The Benefits of Using the Cloud to Support Your Small Business

The Cloud refers to a centralized location on the Internet that stores data, making it accessible anytime, anywhere, from any device. Small businesses have now embraced the Cloud because it has a number of benefits, including ease of use, automation, flexibility and reduced costs.

Businesses, however small, need to protect their data to ensure it remains accessible and secure at all times. In most cases, the advantages of doing this far outweigh the risks.

Cloud spending soars in SA, Nigeria and Kenya – TechCentral https://t.co/gMTIaE1k66

— Cloud Computing (@ClouComputing) April 20, 2018

So we found you some of the ways your businesses can use the Cloud. With this list, you would be exploring how it can help you use technology to do more with less.

1. Mobile Flexibility

One of the great benefits of technology is the ability for founders or business owners to create fully functional mobile offices.

The Cloud fits in perfectly with this because it allows you to access and sync your data from wherever you are, essentially allowing you to take your office with you on the road.

2. Growth Planning

The Cloud is scalable, so it allows small businesses to create a plan for growth that utilizes the benefits of the Cloud without a significant up-front investment. You can start small, and gradually increase your usage over time, while only paying incrementally for the services and access you need.

It is also self-managed by the apps that provide the services, so you can eliminate or at least reduce the need for an in-house IT staff to manage your technology.

3. Data Backup

As a small business owner, you are probably already aware of the importance of backing up your data so you don’t lose everything in the case of a systems failure or other disasters.

The Cloud not only simplifies the process by allowing your data to automatically update as you work, but it also creates copies of your data off-site where it will be safe from any local natural disaster, theft or malfunction.

4. Information Sharing

Whether you have in-house staff or a team spread across a distance, it makes sharing data effortless. Once you have your data backed up, sharing files can be as easy as sending a link, eliminating the cumbersome process of emailing large files or saving copies on drives that are then mailed.

Cloud computing, or cloud hosting services have emerged as a popular and highly-efficient digital solution for companies who want to get involved with the latest and greatest technology – without breaking the bank > https://t.co/IV9TZ3aqNQ pic.twitter.com/OgbP0f8FOY

— NetVector Consulting (@NetVectorUK) April 23, 2018

5. File Storage

Many small businesses are using images, audio and video to enhance their marketing activities. These files often take up a significant part of your hard drive space, which can be quite expensive. The Cloud allows you to shift the storage of large files off of your local system, saving local storage for the files you need to access every day.

The Bottom Line

Owners of small business who are keen on reducing cost without sacrificing their ability to do business and compete with larger companies should consider using the Cloud. The trick is to start small without making major changes to your operations. Over time, you will discover new ways to use and benefit from it.