The cloud has become an increasingly familiar and very practical tool for businesses of all sizes to embrace, whether that’s for backup storage, endpoint security or any number of cloud-based software solutions.
When it comes to cloud technology and the future, the possibilities are as wide open as the sky above us.
But for now, the cloud has become an increasingly familiar and very practical tool for businesses of all sizes to embrace, whether that’s for backup storage, endpoint security or any number of cloud-based software solutions.
A LogicMonitor survey published by Forbes Magazine estimated that 83% Of Enterprise Workloads Will Be In The Cloud By 2020.
There is no stopping the cloud. Years from now, we’ll be amazed at the amount of our enterprise business will be conducted in the cloud. But there are real advantages NOW for small to medium-sizes businesses when it comes to the cloud.
Three areas where businesses can gain a competitive advantage with cloud-based solutions
1. Data Backup
Rather than backing up their own hard drives on-site, businesses can employ online and disaster recovery services that store and save all of their crucial data online. Under this scenario, your files are encrypted to protect the integrity and authenticity of your data and securely stored offsite. Doing this provides a major cost advantage: Typically, there is no way most small businesses could afford to purchase the same amount of storage on site.
Another advantage to offsite backup? In the case of a natural catastrophe, even if you lose your onsite server, you have data available to you from the cloud.
2. Security Management
Small to medium businesses face the same security challenges that large enterprises do every day. Utilizing the cloud is a great way for them to keep up under a smaller budget.
A Spam filtering service is crucial for all businesses today given the ongoing threat of spam/malware/etc. By employing cloud-based spam filtering, you have the ability to unload email off your own servers or network, freeing up bandwidth at your location. In addition, many spam filtering services constantly update their algorithms to decipher between spam and legitimate email.
In the same manner, reputable Endpoint Security companies offer cloud-based services that deliver “threat data” updates to all protected devices from the cloud in real time. The bottom line? Your software is always and automatically up-to-date.
3. Software/Services on Demand
SaaS (Software as a Service) is increasingly becoming a trusted and preferred model for businesses. Basically, SaaS is software delivered over the Internet on a subscription basis, centrally hosted and paid under a monthly fee. One major example would be Office365. Utilizing SaaS, users see constant, incremental updates with their software rather than sudden necessary upgrades or newer versions.
You’re receiving live updates with Office 365. You’re able to enjoy updated features along the way, with no wholesale changes. The software will be incrementally updated in the cloud and loaded directly onto the PC.
Business owners are able to avoid the large upfront costs of enterprise software, as well as set-up charges. They simply subscribe to software on a “pay-as- you-go,” “on demand” monthly billing method.
So what are the steps in implementing cloud-based solutions?
A reputable technology partner should unveil and manage cloud technology in the following steps:
- Start with a thorough/proven Technology Assessment.
- Migrate local infrastructure and applications to Cloud Servers.
- Integrate remaining local infrastructure with the overall Cloud deployment.
- Support & manage all aspects of the technology engagement.
- Train users on applications such as Office365 and Adobe's Creative Suite via ongoing Online User Training.
Is your SMB ready to take the giant leap into the cloud? Is it a right fit for your organization? Under our CloudCare technology support service, Datamax can manage your IT infrastructure and applications, beginning with a laser-focused discovery process and technology assessment. Get started today!
