Small and midsize businesses have a variety of tasks to juggle to keep operations running smoothly. When it comes to IT and technology, smaller companies may not have...
Many business practices change over time, but few have the potential to radically alter how we live and work. Cloud computing is one innovation that’s not only here to stay, but it transforms many businesses into highly efficient organizations.
As an industry, cloud computing is valued in the billions of dollars, and that growth is only projected to keep increasing. For modern businesses, staying relevant and competitive means leveraging cloud computing innovations skillfully.
Keep reading to learn more about how cloud computing is changing business—from small shifts to major advancements in the way companies handle, process, and work with data.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing involves the delivery and availability of computer systems and digital resources. As a broad category of computing practice, cloud computing can involve tasks related to:
- Data storage and warehousing
- Computing power
- Servers
- Networking
- Maintenance systems
- Analytics
- Data Intelligence
Cloud computing is especially essential for enterprises because it promotes economies of scale and business growth. For this reason (and many others), migrating to the cloud can have numerous positive benefits on the trajectory of a company.
Impact of Cloud Computing on Business
Cloud computing has many effects on the business world. These impacts are related to data (both storage and usage), information security, financial activity, and modern technological innovation.
Because cloud computing has continued to grow and accelerate over the past decade, it’s important for a modern business to understand how to fully leverage its potential.
Below are just a few of the ways that cloud computing is changing the business world, particularly in a digital economy.
Cost Savings
If it weren’t for cloud computing, many businesses would be faced with the hefty cost of paying for and installing on-site data storage. Not only does on-premise data storage require advanced hardware and software, but it also means paying for the technical expertise needed to install and maintain it.
Cloud computing offers an edge when it comes to costs and budgeting. While there is an expense of paying for a cloud platform or provider, these fees are often predictable, transparent, and reasonable.
Increased Efficiencies
One of the most prominent ways that cloud computing alters the business world is through digital transformation. Digital transformation is the process of bringing business in line with the latest technologies, trends, standards, and even digital regulations or legislation.
Cloud computing makes digital transformation more realistic by making improvements to things like communication, networking, sharing, and operations. Simple processes are more efficient than ever, freeing up valuable time and resources for other priorities.
Flexibility and Mobility
In a remote work society, global corporations need flexibility when it comes to where, how, and when employees are able to work. Cloud computing makes this type of independence possible, regardless of physical location.
With secure access and credentials, cloud computing offers the ability to sign in securely from anywhere. Streamlined processes are available across a variety of devices (including mobile), making it easy to be flexible and agile.
Data Protection
It’s understandable that many people have concerns when it comes to cybersecurity risk mitigation. Cloud providers are highly skilled at security, including knowing what to do for recovery and crisis response. As a result, cloud-based businesses are better equipped to respond to modern data threats.
How Does Cloud Computing Affect Business Intelligence?
According to technology giant IBM, cloud computing is one of the primary building blocks of business intelligence. This is because cloud computing provides a way to see and store many different types of data, particularly structured and unstructured.
Analysts often use these models to consider the past while strategically planning for the future. Because of cloud computing’s scalability, the potential to study data at specific points in time is more possible than ever before.
This means that cloud computing holds great promise for businesses that want a more intelligent, data-backed view of how far they’ve come and where they want to go next.
Why Cloud Computing is Important
By now, you can see why cloud computing is an important part of future-forward business planning. Not only does cloud computing change the way that companies maintain everyday operational processes, but its reach also extends to concepts like:
- Data processing and storage
- Third-party vendor usage
- Data privacy regulations
- Data migrations
- IT Infrastructure
Conclusion
No matter what your business growth goals are, staying up-to-date on current trends and best practices is essential. Not only does this help your organization achieve growth over time, but it also allows you to upgrade the essential systems that make conducting business possible in the first place.
Reach out to MicroTech Systems today to learn more about our reliable cloud IT services. We’ll help you elevate your business with cloud computing strategies and provide solutions that create real impact.
