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Have you ever worked remotely? In 2020, the answer is probably yes. Remote working has become increasingly popular in correlation with the availability of new technology which allows employees in a range of roles to work entirely from their own home - or indeed from a coffee shop, beach, hotel or airport lounge. A 2016 Harvard study suggested that Americans agreed they would accept an 8% pay cut if it meant they could work from home. In 2020, the unexpected happened, forcing businesses to operate remotely. Surprisingly, despite the rocky circumstances, many businesses found that this new model worked for them - and much of this success is down to the genius of cloud computing.
When your business thrives, it’s time to take stock about what you are doing right. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been pretty clear that a successful business year has been very hard to come by for most companies. Without face to face contact, businesses around the world have had to find a new way to operate, creating a surge in usage of cloud computing models which make work more accessible from any device.
In this blog, you will find advice, information and the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing for large enterprise businesses. Let’s get to it!
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
When you hear the word ‘Cloud’ in a digital context, you might automatically think of iCloud, the Apple model which uploads your photos and documents from your phone into your Cloud database. This means you can access your photographs and documents from any device into which you enter your Apple ID. This is a great example of how cloud computing works on an individual level; simple accessibility which only requires an internet connection to access your files.
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So how does cloud computing expand to an enterprise level? Of course, popular cloud computing programs like Dropbox and Google Slides will allow you to access files using the internet - the simplest things we take for granted, such as email, are also examples of cloud computing. Further from this, many large companies such as Netflix have begun to move into cloud computing - not using these free services, but paying a monthly package fee to companies such as Oracle who provide cloud computing servers for specific companies. This provides a private, company-wide online database for all files and interactions which creates an accessible and simple hub for all employees to work within. These packages are tailored to the needs of the business and include IT support and flexibility.
Examples of Cloud Computing Products
What are some examples of cloud computing products which operate on a global scale for businesses? Let’s take a look.
Oracle Converged Policy Solution. Oracle has lead the way in helping businesses converge policies within 3G, 4G and now 5G, allowing businesses to access their database simply and securely within any network.
Mailchimp. A highly popular marketing automation platform, Mailchimp is the top choice for many smaller businesses around the world when it comes to outsourcing their marketing to one simple platform.
Google Drive. One of the most widely used platforms for basic file storage and sharing is Google Drive.
Amazon Web Services. Amazon does more than sell products and ebooks! Utilizing this service will help your company with all of its cloud computing needs.
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How can I implement cloud computing in my business?
So you’re sold on cloud computing. How do you implement it for your business? The first thing to assess is your company’s cloud computing needs. Here are a few things to consider when making this assessment.
The level of security required. If your company deals in high-level cybersecurity of confidential documents such as medical records, banking or political data, it is essential to factor this into your choice of cloud computing server provider. If you are concerned about the cybersecurity levels of cloud computing, ensure to discuss this in full with the service providers you are considering, to maximise your knowledge of how they can provide your company with watertight security.
The number of employees who will be using the service. If you are a small business, you may not choose to invest in a widespread, high-tech cloud computing server; this may cost more than your internal server budget. However, if your business operates globally or is shifting into a larger market, consider how you can more easily allow your employees to work remotely using a larger cloud computing server provider.
The company budget. Internal servers provide excellent productivity and efficiency if your company operates out of an office; but with offices closed, is there another way? Many companies are choosing to close up their tenancies in expensive office spaces and move to remote working, enabling them to choose an efficient and high end cloud computing server.
The level of risk. In general, due to the fact that cloud computing operates online, the cybersecurity risks can be higher. This means that your company could be more vulnerable to hackers and data protection breaches when you move to the cloud. Assess all the risks before you go move your operation to the cloud.
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The advantages of cloud computing
There are always risks to assess, but what are the advantages of cloud computing? Here are the key benefits of cloud computing which help your business succeed remotely.
Simplicity. This is the number one benefit of cloud computing for remote working circumstances. Particularly in the unexpected remote circumstances of 2020, your workers might not have a decked out home office complete with full IT training to back them up when working from home. Moving to the cloud means providing your employees with simplicity; all their work is available in one secure internet database, and can be accessed from any device.
Productivity. Due to the streamlined nature of cloud computing, it has been shown to boost productivity. Remote working increases productivity regardless of your server; people’s ability to be in the comfort of their home and choose their own routine improves wellbeing all round. Combine this with elegant cloud computing networks, and your company is bound to see a huge spike in productivity across the board.
Secure backup. Unlike internal servers, it is virtually impossible to lose files from a cloud computing server. Unless the cloud itself goes down, which is both rare and almost impossible for a cloud server to entirely crash, your work is safe no matter what happens to your device. There’s no more panic about files being lost if a coffee is accidentally spilled on a laptop, and no more stress if devices are thefted or replaced. Cloud computing provides secure backup which internal servers simply can’t match.
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The world is reopening again. Do I really need cloud computing now?
This might be the question on your mind; this all sounds great, but does my company really need cloud computing now that offices are beginning to resume work in many locations? The simple answer is that cloud computing is still a highly attractive option whether the office is open or not. This is true for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, the coronavirus pandemic is, unfortunately, still present in our world. While many countries and locales are making concerted efforts to get back to normal, there is no guarantee that the virus will not spike once again and resume our 2020 lockdown routines. If there is anything that COVID-19 has taught us, it is that we should be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. Implementing a cloud computing operation for your company now will serve you in the future, whether the coronavirus resurfaces or not. Preparation is key.
Secondly, cloud computing is a cost effective option for your company to work remotely, even after the threat of COVID-19 is past. As previously mentioned, office spaces can cost a huge chunk of your company budget which may be put to better use elsewhere; if you decide to continue working remotely and this is a mode which works for your company, cloud computing can provide an efficient remote working environment for your business to succeed without an office.
Finally, cloud computing provides backup security which is second to none, providing you with assurance that your files will never be lost or erased by an internal server or device failure.
Conclusion
As a business owner, your priority is making smart decisions which benefits the financial and cultural success of your business. Providing your employees with smart solutions while they work from home can be tough; cloud computing can be the answer to your prayers. As a business owner, the responsibility over the security and efficient storage of company and client files is of utmost importance. Implementing cloud computing using a reputable provider which works on a global scale can transform your business’ success in this area, helping you make a smooth transition into the brave new world of remote working around the globe.