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When people hear about the cloud, they usually aren’t thinking about computers and data. That’s changing, though, as more and more data is being stored in the cloud. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, the cloud is a tool that can be beneficial to business. It is important for anyone who is considering the cloud as part of a business to understand the specifics of this arrangement.
What Is the Cloud?
The cloud is an off-site form of storage for your company data. Your company will have to choose between private cloud storage, public cloud storage or a hybrid model. Many businesses choose to use the hybrid model because it is cost-effective and still keeps data secure. In the case of private cloud storage, there is some on-site storage, but you have more control over the data and its storage. The public cloud is secure and is usually the least expensive model.
How Can Using the Cloud Help a Company’s Bottom Line?
Since you don’t have to spend a lot of money on physical storage methods for the data, the cost of keeping data in the cloud is considerably less than on-site storage methods, which would involve costly hardware. You will also save money by not needing a dedicated person to handle the data storage network and related problems. Instead, you only have to rely on the services provided by the cloud-based data storage company.
When Is the Cloud Beneficial for Collaborative Efforts?
Using the cloud for storage means that you can share information with employees and contractors anywhere. You have control over what is shared with whom, which means that you could divvy up project files according to who needs to work on them. Since the cloud is easily accessed from any location with internet, your employees can work remotely and still be able to collaborate on projects. This also means that, as your company grows, you won’t have to limit your team to only people within driving distance of your company.
What Are the Benefits to Owners and Managers?
Owners and managers benefit from businesses using the cloud because they can check records, such as sales slips, even when they are away from the business, as long as they have internet access. This gives managers and owners more flexibility in how they handle day-to-day operations, and it makes it possible to make changes on the fly if the situation warrants it. It might even encourage them to take time away from the physical location of the business to explore other ventures or get some much needed time off.
How Can Business Owners Be Sure Information Is Safe?
You must ensure that you are working with a cloud storage or computing company that has top-of-the-line encryption. The security measures should be consistent. You have to think about not only the storage of the information in the cloud but also the transmission to your devices and from your devices to the cloud. You certainly don’t need any confidential information being made public because of issues with your cloud storage or computing company.
Ultimately, using the cloud for a business is a good choice. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to gather information and complete projects at will and without the expense of trying to store everything on site.
Sources:
http://searchcloudstorage.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-storage