Improve Productivity with Cloud Solutions
November 2nd, 2023 by admin
Migrating your business to the cloud promises a high ROI. However, if you are on the fence about it, perhaps what we say next will change your mind: It increases employee productivity.
Cloud solutions do this in various ways, such as reducing downtime, facilitating collaboration, and streamlining communications.
Imagine this: You are working on a project, and suddenly you get a brilliant idea while sipping your favorite coffee at a café. With cloud solutions, you can whip out your laptop, log into your cloud-based tool, and start working—no need to rush back to the office to access your files. The cloud follows you wherever inspiration strikes.
Collaboration has never been this smooth before! Remember the days of emailing documents back and forth and losing track of the final version? Now, you, your employees, and even the client can work on the same file and see each other's real-time edits.
Before we dive into the benefits that cloud computing offers, let's take a look at its different types of models:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS offers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. In this model, the software is hosted and maintained by a third-party provider, and users access it through a web browser. Common examples of SaaS applications include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, and Zoom.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a platform for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications. It removes dealings with the infrastructure, allowing developers to build and deploy applications with ease. Popular PaaS providers include Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. It offers the most flexibility among the three models, making it suitable for businesses that require full control over their infrastructure. Leading IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Now that you know the types of cloud computing models and which one to choose for your business, let's take a look at how they improve productivity:
Benefits of Cloud Solutions
Encourages Employees to Bring Their Own Devices
According to a US study, 87% of companies ask employees to use their personal devices for work. This allows them to be more productive and responsive, on the go and at home. Cloud services are accessible from any device with an internet connection. Whether an employee uses an iOS device, an Android phone, or a Windows laptop, they can access the same applications and data through the cloud.
Cloud storage solutions like OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive allow employees to store and access their work-related files securely from their personal devices. This enhances data security and ensures data consistency across devices.
Creates a Sustainable Workplace
One of the key factors that determine the sustainability of cloud computing is the energy efficiency of data centers. This is where data is stored and processed. These data centers require a significant amount of energy to operate, including electricity for servers, cooling systems, and other infrastructure. Many cloud service providers are working towards using renewable energy sources to power their facilities.
Apart from cutting down paper usage, cloud-powered companies offer their workforces the feasibility of accessing data and programs at any time and anywhere. This reduces commute-related carbon emissions and prevents work delays.
Reduces Downtime
Cloud computing offers immense reliability thanks to the state-of-the-art data centers that cloud service providers maintain. In a traditional on-site setting, supporting hardware, network connections and power sources is time-consuming and costly. Cloud providers monitor systems 24/7 and perform regular security updates to ensure there are no interruptions in work.
Facilitates Outsourcing
Since cloud services and apps offer employees flexibility, companies can hire experts from anywhere in the world. This offers businesses a competitive advantage. They can tap into lower-wage employment markets and increase profitability by a fraction of the cost.
Offers Increased Data Security
Cloud service providers protect their infrastructure with strict access controls and redundant backups.
Encryption plays a pivotal role in data security. Data is encrypted while it is being saved in the cloud and when it is saved. This ensures that if anything is intercepted during transmission or in storage, it remains indecipherable without the appropriate decryption keys.
Cloud computing saves you from spending on additional hardware for backups. Scalability is where it truly shines. Your business's fluctuating demands will be met whether you are planning to downsize or expand. As companies continue to explore ways to optimize their operations, stay competitive, and increase employee productivity, cloud computing will likely remain a key strategy in their toolkit.
Van Ausdall are innovation experts who offer cloud solutions and other information management services. Schedule an appointment today and receive a complimentary assessment to help your business grow.
If you want to learn more about cloud solutions, contact us today.
Posted in: Cloud Solutions
