As businesses are becoming more dependent on computers, they are constantly looking for new solutions that enable them to perform their computing tasks more efficiently.
One computing solution that has gained tremendous popularity among businesses around the world is the cloud. The cloud opens up a whole new world of possibilities for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to save substantial time, effort and money.
Here are the main benefits of adopting cloud computing:
Better Security
By storing data in the cloud instead of a physical device, it will be much easier for you to backup and recover your data.
With cloud computing, your data will be replicated in real time and stored in data centers that are highly secure. If you lose data due to unforeseen circumstances, you can recover it instantly.
Cost-Effectiveness
If you decide to use cloud computing, you do not have to invest in costly computer equipment and software.
Cloud services are generally affordable, and they come with several different payment options, ranging from pay-as-you-go to one-time-payment. Businesses that use the cloud typically save between 30 and 50 percent in total ownership costs.
Improved Efficiency
Another great benefit of cloud computing is that it allows your employees to work anytime, anywhere, as long as they have Internet access.
It can help minimize loss of productivity when a system downtime occurs or your employees are unable to make it to work because of bad weather or other emergencies.
Easier IT Management
Cloud computing can also make it easier for you to manage your company’s IT processes, because it is a fully-managed service.
If you encounter a problem, all you need to do is call your service provider to fix it for you.
Free Updates
With cloud computing, the task of updating and renewing software is performed by the service provider.
This will occur a few times every year at no additional cost. As such, you can rest assured that the user interface will always be up-to-date.
Quick Deployment
The amount of time needed to deploy a cloud computing solution depends on the type of technology you need.
In some instances, it only takes a few minutes to deploy a fully-functional system.
Increase in Cloud Adoption Among Businesses
According to the annual Future of Cloud Computing Survey, cloud adoption has increased significantly in 2013.
About 75 percent of the 855 people surveyed said that they are using some kind of cloud platform, which is eight percent higher than in 2012. Businesspeople and IT decision makers, which make up 68 percent of the respondents, expect to see greater use of cloud computing as a way to reduce total cost of ownership.
It is forecasted that the worldwide total addressable market for cloud computing will grow to $158.8 billion by 2014, a 126.5-percent increase from 2011.
While the cloud can benefit your business in many ways, it also comes with certain risks.
If you are planning to adopt cloud computing, it is essential that you do the necessary research to find the right solution for your business.
