The term “cloud computing” isn’t a strange one, especially as it has been around for about two decades now. Cloud computing—when properly utilized by companies and businesses—has shown a lot of benefits to those businesses. Regardless, it seems that a fair percentage of businesses are still on the fence in terms of whether they incorporate cloud computing into their operations. The main reason accrued for that non-decision is a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of cloud computing. In light of this, the core benefits of cloud computing will be highlighted below, in hope of rectifying the above issue.
What is Cloud Computing?
Before highlighting the main benefits of cloud computing, understanding what the term denotes beforehand is an important course of action. The basic and simplest definition of the term cloud computing would be that it is computing based on the internet. Prior to the introduction of cloud computing, businesses would run programs or applications from downloaded software placed on a physical computer or server in their organization. However, cloud computing allows these businesses access to the same programs and applications, and to store data in virtual data centers (through the use of an internet connection) rather than relying on hard drives or the IT infrastructure on the premises, which aptly translates to operating in the cloud. You can learn Azure to gain an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of this process.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
1. Data Security
In the technological age we are in, a major issue for every business—irrespective of its size or industry—is the security of its data. The reason for this is that major injuries and issues can affect a business’s revenue, position, and customer loyalty, as a result of data breaches and other various types of cybercrime. To prevent cybercrimes and ensure data security, cloud computing allows for a lot of advanced security features that ensure the business’s data are stored and handled securely. Examples of these features include access management via federated roles, access control, encryption, and much more.
2. Efficiency and Reduction of Cost
With the lack of several on-premises IT infrastructures and a move to cloud infrastructure, there will no longer be a need to spend huge amounts of money on purchasing and maintaining hardware or equipment. There will also be no use for a large IT team or a large data center; rather your business would enjoy the professional expertise of your cloud provider’s staff.
3. Flexibility/Scalability
Cloud computing allows for greater business flexibility, regardless of the size or industry of the business. Cloud computing allows for adequate and easy shifts in the necessary areas. Hence, if your business requires an increase in storage space, computing power, or maybe extra bandwidth, your cloud provider can readily and flexibly adjust, and scale up or down the computing resource your business needs.
4. Collaboration
A major benefit of cloud computing is that it allows for an increase in collaborations between businesses. This is due to seamless communication, access to secure channels, and ease of accessing and sharing information, which makes collaboration between businesses easy.
5. Disaster Recovery
A major problem that can happen to any business is the loss of data and downtime, which can cause irreparable damage to the company. In tackling this issue, a lot of cloud providers are well equipped to combat unforeseen circumstances that may lead to such damages, and ensure business continuity.