Cloud computing can offer a plethora of advantages to organizations of all sizes. But small-, and even medium-sized, businesses often feel intimidated by it. Many will dip their toes into the cloud but resist fully utilizing it.
If you want to get into the code of it — how software developers and programmers actually create a cloud platform — then, yes, cloud technology is complex. It’s a very impressive digital innovation, after all. But from a user perspective, a cloud-based solution doesn’t have to be complicated at all. You don’t need to understand all the intricacies of cloud infrastructure to benefit from what it can offer small- and medium-sized businesses.
Let’s get into some of these benefits and explore how partnering with the right cloud services provider can elevate small businesses to higher levels of success.
Understanding Cloud Computing for Small Business
Cloud computing can help with data storage, processing, and collaboration. It offers flexibility and convenience over traditional local hosting and on-premise software.
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services. These include applications, cloud storage, and data processing. You access the cloud over the internet. Cloud data and applications don’t live on a hard drive; you access them through your internet connection. Businesses can pay for cloud computing services on a pay-as-you-go basis, so it’s possible to only pay for the applications and cloud services they use.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
There’s a whole host of benefits for organizations — especially smaller ones — of utilizing the cloud. These benefits include:
Better Storage
Cloud computing offers virtually unlimited storage options, eliminating the need for bulky on-premise servers. If you want to keep all your data and software on hard drives, you have to go out and buy more computers or external drives when you need more storage space. Cloud storage is functionally limitless.
Efficiency Gains
Cloud services streamline business operations and increase productivity by centralizing tools and data. With everything a team needs right there in an easily accessible place, nobody has to waste time looking for the application or folders they need.
Reduced Costs
With the cloud model, small businesses can avoid the high upfront costs of physical hardware and IT maintenance. It’s much easier to pay for what you need — and only what you need — by operating off the cloud.
Facilitation of Remote and Hybrid Work
With an on-premises model, employees typically have to be, well, on-premises. But cloud-based tools help employees work from anywhere. This is huge for businesses that foster remote and hybrid work environments.
Easier Collaboration
Cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Office 365, enable real-time collaboration among employees, no matter their location. Two people working in offices, or their homes, in different parts of the world can easily collaborate on a cloud platform.
Easier to Make Backups
This alone is reason enough for organizations to switch to the cloud. Making backups on physical drives is an expensive, time-consuming, and space-consuming process. Cloud services provide automated backup solutions, ensuring data is always recoverable in case of a disaster. It’s effective and far more convenient.
Better Security and Data Protection
Some people worry about what information they might expose with a cloud system or what vulnerabilities cloud-based software might have. The truth is, many organizations improve their security posture by moving to the cloud. Reputable cloud providers offer advanced cybersecurity measures, including data encryption and multifactor authentication, to protect sensitive business data.
Steps To Implement Cloud Computing for Small Businesses
Here are some steps small- and medium-sized organizations can follow to start using and benefitting from cloud computing:
Assess the Current Setup
Before making the leap to cloud computing, it’s essential to evaluate your existing IT infrastructure. An assessment can identify inefficiencies, such as outdated hardware or software, and determine which processes could benefit from cloud migration.
For example, if your current server struggles to handle growing data needs, moving to a scalable cloud environment could solve that issue. Conducting an IT audit helps pinpoint these gaps and ensures that you transition to the cloud with a clear understanding of your starting point.
Establish Clear Goals
Set specific and measurable objectives for adopting cloud computing. Are you looking to reduce IT costs, improve collaboration, or enable remote work? A good roadmap will guide your decisions on which cloud services to prioritize. For instance, a small retail store might set a goal to implement a cloud-based point-of-sale system that integrates with inventory management. Defining these goals helps ensure that your cloud adoption aligns with your broader business strategy.
Find the Best Cloud Provider
Choosing the right cloud provider is critical to the success of your migration. Research providers carefully and assess their offerings in terms of scalability, security, and compliance. Consider factors such as the provider’s reputation, customer support, and integration capabilities. For example, Microsoft Azure is an excellent choice for businesses already using Office 365, as it integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products. Comparing providers against a checklist will help you make an informed decision.
Create a Migration Strategy
Migrating to the cloud can be complex, so it’s important to have a phased approach. Start by moving non-critical applications to the cloud to test the waters and minimize disruptions. For example, you might begin with email or file storage before tackling larger systems like customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP). A detailed roadmap will keep the migration process organized and reduce the risk of errors.
Choose the Right Cloud Environment
Decide whether a public, private, or hybrid cloud environment best suits your business needs. Public clouds are cost-effective and ideal for general workloads, while private clouds offer enhanced security for sensitive data. Hybrid clouds enable you to store confidential information in a private environment while taking advantage of the public cloud’s scalability. Consult with a trusted cloud services provider to determine the best fit for your business.
Automate
Leverage automation tools to streamline processes such as backups, software updates, and monitoring. Automation reduces the manual workload on your IT team and helps them complete critical tasks consistently. For instance, automated backup solutions can save time while protecting your data from accidental loss. This allows your team to focus on higher-value activities, such as optimizing business processes or improving customer service.
FAQs About Cloud Computing
Here are some frequently asked questions businesses have about cloud computing:
What Are the Differences Between Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Services?
Public clouds are shared environments where multiple businesses use the same infrastructure, offering affordability and scalability for general workloads such as email and file sharing. Private clouds are dedicated to a single organization, providing enhanced control and security, making them suitable for industries like healthcare or finance. Hybrid clouds combine the two, allowing businesses to store sensitive data in a private cloud while using the public cloud for less critical applications. The hybrid model is growing in popularity due to its flexibility and efficiency.
What Security Measures Do Cloud Providers Offer?
Reputable cloud providers implement a variety of security measures to protect your data. These include encryption (both at rest and in transit), firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and multifactor authentication. By leveraging these built-in protections, small businesses can often achieve a higher level of security than with on-premise systems.
How Do SMBs Stay Compliant With Regulations That Affect the Cloud?
Compliance begins with choosing a cloud provider that meets your industry’s regulatory requirements. For example, healthcare businesses should opt for providers that offer HIPAA-compliant environments.
Beyond that, businesses must establish internal policies for data access, encryption, and audits. Regularly reviewing compliance measures and working with a knowledgeable IT partner can ensure that your cloud usage remains within legal and regulatory boundaries.
Can the Cloud Help a Small Business in My Industry?
Absolutely. The cloud is versatile and can be tailored to meet the needs of various industries. For example, retail businesses can use the cloud for inventory management and online sales, while law firms can securely store case files in a private cloud. Even industries that are ostensibly “low-tech,” such as manufacturing, can benefit from cloud-powered tools such as predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. Discussing your specific needs with a cloud services provider will help you determine how the cloud can best support your business.
Choosing the Right Cloud Service Provider
As a managed cloud services provider for small- and medium-sized businesses, Greystone can unlock the benefits of better, faster, and more secure IT services.
Want to learn more about the benefits of cloud computing? Please contact us so we can go over the possibilities available to your business.
