Cloud computing lets your business save money, time and hassles. How? It includes the services like storage, server and data processing which are available over the Internet. To access these services, you need to just login to your cloud account.

This way, it minimises the need of servers, HDDS, space and staff to take care of the equipment. No wonder that 31% businesses are on cloud in Australia. This is why cloud computing can be a game changer for your business, especially if you are struggling with limited resources and dated equipment.

What are the Uses of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a virtual counterpart of the physical infrastructure like servers, PC and hard disk. All you need is an Internet enabled PC and cloud account to perform wide range of computing tasks like:

• Developing new apps, programs and services
• Storing, back up and recovering data
• Hosting websites and blogs
• Streaming audio and video
• Providing apps or software services on demand
• Analysing data

What are the Benefits of Cloud Computing for Your Small Business?

Let’s see how harnessing the power of cloud can benefit your small business:

Benefit #1: Reduced IT Expenditure

This is one of the obvious benefits of using cloud computing. Cloud computing lets you use storage, server and data processing resources. Consequently, you will see a decrease in rack space, power usage, staff and other computing requirements. It translates into lower installation, maintenance, hardware and repairing cost. And those savings are invaluable for your small business.

Benefit #2: Access from Anywhere, Anytime

No matter if you are on the run or on the holiday, you can access cloud services from anywhere, anytime to store, share and process your data. For example, you can share documents or make changes to the files while away from workplace.

Benefit #3: Backup and Disaster Proof

Cloud computing stores your data on remote and virtual servers. So there is no risk of hard disk being stolen, accidental data deletion and natural disaster. And you can easily retrieve your data from cloud storage.

Benefit #4: Providing Unlimited Storage

Cloud storage lets you store large amount of data on virtual servers depending on your plan. Besides, you can scale up or down your cloud storage space according to the amount of data in near future.

Benefit #5: Pay As Long As You Are Using Services

Generally, cloud services are available on pay per use. In simple words, they are available on rent. You can switch to another vendor as there are no longer contracts. Just subscribe to the services and pay as long as you are using it. Renting the services is dramatically cheaper than owning the products.

Benefit #6: Minimising the Cost of Updates and Maintenance

Your on-premises software and hardware require constant maintenance and upgrade, leading to more expenses and time consumption. Cloud computing frees you from such issues.

For example, you use the latest version of software or service in cloud. Besides, a good cloud vendor won’t charge you for maintenance and updates as it is already included in your subscription fees.

Benefit #7: Access to Latest Technology

With small budget and limited resources, it is not easy for small business to afford latest technology in networking and applications. A cloud vendor is likely to utilise advanced resources to win over the customers. As a result, you get an access to latest technology irrespective of the service plan you choose.

Benefit #8: Improved Security

Cloud is more secure than on-premise systems, which are easily accessible to everyone in your office. You also need to make sure that they keep in air conditioned location to prevent system crashes due to overheat.

Sometime your data may be transported to the wrong location rather than your off-site disaster recovery center. What will you do if your HDD or laptop carrying sensitive data is stolen? Cloud rules out the possibility of such risks.

All data transferred to the cloud is encrypted to protect it from being captured by cyber criminals. Viruses are detected while infected files automatically fail to backup, curbing the potent attack across your network. People only access your data when they have approved sign in.

Benefit #9: Collaboration and Document Control

When files or information are stored over the cloud, everyone has access to the same data in real time. Furthermore, you can collaborate with each employee on a report or listing of data. You don’t need to email it around. All modification and reviews are done on one central database of information. It will simplify your collaboration and synchronise the process.

So these are the benefits of using cloud computing for small business. Make sure to choose the right service provider which can meet you unique needs. Here are some quick tips to choose a right cloud vendor:

• Location of a cloud provider
• Cost
• Industry expertise
• Type of cloud services they provide
• Security measures they have
• Policy regarding data loss
• Customer support
• Experience
• Scaling of services

With these quick tips on your side, you know you are choosing the right vendor for your small business.