How to Leverage Cloud Computing for Maximum Value

If you’re considering cloud computing solutions for your business, you’ve probably heard the benefits of cost savings, efficiency, and accessibility. But adding new technology for technology’s sake isn’t always the best approach. With any new or emerging technology, it’s important to step back and validate a purpose or reason for introducing it.

Through analysis, cloud consulting services may reveal that introducing cloud computing could positively impact your broader business goals and objectives. Here we’re diving into cloud computing solutions and how it supports common business goals.

What Is Cloud Computing Again?

The cloud is a service or software solution not hosted internally on a server or workstation. Cloud computing infrastructure is located at a datacenter or hosting provider. Users access an interface through desktop software or a web browser. This leaves all the administrative tasks of running the software to the service provider who ensures the data is safe and secure.

Previously, new technology tools required high capital expenditure for the software, customization, hardware, and deployment. While cloud computing doesn’t eliminate everything, it reduces costs and increases the speed of deployment. The main benefits include:

• Accessibility: Offers an affordable price-point for all with a per-user model.
• Global Access: Solutions are available wherever you are, whether you’re at the office, on the road, or traveling around the world. 
• Fast Deployment: Introducing new software can be achieved significantly faster.
• Scalability: It’s easy to add new users or devices by simply paying more.  

4 Ways Cloud Computing Helps Your Company Achieve Common Business Objectives

The following are a few ways cloud computing infrastructure can help your company achieve common business objectives.

1. Reduce Costs

Perhaps the most common reason a company moves to cloud technology is to reduce costs. It may allow a company to reduce the number of servers needed to run their business. For example, a company may use a traditional server-based accounting system and replace it with a hosted cloud-based solution. The business can then decommission the servers running an older system. The company reduces costs through energy savings, no longer needing to refresh the server environment, reducing staff to support the servers, and lowering stress on data protection or backup solutions.

2. Improved Functionality and Efficiency

The cloud also allows organizations to introduce technology solutions that were once cost prohibitive. For example, many companies can’t afford a traditional CRM solution but can afford a monthly subscription to a cloud-based CRM. As new technology emerges, cloud computing solutions allow for the faster introduction of new features and capabilities to improve the user experience.

3. Better Accessibility

No longer are we limited to working in the office. Now users can use software tools at home, on the road, or on an airplane. With many solutions being web-based, a user can access systems anywhere they have internet connectivity. Apps allow the software to be accessed on smartphones and tablets.

4. esilient to Disasters

Cloud computing is rapidly replacing onsite hard drive backup solutions protecting companies from on-premise disasters such as floods or fire. Data is now held in data centers with robust cloud-based backups to ensure your data is safer than locally configured server environments.

At Advanced Systems Group (ASG), we help you choose the right technologies for your business needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more.