Over the past 5 years or so, the cloud computing has truly transformed the way businesses operate. For small businesses and startups in Manhattan, Mumbai or anywhere else, making use of the cloud computing can be the optimal way to save on costs and get the most returns for your tech spend. You can easily engage an IT support expert or firm to handle the migration to the cloud and thus save significantly on hardware, software, personnel and expenses.

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Cloud computing as a technology is savvy, versatile and multi-purpose alternative to local storage. Not only can a business store and share information on a common external platform, this assures access, security, backup and avoids redundancy.

It has become a part of our lives so much that you probably already are using the cloud even if you don’t realize it. It very much intertwined into our daily activity through aspects like accessing our email, social media interactions and carrying out online transactions.

There are several advantages to the technology, which is why cloud adoption rates have soared in recent times. We take a look at the ways that the cloud enables your business to have a sustainable, competitive advantage.

1. Lower Costs

The upfront costs associated with acquiring popular software packages and their recurring licensing fee can set you back by thousands of dollars. While some software applications can be prohibitively expensive to acquire, if it’s on the cloud, chances are that they are far more affordable.

For those on a modest budget, the convenient alternative is to take to the cloud where you not only enjoy smaller fee, but also flexibility. Most popular programs have user friendly subscription and pay-per-use models that are light on the wallet.

2. Enhanced Access

Easy and round the clock accessibility is another major benefit of cloud computing. It is possible to access most cloud-based programs by either an app or a web browser from any device connected to the internet. You are no longer chained to the workplace and being present in your office is not necessary to get the work done.

You can easily accomplish tasks on your laptop on your commute or while traveling on your phone or tablet. The cost of such access is typically built into the periodic hosting service fee, which lets you save considerably.

3. Backup and Recovery

Information security is one of the major hurdles that small businesses face. Cyberthreats tend to evolve quickly and most businesses (large or small) are unable to protect critical infrastructure or data in time.

Your data on the cloud is backed up in real-time. This allows you the security from any redundancy of your information storage. Cloud storage also offers more protection against security breaches in that there is not much reliance on physical infrastructure and manual backups.

4. Infrastructure Flexibility

Scaling your cloud-based infrastructure is a quick and easy way to complement the growth of your business. You can easily add storage, increase the number of users, additional functionality etc. in line with your requirements.

Businesses in web-based commerce tend to be subject to unpredictable server loads. An unexpected spike in traffic can overload the server and diminish customers’ access. Cloud technology is there to automatically pick up the overload when you require more resources. You need to pay for only the additional server load for the time that it’s required.

The cost of data management keeps in pace with your use, thus providing you the most economical solution. Small businesses benefit by being efficient and responsive to the demand in an inexpensive manner.

5. Hardware Demands

With cloud-based computing, it’s easier to cut back on expenses related to high end hardware, for instance maintaining your own server. You also don’t need sophisticated computer systems with advanced specifications to run complicated software.

All you will need is a handy device with a good internet connection to make your cloud computing system both quick and reliable. Small businesses who are not able to afford in-house tech support can easily migrate to the cloud and resort to some external it support as and when needed.

6. Software Hassles

With cloud-based computing, you no longer have to worry about expired software or periodic updates. There is no need to spend on installing software and upgrade it multiple systems at regular intervals. There is also no worrying about whether it’s compatible with the operating system. All that’s required is a modern web browser and an internet connection,

You can leave matters related to the software to your cloud software provider. You also get to avoid the risk or disadvantage of running an older software because you cannot budget the expense to update it.

7. Return on Investment

Perhaps the strongest advantage of the cloud is its cost-effectiveness. This is mostly possible because of the reduced need for physical storage and the need for IT personnel to maintain necessary equipment.

Not only does the cloud significantly reduce equipment costs, but also frees up your physical space and budget to put it to better use. Also not to mention the administrative hassles you’ll be able to save.

The approach is also advantageous for smaller businesses by granting them the same access to high-end software that only big companies enjoyed in the past. This levels the playing field and help smaller enterprises gain an edge.

These are several areas by which cloud-based computing can make a difference to your business’ financial success or failure. So, if you’re not already taking advantage of the cloud, you should definitely look at doing so.

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