How Using the Cloud Can Increase Productivity

by Dan Munson

Cloud technology gives business owners a chance to become more productive while controlling expenses. By making data and powerful applications available to companies of every size, the cloud can help almost any business in the following ways.

Reduced IT requirements.

Cloud providers deliver applications via web browsers and dedicated apps through secure internet connections. Consequently, even the most powerful software can run on practically any device. This reduces the need for companies to maintain expensive equipment that requires repeated upgrades.

Likewise, tasks that in-house IT personnel once did are performed by service providers. So, rather than wasting time installing software upgrades and patches, businesses can focus on their core competencies.

Security.

As technology evolves, the online security landscape has become increasingly complicated. Hackers routinely compromise networks operated by large corporations and government agencies. With so much to worry about, small businesses were once at a disadvantage. Now, they can secure their data in the cloud.

Thanks to economies of scale, service providers can afford to maintain cutting-edge servers and routers that are resistant to the latest cyber attacks. Also, they employ top-notch security experts that know how to implement the best security protocols and best practices.

Affordability.

Traditional IT infrastructure and staffing often costs more than many businesses can afford. In the past, this constituted a barrier to entry that kept many high-quality small players on the sidelines.

Now, firms can budget IT expenses as a line item in their budget. Meanwhile, they never have to worry about server outages and other unexpected expenses. In other words, companies that depend on the cloud experience less down time will paying less for world-class software and services.

Human Resources

Companies can save a lot of money by using remote workers such as freelancers and contractors rather than traditional employees. Cloud-based project management, collaboration, and communication tools allow people from around the world to work together as though they were in a corporate office.

Also, the cloud frees companies from the constraints of their local labor market. Businesses can scour the entire planet looking for the talent that best fits their needs. Also, when workers leave an employer, they can fill out their employee exit interview questions securely in the cloud.

Flexibility

Traditionally, business software is expensive and designed for a particular industry and market. For this reason, companies often lacked the necessary finances to keep pace with evolving economic conditions and customer expectations.

Thanks to the cloud, businesses pay for their services on a subscription basis. This means that in as little as a month, a company can completely change its business model without any substantial upfront IT costs.

Survivability

Remember when businesses would grind to a halt after a hard drive failed or a server fell victim to a virus? Together with fire, theft, and natural disasters, those circumstances could permanently cripple a company. Now, companies can increase their survivability by embracing the cloud.

Rather than storing applications and their data on local hard drives, cloud-based apps reside offsite. So, even when employees lose their laptops or smartphones, their employer can continue operating without interruption. In the cloud, service providers use redundant systems and routine backups to protect against service outages and data loss.

Competitiveness

Companies that depend on the cloud for their IT infrastructure and software benefit from efficiency gains that help them compete. For example, cloud mobility ensures that every team member can be productive regardless of where they are.

Ultimately, when companies can do more with fewer resources, they gain an edge over their less-efficient competitors. They also enjoy higher profits that can fuel sustainable long-term growth.

In summary, the cloud can positively impact the productivity of a business by reducing upfront operational costs, boosting security and improving efficiency. As technology continues evolving businesses will find new ways to use the cloud to become more productive and profitable.