Benefits of Cloud Computing by Small Businesses

Frankly, we have been reading a lot on cloud computing and its benefits for small businesses but all they have to say is how it reduces cost or helps collaborate.

 

Well, isn’t that too basic?

So, we penned down this post to share the technical and not-so-talked-about benefits of using cloud because we strongly believe that

 

Cloud Computing is on fire!

Why do we say that?

Because Cloud computing is projected to be $162B in 2020.

Not only this,

By 2018, at least half of IT spending will be Cloud-based, reaching 60% of all IT infrastructure, and 60–70% of all Software, Services, and Technology Spending by 2020.

Do you think you are small (or too small) to utilize the potential of the cloud? Or do you think the

Cloud is complicated and expensive? 

Let us break the myths for you!

We believe that the cupid of technology advancements has perfectly matched cloud computing and small businesses.

 

 

Cloud Computing allows a business to be relevant in this dynamic market and to gain enterprise class without having to spend obscene amounts.

According to Brad Jefferson, the CEO of Animoto “Cloud computing is really a no-brainer for any start-up because it allows you to test your business plan very quickly for little money.”

Whether it is the storage, app development platforms or the available software and applications over the web, we cannot deny the usefulness of cloud computing. It has not only provided an opportunity to small business to access sophisticated technology but it also frees them from problems of deploying, investing huge sums, maintaining and operating the required infrastructure.

From shifting the focus on obtaining and delivering the required technology to how technology can be used to solve consumer problems, cloud computing has emerged as a star. With help of cloud, the businesses (whether large or small) are on the same level field. 

 

We saved over $4000 in up-front costs by moving to an entirely cloud-based solution. We were also able to substantially reduce our power bill and the costs needed to maintain and upgrade hardware.

-Bob Everett, Bottom-Line Consulting, a 3 person firm offering various small-business services. 

 

While cloud does have its own shortcomings (essentially security!), the benefits outweigh the drawbacks by a huge margin.

To begin with, let’s understand the cloud.

Cloud computing is a software paradigm which enables on demand computing and ubiquitous access to configurable resources via the internet.  

 

There are three types of cloud services: 

 

Software as a Service (SaaS) deals with software or applications for specialized functions like accounting, payroll etc. desktop applications like Microsoft Office; and common work applications like e-mails.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides remote access to servers, storage devices, and other IT resources including hardware and networking equipment.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) the provider hosts the hardware/software and supports underlying computing. PaaS is used to develop and host customized web based applications and free the organization from installing anything in-house. 

So, what are the benefits of using these clouds? 

Besides the obvious benefits of reducing the cost of setting up and managing an on-site data center, improving data recovery and business continuity, scaling according to the needs of your business, getting more time to focus on your core business, expert support by the service provider and security, there are many more benefits of using cloud services.

 

Advantages of using SaaS

1. Access to sophisticated applications: SaaS allows you to use enterprise applications like ERP and CRM without having to worry about installing, updating or deploying any hardware or middleware.
2. Free client software: Most SaaS apps can run on your web browser without having to install any additional software or hardware.
3. Compatible with devices: You can use it from any internet connected device without having to worry about the compatibility with the device.

Advantages of using IaaS

1. Available test environments: Considering you have access to the required IT resources without having to spend time buying and deploying them, you can set up test development environments at a much faster pace. It not only makes testing cheap, it helps in launching applications faster
2. Innovate rapidly: Setting up computing infrastructure requires a lot of time, effort and money which could take months. IAAS provide instant access to these resources. 
3. Web-hosting: Cloud based web-hosting is relatively cheaper and easier than traditional web hosting.
4. Quick deployment of web apps: IaaS providers give you access to all kinds of infrastructure support including networking and server resources which enables deployment of any web apps you use.
5. High-performance computing: IaaS also provides you the infrastructure to deal with the data crunching tasks (example, financial modeling, weather forecasts etc.) through high-performance computing.
6. Big data analysis: Mining data to locate trends or patterns in the information requires a large amount of processing which is effectively provided by IaaS. 

Advantages of using PaaS

1. Access to development framework: PaaS provides a simplified platform with built in software components (just like Excel Macros) for developers to develop, customize, and manage cloud-based applications.
2. Resultantly,
3. It reduces time to code and enhances applications:  With built in services like workflow, security, directory and scheduling (basically, the pre-coded components) developers save time in coding.
4. Analytics: Similar to IaaS, PaaS makes data mining easier to implement. This, in turn, helps businesses to predict outcomes of their decisions and improve planning.
5. Add development capabilities without adding staff: Isn’t it self-explanatory? PaaS gives you the capability and expertise of people without having to hire them.
6. Compatible developments: PaaS provides you development infrastructure for multiple platforms (like, mobile, tablets etc.) which makes cross platform apps easier and quicker to develop.
7. Support geographically distributed development teams: Ubiquitous access to development environment helps globally distributed teams to work without hiccups. 
8. Support for the complete cycle: At this point, it becomes obvious. PaaS provides you a one stop solution for development, test building, implementing, managing and updating 

There you go!

We are sure you are realize the benefits of using the cloud for your business. After all, 85% of businesses have implemented a multi-cloud strategy in the year of 2017.

Save yourself lots of time, lots of money and lots of resources by putting your business on the cloud.

What has been your experience with the cloud?