Cloud computing is taking over the business world. Market Research Media predicts global cloud computing will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent to reach more than $250 billion by 2020.
There are many reasons to transition some or all of your business IT to the cloud including flexibility, security, efficiency and cost savings. There are cloud services for almost any business need you may have; however, there are three main cloud services—Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
With IaaS such as Amazon Web Services, businesses use the Internet to access virtual hardware for computing and other business services. PaaS examples like Salesforce enable users to create their own programs, operating systems, databases and web servers. SaaS examples like SharePoint give users remote access to software instead of running it on their own machines and taking up memory and server space.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing comes with many well-known benefits such as providing flexibility to transfer business operations from local equipment to virtual servers, which gives more flexibility to adjust things like your disk space and RAM. Cloud computing also provides great flexibility with file sharing and storage because employees can work from anywhere and from any device. It also makes it easier to train employees on standardized business operations, and it saves time and money on equipment and employees.
Peripheral benefits of cloud computing include flexibility to explore new business ideas with little capital outlay, smoother transition of data during mergers and acquisitions and availability of successful business processes, notes Forbes contributor Joe McKendrick.
Before You Move to the Cloud
Before you move to the cloud, evaluate security, storage capacity, ease of access, features and support of different providers. Cloud services and operations should make your operations simpler, safer and more economical than what you currently use.
Look for cloud services that encrypt information, provide easy access and scalable storage options to fit your business needs. There are many sites that provide comparisons between companies like Top 10 Cloud Storage. Also, look for reviews and products that provide access to support through a variety of avenues, emergency support, bandwidth options, price explanations and procedures for security breaches.
Switching to Cloud Computing
It’s time to consider cloud computing if your company needs mobility, additional IT support or expanded computing resources. Cloud computing also is a good idea if you need to business continuity or additional data security.
For a smooth transition to cloud computing think about why you are transitioning, and then communicate with your employees. Business Blogs suggests putting out the message before switching to the cloud. This way you can explain what your business needs from the cloud, and how they plan to utilize its services. Talk about the benefits and challenges provided by the cloud and how that may effect day-to-day operations. And, if anyone is really concerned, discuss how the cloud will impact their position specifically.
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