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Why Cloud Computing Is a No-Brainer for Small Businesses

June 20, 2016 by Lore Engineering Team

Cloud computing is a game changer for small businesses. Many small business owners have already taken advantage of it, from tiny corner stores to big tech startups. According to 2014’s Inuit study, 37 percent of small businesses in the United States have adapted to cloud computing, and by 2020, more than double (80 percent) of them will join them.

Cloud computing is taking over. Those who are slow at shifting over to the cloud will likely end up behind their competitors, where catching up could be nearly impossible. If falling behind the competition is not motivating enough, the following are more reasons why cloud computing is a no-brainer for small businesses.

Less Expensive

Cloud computing is less expensive than using self-hosted software such as Redmine and Collabtive, which saves small businesses a significant amount of money. With no software in use, businesses save money because:

  • The cloud takes up less rack space
  • It lowers power consumption
  • The cloud saves on IT employee costs
  • It does not require as much maintenance as software and servers

In addition to these benefits, users will not have to worry about high installation, upgrade, and support costs.

Increases Productivity

With data stored on the cloud accessible to users from many different devices, productivity increases. Users can see updated information, work on files together, and exchange data easily and quickly.

Fifty nine percent of companies that use the cloud see productivity benefits. When users are more productive, they will be able to complete more work in much less time. Since they are completing more work for you, they will likely end up making more money for you. Therefore, not only does cloud computing save money, but it can help users make more of it.

More Flexible

As mentioned, the cloud allows users to access data from any device with Wi-Fi. Forty percent of companies report that using the cloud has helped them to be more flexible, so they can work from many places. People can work wherever they want, whether it be on public transportation, at home, in a doctor’s office, or in a coffee shop.

Small business owners embrace the flexibility as well. They are able to check on what their employees are doing, work on growing their business, and see how their business is thriving. Owners are able to do more for a business when it is securely positioned on the cloud.

Better Integration Opportunities

With so many businesses moving to the cloud, the opportunities for integration are increasing. Cloud-based providers are offering more tools and services to simplify integration. These services can help businesses with human resources, accounting, marketing, and even back-office operations. For example, Microsoft has SQL server integration services that allow the copy, downloading, and sharing of files, sending emails for event, updating warehouses, cleaning and mining data, and much more. With more integration, users are able to do more in one place.

Reduces Risk

With all data stored on the cloud (off-site), hackers, viruses, and malware are less likely to attack cloud data. This is because of the high level of security of the cloud with encryption. Most computers do not have the highest level of security protection needs to keep their data safe. With the vulnerabilities computers have, it makes sense many businesses have elected to store all of their information on the cloud. When the information is off the computer in the cloud, they don’t have to worry as much.

Safer Data Storage

When data is stored on computers in an office building, it is vulnerable to natural disasters such as fire and flooding, as well as human threats such as theft. With all data stored on the cloud, a natural disaster or theft will not compromise the information. No matter what happens to your computers, all of the business’s important files are safe on the cloud.

Simple Storage Space Management

Cloud storage is easy to manage. If a business owner runs out of space, more can be purchased without interrupting productivity. Before cloud technology, IT workers had to worry about upgrading servers, which caused slowdowns or complete shutdowns. With the cloud, small businesses can continue their operations, even if they need to move up in storage space.

Meets Compliance Requirements

As cloud technology advances, many organizations are trusting and becoming more comfortable with the cloud. The security enhancements have shown compliance officers that sensitive information can be safely stored on the cloud. As an example, HIPAA has started regarding cloud computing as safe. They have HIPAA-certified cloud hosting providers, which address security requirements for the cloud. This ensures patient health information remains confidential.

Cloud Computing Is Essential for Small Businesses

The cloud ensures that your business can evolve and grow. By shifting to cloud computing, whether with a private or dedicated environment, small business owners can benefit from reduced costs, increased productivity, more flexibility, better integration, and higher security. No matter what industry you are in, cloud computing is essential to achieving business success.

For additional information on integrating and adopting cloud computing for your small business, contact us here.