By Sai Nikesh D, senior content writer at the Veritis GroupCloud technology can perhaps be best defined by its three best features: minimal investment, services on the go and maximum optimization of resources.

High demand for complex physical hardware and growing internet usage led to the increased adoption of cloud solutions known for their unique way of dealing with data over the network.

From large to small, cloud computing solutions are widely available for companies of any size depending on their range of requirement and costs involved.

Especially for small to medium businesses (SMBs), cloud-based deployments appeared as a boon offering them usually-expensive onsite computing services or IT expertise at a lower cost.

Data storage, timely software upgrades, zero downtime, security, on-demand model, time & cost savings and CRM Management are some of the key advantages that SMBs can get from cloud technology.

Cloud computing is an ideal deal for SMBs because of these characteristics:

  • Easy Upgrades – Upgrading of traditional systems is often a herculean task, consuming time and money. Cloud technology does away with that by giving updated access to technology helping firms to stay updated all the time.

  • Versatility – Cloud is known for versatility in offering wide range of services such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Software-as-a Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and Database-as-a-service (DBaaS). Besides, cloud platforms are available in three different variants, depending on the requirement, as public, private and hybrid clouds. Out of these, public cloud is considered the cost-effective option for SMBs.

  • Flexibility & Scalability – In cloud, you pay only for what you see! This happens to be the most unique selling point for the cloud. With a pay-per-use, on-demand infrastructure model, cloud-based platforms offer a good level of flexibility and scalability. Cloud allows easy accessibility of IT resources in a cost-effective manner. Resource management also becomes easier with cloud as you only bear charges for the utilized server load, support or expertise, among other services.

  • Increased Productivity – As the workflow happens over the network, there is a lot of scope for increased productivity associated with cloud services. This enables multiple teams work on different modules or processes at a time by sharing data and resources. This not only saves time but also increases productivity and brings in good collaboration among teams pushing the level of productivity.

  • Well-Managed Workspace – Traditional IT services mean handling critical hardware that is costly and space-consuming. Cloud has changed the game, minimizing the space constraints and maximizing the execution speeds. With majority of processes in the cloud hosted online, one doesn’t have to worry much about setting up a large workspace for setting up infrastructure. This directly means cost-savings, increased convenience and space for more collaboration among teams.

  • Well-addressed Security – Security/Loss of data was a major concern with the traditional IT systems, which could be the result of system breakdown, data theft or disasters or any other form causing damage to critical resources and information. This aspect has been well addressed in cloud as everything is stored online under well-defined security features. Cloud presents a defensive real-time data backup option against security threats.

  • Data and Storage – Data and storage are the key aspects of cloud computing services. Workflows over the network allow easy availability of data and timely backup of the same keeps away storage worries. So, the two critical aspects, data and storage, of any IT environment are well covered under the cloud.

  • Facilitator of Big Data – Big Data is today’s most popular term that every firm is running for as part of their efforts for effective management of the data revolution. Big Data’s increasing popularity has moved many cloud service providers to offer big data analytics services, which is today key to any firm. Cloud’s user-friendly interfaces such as DBaaS offer needed support in addressing technical challenges and minimizing costs incurred for processing huge volumes of information.

The aforementioned advantages and the cloud service offerings mean a lot for SMBs considering their growth aspect. SMBs can get the best out diversified cloud services that suit majority of their requirements such as technology upgrades, greater security, and legal compliance, among others at a low cost.

Besides, many surveys have already proved that cloud is the growing trend among SMBs owing to its diverse budget-friendly options.

What are you waiting for? Get your SMB powered by cloud for ‘cloud nine’ results!

 

About the Author:

Sai Nikesh D is a senior content writer at the Veritis Group working on technology, news and other collaterals. A blend of creativity and passion with creative writing skill on a variety and publications related to various content types including technology, business, news, etc. Having been associated with different fields of work such as media, corporate houses, market research, and interacted with experts of diverse fields, he holds a decent online presence through his articles. Blogging, social media and LinkedIn are his other work-related interests among various other personal skill sets.