Without even noticing it, a considerable proportion of the world’s population is benefiting from cloud computing. And in the future, we expect cloud-based services to become mainstream in our daily lives as technology advances. When resources like servers and storage are accessed online instead of being housed on-site, at home, or at the office, this is known as cloud computing. It mimics renting computer power rather than purchasing it. Here are some examples of how you might already be making use of the cloud. Most of the mobile apps on your phone, including social media and streaming services like Netflix or even Instagram, make use of the Internet. The cloud is also used to host online banking platforms, while email services such as Microsoft’s Outlook are also hosted on the cloud. This is indicative of the fact that cloud technology is becoming increasingly popular, especially among business giants around the world. If small to medium businesses are to be caught up, it is essential that they start joining the cause. It is now the best way to optimise processes and increase the efficiency of business operations.
In the past, companies had to pay high maintenance costs for their onsite IT equipment. But today, because cloud hosting eliminates the need for hardware in the first place and, therefore, its continuous maintenance, it offers a more affordable option. With Microsoft’s IT support London small to medium businesses can take advantage of this cost-efficient technology. IT giants like Microsoft have already made significant investments in expanding their cloud data centres to meet the rising demand for cloud computing and storage. More SMBs are realising that the cloud is the present and the future of business and business operations. Not only is cloud computing cost-efficient, but it can also be used in a way that is sustainable, should that be one of the core values of your business. The cloud allows you to reduce your business’ carbon footprint and energy waste by allocating resources based on demand. Disposal of hardware on premises helps reduce electronic waste, encouraging an overall more mindful and demure approach to energy usage in the business.
When you host a private cloud, it means that you have access to your own exclusive cloud space and that your apps and data are isolated from other users, making it an exceedingly difficult task for unauthorised people to access them. Microsoft, for example, offers tools and technologies to help build secure apps, such as an Azure security centre, an Azure firewall (a security system), an Azure key vault, Encryption, and update management, to name a few. Another benefit of making use of cloud-based solutions is that businesses can function remotely. Staff members are provided access to their workspaces from online spaces in any location with an internet connection. This adaptability is especially useful in the increasingly dispersed and mobile workforce of today, where talent from Africa or Asia is hired to work for companies in the UK or even anywhere else in the world. With cloud-based solutions, regardless of geographical location, they can collaborate and work as a team efficiently.
Cloud computing utilises a distributed collection of servers, unlike traditional IT infrastructures, which are more likely to have server outages. Therefore, even in the event of an outage due to this backup, the effect of the downtime is very minimal, and business operations can continue as normal. Sophisticated IT providers such as Microsoft offer managed IT services London businesses can take advantage of, including cloud solutions. Businesses that do make use of these services enjoy guaranteed uptime and continuous access to their IT resources. This dependability is beneficial for customer service continuity.
Here are a few Microsoft cloud-integrated tools that your business could leverage to boost productivity and reduce costs while staying competitive in the industry. Microsoft 365 is a full collection of productivity apps that are accessible from any location with internet access. These apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, many of which should already sound familiar. Microsoft Teams is a collaborative hub where teams can connect, communicate, hold video meetings, chat, and share files. And, in other words, a virtual office. One drive is very much your own cloud storage account with access to storage, sharing, and security, of course. Microsoft To Do and Microsoft Planner are user-friendly task managers and planners that allow employees to set memos, keep track of their tasks, and stay organised. As a small to medium business owner, you might want to seek the advice of Microsoft 365 consultants on which of these tools to use to optimise productivity in your workplace, based specifically on what your business needs. Cloud computing is an absolute necessity for businesses that want to be strong competitors in the market. The growth of a business depends on its productivity, and so with the cloud driving your business’ productivity, it ultimately drives your business’ success.
