As a business expands, so will your IT requirements. A growing organisation will require more storage space and bandwidth to cope with increasing traffic. Cloud solutions are designed to optimise the overall efficiency of the system. You can scale up or down its performance, resources, and functionalities according to the user’s needs.
Cloud computing generally offers two types of scaling that businesses can choose from:
- Horizontal scaling:
You can scale by adding more machines into cloud architecture so that they work as a single unit.
- Vertical scaling:
It involves scaling the power of the existing machines in terms of CPU, RAM, and storage.
- Easier mobility
In the era of working remotely, mobility is paramount. Working from home isn’t just restricted to the house, but it’s expanded to shops, countryside workstations, or other places. Businesses need to understand that mobility is among the top cloud computing trends that they must watch out for.
Cloud computing supports the trends and allows a flexible environment where data is stored, updated, and accessed via the internet. So, all your business needs a strong internet connection, and the work processes will be streamlined with efficient communication.
- Disaster management
System failures are too common, especially in the case of traditional IT infrastructure. Companies spend a hefty amount planning for disaster recovery. With cloud-based services, organisations need not need complex disaster recovery plans as it ensures recovery is made much faster. It is easier as the vital data is stored off-site in third-party centres ensuring fast retrieval after uncertain events.
- Automated software updates
Businesses working on the traditional methods of owning IT infrastructure have to bear additional costs like software upgrades. Software updates can take hours and a business might end up spending higher updation costs. Cloud service providers (CSPs) take responsibility for software updates, saving time, money, and energy for businesses. Automated software updates free the business resources so it focuses on other aspects.
Conclusion
The cloud computing revolution has genuinely transformed the business landscape, and more businesses are shifting to cloud services. The versatile profit-churning technology has become necessary for businesses of all sizes to sustain an edge over their competitors. Moving your business to the cloud will be a game-changer as it brings flexibility and scalability into business processes. It also helps gain a sustainable competitive advantage in an evolving global marketplace.
