We live in a time where the traditional attitude and perspective of individuals are changing, and it’s no more the same. The trending concept is BYOD - “Bring Your Own Device workers” and flexible working hours. The opportunity of working from outside the office is making the companies more innovative and efficient. And the access to data from anywhere and anytime is becoming the driving factor for companies to adopt cloud-based solutions.
Understanding
Cloud-Based Software
Many researchers have tried to define cloud computing ever since its
emergence. But then, so far, no one has come up with something that’s
universal. Still, many definitions exist because of the studies conducted by
researchers in various fields such as education, business, etc. One of the
significant criteria in defining cloud computing is that which explains the
concept sufficiently. And one definition that’s very well accepted is -
“Cloud computing is a model for enabling universal, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be swiftly provisioned and released with minimum management effort or service provider interaction.” - U. S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
What Exactly Is Cloud-Based Software?
Cloud-based computing is a term
that has recently gained extensive use in the last few years. With the vast
increase in data, it is becoming very difficult for organizations to keep and
store the essential information, programs, and systems functioning on the in-house
servers of the computers.
The principle that cloud
computing operates is very similar to that of web-based email clients. It
allows the users to access all the system’s files without the need of keeping
the bulk storage on the system. These add value to your business, enabling
access to a large amount of data on a secured online network connection.
A survey shows that there has
been a vast increase in the adoption of cloud computing. The result is that the
respondents adopting public cloud is 92%,
and the private cloud is 75%.
What
Are The Benefits Of Cloud-Based Software?
1.
Security
One of the major benefits of using cloud based inventory management software is the enhanced security of data. The RapidScale survey results show that about 94% of companies witnessed improved data security
after switching from traditional methods to cloud computing.
Although the data is stored on the cloud and easily made available whenever needed, it does have some protocols that are programmed. And these enable role-based access. Meaning, there is a restriction on who gets access to what data. Either the failure of your computer system or any such vices will definitely not affect the data or information stored on the cloud.
2.
Reduced
IT costs
It is observed that about 20% of the organizational
managers are more concerned about the cost involved initially in the
implementation of the cloud-based servers. However, the truth is that shifting
to cloud computing will actually help in managing finance and reduced costs on your organization’s IT systems. Rather than
investing in the purchase of expensive equipment and systems, investing in
cloud computing is preferable for the following reasons-
●
The
cost incurred for the upgrades is all included in the contract.
●
You
can save the payments made for the hired staff.
Basically, even the initial investment made in cloud-based
IT systems is relatively less compared to the in-house systems.
3.
Scalability
Another significant benefit of using cloud computing is
that the level of scalability is inexpressibly high. Be it a small scale or a
medium scale industry, the data and the amount of information gathered by the
organizations either keep on increasing or vice versa. It is quite challenging
to manage the server systems in the organization with the change in the size of
the data.
Whereas, while you use cloud computing, the advanced
scalability feature lets you manage your data according to its size. In case if
you experience the reduction of the information, you can have the vendor’s
consent and not pay for the cloud storage not used, and on the other hand, it
is very easy to maximize the storage space. Whatever may be the circumstance,
cloud computing is convenient and beneficial.
4.
Business
continuity
Life is so unpredictable. And businesses are no exception
to this. As much as careful you may be, there can be certain unexpected
uncertainties on your way to success. To be prepared as much as possible is
very important. Especially when it comes to the data of the organization,
businesses can never risk to lose them. Because the information is considered
as the wealth of the organization.
And imagine, due to unfortunate circumstances, there arises a fire accident or a flood. Could you think of the damage that these disasters may cause to the valuable data of your company? Pathetic. Right? And what about the situation of your business post the disaster? Why let the uncertainties let you question the continuity of your business?
However, storing the data on the clouds safeguards your company’s data. No disaster can hinder, and the continuity of your business is assured despite the circumstances.
5.
Collaboration
efficiency
Recently, with the arrival of new normal due to the
covid-19 situation, work from home is trending. This has led to many employees
and employers preferring the modern remote working against the traditional
methods. The situation demands certain necessary aspects like access to
information concerning their job profile to continue their tasks.
In order to achieve a seamless work environment despite the distance, communication, and collaboration of the teams though difficult, yet are mandatory. Somehow, technology’s growth has played a significant role in this aspect, reducing the hindrances and streamline communication.
Similarly, cloud computing also contributes to the collaboration of the team efficiently as the information and data are easily accessible anytime and anywhere. This lets the employees and the managers experience a well-organized flow of work with reduced confusion and misunderstandings and a higher rate of collaboration.
6.
The
Flexibility Of Work Practices
Change is one thing that’s constant. And as mentioned
earlier, the future is so unpredictable. To be prepared for the unprepared is
becoming a necessity and very common. And the capability of meeting the
business’s demands very quickly is one of the driving factors of companies
shifting to a cloud environment.
Any business can not survive if the practices are too rigid. It does require fluctuations according to the day to day changes. At the same time, the concern is also severe on the disturbance caused by the new business practices. Most importantly, when the business has to meet changes with the available system servers is even more challenging.
Therefore, companies looking for long-term life and progress are required to adapt to cloud computing, which is enhanced with flexibility for a smooth workflow despite the fluctuations and other changes.
7.
Automatic
Update Of The Software
Technology is one of the driving factors of the business.
And in order to survive on the market, constant updation is inevitable. But
then, having an IT system and servers for your business and updating them is
costly as well as challenging. Whereas, using cloud computing will reduce the
overhead cost on the company as the vendors handle the updation.
Thus, cloud computing results in cost reduction and the concern related to regularly upgrading the technology to date.
8.
Environment
friendly
According to a poll,
about 77% of the company’s desire to “go green” and thus, shift to cloud
computing. Cloud computing widely contributes and helps the companies be not
just successful but also to be environment friendly as a good citizen of the
place.
There is an unexpected level of reduction in the use of paper and related vices that can promote an environment favourable to the general public too. If this is looked at from a broader perspective, cloud computing also helps you fulfill your corporate social responsibility. If using cloud-based software can help you be mutually benefited, then why not go for it?
Wrapping Up
Cloud-based software will
help you focus more on the bottom line of your business’s bottom line rather than
the company’s IT team and its services. And the adoption of cloud computing is
seen to be rising every year. By now, we are sure to know the reason. Many
businesses are overwhelmed with its benefits and its impact on productivity,
security, and collaboration.
Thus, in short, cloud-based
solutions help the business enterprises be on a safer side concerning many
issues that plague the companies relying on the premises’ infrastructure.