In today’s business climate, more and more small businesses are turning to cloud computing to meet their administrative and operative needs. And for good reason—cloud software can help a business operate smoother, lend consistency to administrative processes, and lower overhead costs. In basic terms, cloud computing is the use of a digital platform or cloud software (think Google Suite, etc.) to store your data on a remote server. There are many advantages to cloud computing, especially for those running a small business.

Makes Collaboration Easier

Perhaps the biggest and most impactful feature that needs to be discussed is that using cloud software makes business collaboration happen easier. Cloud software can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, so even employees working remotely or who just aren’t at the office at the moment can still check in for a project meeting or virtual call session. Cloud software also allows for common sharing and editing capabilities of documents. Known simply as cloud collaboration, files stored in the cloud can simultaneously be edited and reviewed, increasing efficiency. 

Reduces Hardware Needs

Cloud computing also reduces your hardware needs. Traditionally an office with computers was mostly desktops, resulting in high energy costs, a busy IT department, and lots of needed office space. And a lot of that office space is needed to host the network’s servers as well, protecting your data. Switching to cloud computing shifts much of the burden of data storage onto your chosen cloud provider. Goodbye server closet and desktop cubicles! And if you have a video camera investment, cloud computing makes that easier too. Cloud software makes video monitoring easier without the need for rooms full of monitors.

Lowers Overhead Costs

And last is possibly the most important way that cloud computing can impact a small business: it can lower overhead costs. As mentioned above, cloud computing reduces the need for employees to work on-site full-time. This in turn reduces the amount of office space that a business needs to buy or lease. And if there are less computers on-site, not to mention less need for server storage, then generally energy costs will be lower too.

Utilizing cloud software has a lot of benefits for small businesses, and has a wide range of applications over multiple sectors. If you haven’t already considered integrating cloud computing into your business model, it’s worth doing some research to see how it can help you.

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