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Given that cloud computing is one of the hottest terms in modern business, it is important for companies to understand what it means and the benefits it can bring. In simple terms, cloud computing means getting computing services delivered via the internet. Instead of buying hardware and installing software on their own machines, companies can pay a subscription to use cloud computing services.
Cloud Computing in the Modern Business Era
It is difficult to overstate the importance of cloud computing to business today. The vast majority of businesses use some form of cloud computing. For example, businesses use cloud computing services to store data, manage their emails, enable better communication between teams of employees, and allow employees to collaborate on documents.
Some cloud computing providers specialize in providing software suites that enable businesses to carry out their daily operations as easily and conveniently as possible. Businesses reap the benefits of these platforms through increased security and productivity.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
There are many advantages that businesses can gain from using cloud computing services. Three of the most important advantages come in the form of improved productivity, security and collaboration.
Productivity Advantages of Cloud Computing
For most businesses, the primary reason to switch from on-premise to cloud computing is to increase productivity. Cloud-based editing tools allow employees to continue working on their reports, presentations, and spreadsheets from anywhere in the world, which means their productivity remains high even when they are out of the office.
Security Advantages of Cloud Computing
In the early days of cloud computing, businesses worried about the security implications of handing their data over to a third party. However, today experts believe that storing sensitive data in the cloud is likely to be safer than keeping it in an in-house environment. Cloud providers have invested huge amounts of resources in securing their systems, whereas individual businesses often do not have the skills or budget available to achieve the same level of security.
Studies back up this belief. There are more cyber incidents affecting users of on-premises environments compared to cloud service users. Businesses are more likely to suffer brute force attacks on their on-premises IT systems, and the costs of dealing with those incidents could be much higher.
Collaboration Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cloud collaboration tools can make it easier than ever for employees to work together on projects, even if they are located in different departments or even in branch offices in different parts of the world. Using cloud-based editing software, employees can make and view changes to a document in real time, without having to deal with multiple saved versions of the same document being passed back and forth via email.
How to Choose a Cloud Computing Provider
There are three main cloud computing providers for businesses to choose between. For many years, Microsoft and Dropbox have dominated the market, but now Amazon Web Services also has a large customer base. Here is a summary of what each cloud computing provider can offer.
Dropbox
As a cloud-based storage platform for both businesses and consumers, Dropbox is what many businesses use to meet their data storage needs. In addition to keeping data secure, using Dropbox can also be a cost-effective option compared to purchasing hardware for data storage.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud-based platform is growing in popularity among businesses. Whereas once businesses had to buy the latest version of Microsoft Office and replace it with the newer version whenever it became out of date, today in exchange for a monthly fee they can access Microsoft Office tools online using any device.
AWS
Amazon’s AWS platform aims to offer a flexible and scalable solution for modern businesses. Companies can select from a range of packages to get access to the online productivity tools and data storage facilities they need.
Cloud Computing and IT Support Companies
For many businesses, the best way to start using cloud computing is to contact an IT support company. GXA is an example of an IT support company that has helped many businesses set up useful and reliable cloud computing environments. GXA can also help with managing a cloud computing environment.
For example, GXA helped Lanvera to update its IT systems. GXA carried out an audit, which found many issues with the organization’s existing systems, and created a stable hybrid cloud environment that allowed the business to operate efficiently.
When businesses contact GXA, the first step GXA takes is always to find out what the needs of the business are. GXA then selects a cloud computing service provider that can meet those needs, sets up the new cloud environment, and helps the business get started with using the cloud environment to manage their everyday IT needs.
Of course, the support provided by an IT support company doesn’t stop once the cloud environment is up and running. GXA provides ongoing support to ensure that all the business’s IT needs are met. With the peace of mind provided by knowing they have services they can rely on, businesses are able to focus on their core operations, expanding the scope and reach of their activities to thrive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.