Businesses Should Adopt Cloud Solution to Get a Competitive Advantage

Although the concept of cloud computing has been around since the 1960s, it’s been about two decades since cloud computing took hold. Today, virtually anyone with Internet access has cloud-based services at their disposal, from a simple email to a storage solution.

However, companies can go further and use this model in a more strategic way for the business. In this article, you will better understand the benefits of adopting cloud computing as well as the steps required for this migration.

Cloud computing concept

Cloud solution is a computing model that consists of using a network of remote servers. They are able to manage, store and process data over the internet, without having to use a computer or local server.

This way, users can access their data or use heavier processing resources from any device connected to the internet, wherever they are.

Choosing cloud no more an option, but a default now

Since the cloud allows access to high storage capacity and powerful processing power without an investment in local hardware, small and medium businesses have gained a lot of competitive advantage. After all, just by hiring a cloud service, a small company and a multinational can have access to a very similar IT infrastructure.

Furthermore, as there is no in-house infrastructure to manage, SMBs are able to maintain leaner technical teams, needed only to manage applications and support in case of failure. All system maintenance, however, is done by the cloud service provider.

Just by hiring a cloud service, a small company and a multinational can have access to a very similar IT infrastructure.

Cloud scenario in the US and worldwide

Evidence of the large uptake of the cloud by SMEs can be found in a survey conducted by “Small & Medium Business: ICT & Cloud Services Tracker Overview”, produced by ATIS.cloud. According to the survey, out of every three SMEs in the United States, one has already started the process of adopting cloud services.

The IT investment by these companies is expected to reach US$ 63 billion by the end of 2021. Some of the main reasons for this trend is that the cloud allows greater efficiency to business processes, flexibility and lower costs.

The Advantages of Using the Cloud Service

Economy

Economy is the key factor for SMBs to be so interested in cloud services. There is no doubt that hiring a cloud infrastructure is much cheaper than investing in a local data center and still bearing all maintenance costs, involving both energy consumption and the professionals who will manage it.

ROI

Of course, measuring the results of moving to the cloud is not such an easy task. However, by raising the total investment costs and using the correct indicators, it is possible to measure the performance gains that the company had. In the software niche, for example, this return can already be felt between 2 and 23 months, according to a study published by Nucleus Research.

Mobility

Cloud solutions can be accessed anywhere, simply having access to the internet. This feature allows corporate work not to be restricted to the company’s physical environment.

Scalability

As the business grows, cloud solutions can be hired as the business demands. This without the need for major investments or maneuvers to adapt to the new reality.

Gain in competitiveness

Did you know that small and medium-sized businesses that adopt cloud computing have a significant competitive gain compared to their competitors? No wonder companies are increasingly investing in this technology.

Because the control of information is done centrally, through applications, internal processes become more agile and efficient. The combination of greater scalability, low cost and automation allows the business to grow quickly, without major impediments or demands related to infrastructure.

Productivity

Taking into account all the advantages that the cloud provides to companies, teams can be much more productive. For example, cloud files can be edited by multiple collaborators at the same time, facilitating collaborative work.

Why should safety not be a fear?

Entrepreneurs worldwide still have a certain fear of adopting the cloud, claiming that one of the main factors preventing them from using it more widely is security. Security that has been proven and evolved more in the recent years. Latest studies show that data centers’ external servers are more secure and modern than on-premises servers. The outsourcing of the environments also guarantees that the data will be safe in case of possible failure and damage to local hardware or software. This is because companies rely on cloud backups, strategically stored on other servers, ready to be used at any time. This level of information security is not possible when there are only local physical structures storing company data, especially when it comes to preventing hacker attacks or controlling application access. Cloud applications are already changing market dynamics by providing the scalability, security and flexibility that businesses need.

How to choose the right cloud solution?

To ensure that the benefits of cloud computing are achieved, it is necessary to pay attention to some details when selecting:

• understand how the migration will impact the business and its employees;
• define what kind of processes and files go to the cloud;
• establish access levels and security rules;
• invest in quality internet, since the cloud is broadband dependent;
• select a market-recognized supplier.

We realized that cloud computing-based services tend to become even stronger among SMEs. This is an almost mandatory strategy for businesses that want to remain competitive in the market.