Whether for convenience, security, or the growing need to accommodate remote and hybrid workers, many businesses are shifting their operations to the cloud. For employees, this means that whether they’re at home, in the office, on a business trip, or visiting a client, they can access precisely what they need when they need it. For business owners, it means tapping into a host of powerful benefits.
In this article, we’re focusing specifically on the cloud-derived benefits that can help your business become more competitive. Before diving into the details, we’ll start with a clear definition of cloud technology and what it encompasses. If you’re already confident in your understanding of the cloud, feel free to skip this section and jump straight to the benefits below.
What Is Cloud Technology?
Put simply, cloud technology is a delivery model for IT services. Through the cloud, you’re able to harness the resources you need on-demand, deploying and utilising storage, processing power, and other technologies. This is made possible by the use of remote servers that store, manage, and access data via the internet rather than on local drives. When we talk about cloud computing, we’re referring more specifically to the remote servers you’re accessing and the databases and software that run on those servers.
When you take advantage of cloud computing in your business, you free yourself from the burden of having to maintain physical servers yourself. As you can imagine, this can be highly beneficial in and of itself. However, the benefits extend far beyond the freedom from management and maintenance needs and costs.
The flexibility of cloud computing paves the way for faster innovation and ease of movement when it comes to scaling up or down. If you work with a Managed IT Services Provider like Invotec, you’ll receive a tailored package, ensuring you only ever pay for the cloud services you actually use. So, while improving your agility and the efficiency of your IT infrastructure, you’re also reducing your operating costs.
With the foundations covered, let’s dive a little deeper into the advantages of cloud technology and reveal how they can help you outshine your competition.
Adopting Cloud Technology Can Save You Money
One of the most substantial benefits of cloud computing is the reduction in IT costs. By upgrading to the cloud, you eliminate the upfront costs of buying hardware and software. You can also say farewell to the ongoing expenses involved in setting up and running onsite data centres. Servers are sensitive beasts, requiring round-the-clock electricity for power and cooling. Then, of course, there are the costs involved in hiring IT experts to manage your already expensive infrastructure.
What if you don’t have servers – will the cloud still save you money? The short answer is yes.
The more detailed answer is that cloud-based business technologies can save your business money by giving you access to scalable and versatile IT services. As mentioned in the section above, when you outsource your IT needs to a cloud services provider, you should get a bespoke package that covers the specific elements you need. This frees you from the need to purchase expensive IT architecture while giving you scope to adjust your package as needed to accommodate changes in your business.
All that money you’re saving on IT costs can be funnelled into marketing, product development, customer service, web design, and other areas of your business that will help you stand out from your competition. With a smooth and reliable cloud-based system underpinning it all, you’ll also provide customers with a superior user experience (UX) that keeps them coming back for more.
Does this sound like something your business could benefit from? Visit Invotec’s cloud services page to learn more about the most cost-effective way to take advantage of cloud technology.
Cloud Computing Can Help You Scale with Ease
Building from the last point, cloud computing gives you access to scalable and versatile IT services. You can start small with a bespoke package of basic services. As your business grows, you’ll be in constant contact with your MSP, ensuring you expand your core services at just the right time to facilitate growth.
If your industry is highly seasonal, you can scale up your cloud services in preparation for key times of the year and then scale back when it’s time to keep expenses low. The beauty of this approach is that it allows for the inevitable ups and downs of business growth. For example, if you experience major growth followed by a slow period, you won’t be left with a newly-purchased system that you no longer need. Instead, you can adjust your cloud services to keep pace with the trajectory of your business.
Cloud technology has flexibility baked into its core design, so you can react almost instantly to new business opportunities. For example, when our clients contact us to request access to new resources, cloud storage solutions, or automations, we’re able to respond instantly, giving them access to the tech they need to make moves in the market before their competition.
Cloud Technology Improves Collaboration and Productivity
Cloud-based collaboration tools enable team members to work on the same documents online, regardless of their location. This can enhance the quality of work your team is able to produce while simultaneously decreasing the amount of time it takes them to do it.
The cloud truly shines as a brainstorming forum, allowing ideas to flow freely as productive conversations take place. It also empowers your team to be far more agile and responsive with clients. For example, if a sales executive receives feedback from a prospective client, they can send it through to the design team who can adjust the pitch while the meeting is still in progress. This result would feel near-instant to the prospect, who may be impressed enough to become a loyal customer.
Effectively deployed cloud-based collaboration can stimulate powerful growth for your team, improving their engagement, productivity, and perseverance. Add cloud-based project management tools to the mix, and your team will be able to organise, share, and delegate tasks with ease. You’ll also have a clear snapshot of what your people are working on at any given time, making it easier to allocate resources and manage productivity levels.
Cloud Security Can Keep Your Business Data Safe
According to a 2020 study conducted by the International Data Group, 94% of business owners who adopt cloud computing claim that it significantly improved their cybersecurity standards. Around 91% explained that it also helped them consistently adhere to the compliance requirements of their respective industries.
As we’ve seen from the seemingly endless stream of data breaches over the last few years, customer loyalty hinges significantly on the trusting relationship you build with them by keeping their sensitive information safe. If you want to stand out from the competition, robust data security should be foundational to your approach.
Cloud security is particularly valuable on this front as it is backed by an arsenal of strategies and practices designed to keep cloud-hosted data and applications safe. At Invotec, our approach to cloud security is founded on our promise of 24/7 monitoring and support. Our team restricts unwanted access, using firewalls and robust encryption methods to secure all data stored in the cloud. You’ll have secure access control and data recovery and backup options covering you in case of data loss.
As a well-established Melbourne-based MSP, Invotec has a strong track record for delivering high-quality cloud services to Australian businesses of all sizes. We take the time to listen to your needs, goals, and concerns before developing a customised plan that works for your budget. If you’re ready to harness the power of the cloud and start standing out from your competitors, contact Invotec today for an obligation-free consultation.
