Cloud computing has many advantages for businesses. The basic advantages of implementing the cloud in business are financial, labor, productivity, and simplicity. Taking the time to understand how the cloud provides different advantages will help you make the best decisions for your organization.
Data Center Finances
Traditional data centers can be much more expensive than the cloud, particularly for small or medium-sized businesses. The cost of data centers will vary based on the size, location, and purpose of the center. Much of a data center’s cost is on overhead and other expenses that are typically more than the cloud. Data centers also spend a large sum of money on the maintenance of infrastructure and applications that may not be up to date. Many companies find that they save when switching to cloud computing to serve as their data center.
Labor Finances
One of the largest savings that the cloud offers is through labor. Upgrades, maintenance, and administration that are taken care of in the cloud will reduce the time that local IT employees must spend on these aspects. With these tasks reduced, IT employees have the opportunity to focus on more important tasks, which will reduce overtime and extensive labor costs.
Cloud computing that is automated has an even higher impact on labor. A test run by IBM reveals that automation reduced labor by 30 percent to 50 percent. Before reducing the labor force, however, it is important to understand each task of the data center and how it relates to the cloud.
Productivity
Although it is difficult to calculate, productivity is highly influenced by the cloud. The number of responsibilities that transfer to the cloud provides greater focus on money-making projects. There are different ways that the cloud improves productivity:
Ease of connection – The cloud allows documents to be created and accessed through a common system. The connection of the workforce improves collaboration and that sharing of ideas. Productivity improves the as these processes streamline. A Cisco study has shown that better collaboration can increase productivity by 400 percent.
Adaptability – Cloud computing will improve the flexibility of businesses, allowing them to change with the market.
Reliability – The cloud protects data in case of disaster. This protection allows work to continue with minimal interruption and maintain productivity.
Ease of Use
One of the great benefits to the cloud is its ease of use. The simplicity of the cloud makes it a particularly valuable asset for small businesses that do not focus on the tech industry. Employees who use the cloud do not need to have the strongest technical skills to be productive. The icons and hyperlinks look familiar, which makes navigating through the cloud a simple task for anyone with basic computer skills. Additionally, the internet makes cloud data easier to access remotely. Data can be shared and worked on at various locations and through different devices. Leaders have the opportunity to travel for business while staying connected to the company, and employees can cooperate with each other on projects without having to be in the same location.
This post is from September’s topic on The Cloud and Business.
Cloud is a backbone and also foundation for Digital Transformation. Covid 19 has further accelrated and expanded adoption of Cloud . There are plethora of options available for adoption of flexible, agile,secure and cost optimal cloud multi cloud/hybrid cloud strategy . Every organisation should have a Cloud Strategy documents and periodically update it to keep it in sync with overall business strategy.