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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Whether you’ve already launched or are comparing the possibilities to run your own business, you’ll need to think about the online infrastructure you’ll use. How will you organize and store your files? How will your website be supported, and what will you do with your customer data? Cloud computing is increasingly becoming a useful tool for small or startup business owners, due to the fact that it can be scaled up or down as needed and is offered by a wide range of providers. As you look at the options, here are a few potential benefits of starting off in the cloud.
- Low starting costs
If you’re budgeting for a new business, you may feel strapped for cash. Cloud computing reduces the upfront cost of investing in new servers or machines. Instead, you can choose to pay as you go for computing services, or find a subscription plan that fits into your budget. Everything from IT to energy costs can be reduced because you won’t need to think about keeping your own servers running.
- Ability to work anywhere
Another major benefit for those just starting out with a new business is the fact that working in the cloud means you’re able to access your files anywhere. Whether it’s a public coffee shop or a meeting with investors, you can access your documents and other vital information. Share your files with new partners, customers, or investors easily by keeping them in the cloud. Essentially, with the cloud you can work anywhere that you have an internet connection. For new business owners constantly on the go, this is a major benefit. Remote work is revolutionizing many industries, and cloud hosted contact centers are just another example of traditionally robust businesses becoming nimble and more efficient.
- Flexibility
Another factor to consider is the fact that you’re able to scale your cloud services up or down depending on what you need at the time. As your business grows and you need more bandwidth, you can pay for more, but save money during times when business is slow.
- Wide variety of providers
You not only have the ability to scale your services up or down, but you also have a wide range of services to pick and choose from to begin with. Whether it’s comprehensive telco cloud services from Nokia Networks or a free membership with Dropbox, there’s a wealth of options. Using the cloud allows you to store large files and collaborate with a team, and there’s a great deal of competition out there between various providers. This means you’re likely to find a pay-as-you-go plan that puts you on par with what bigger corporations would have access to.
- Improved security
Finally, cloud computing has experienced a leap in development and corresponding security features in recent years. It’s always good to compare your options carefully, but most services offer complex layers of encryption to keep your data safe. Unlike a laptop, which can be lost or stolen, cloud services keep your files away from a physical hard drive.
Cloud computing cuts across many levels and services at the moment, with the majority of businesses now using at least one cloud service from Facebook to Google Drive. When it comes to storing your most important information, there are numerous reasons to consider the full possibilities of the cloud.
