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What is Cloud Technology?
Putting it simply, the cloud is a collection of remote computer system resources—including data storage and computing power –which can be accessed over the internet. Traditionally, these resources were managed by their users and located on their computer systems or on servers within their working premises. The cloud takes away the burden and inefficiencies associated with managing them and places that responsibility on cloud service providers. The resources we’ve referred to are accessible as software and databases, which typically make their users’ work much easier.How Cloud Technology Can Drive Your Business’s Growth
Here are seven things the cloud could help you achieve, which, taken together, will result in faster business growth.Improve Productivity
As we have already noted, the cloud provides its users with computing and data storage resources. Both these capabilities are important for productivity. With them, workers can process and manipulate data, share files with colleagues, hold data in various states, and invite other parties to view and utilize crucial information. Given the nature of the cloud, several persons in different locations can work on a single project at the same time, thus shortening the time to completion and output delivery.Secure Business Data
Businesses that want to make the most of cloud technology turn to cloud service providers to help prepare and maintain a cloud environment for them. These service providers can also implement security measures that prevent malicious agents from gaining access to their client’s data. Because their reputation depends on the success of their security measures, cloud service providers are apt to deploy security solutions that are even more effective than traditional platforms can guarantee.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Scale at Your Own Pace
The great thing about cloud resources is that you can have more of them to cater to the increasing demand for your services. For example, if the number of people using your business’s application grows, you can scale your cloud capacity to meet that demand. This gives you a lot of flexibility and ensures that you don’t get limited by your physical computing infrastructure.Extract Insights from Big Data
Businesses in the contemporary era are collecting more data than ever before. There’s a lot that can be done with all that data—including gleaning insights into their own operations and understanding the purchasing/subscription habits of their customers. Big data holds great promise, but the benefits are only accessible to enterprises with the right analytics and business intelligence tools. These tools are often cloud-based.Guarantee Better Communication and Collaboration
Cloud-based platforms like Slack, Google Meet, and Zoom are enabling teams to communicate with each other in real-time and collaborate on projects, regardless of where they are. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones—which make relatively inexpensive voice calls via the internet possible – are also cloud-based.Take Advantage of Automation
Thanks to a range of cloud-based applications, businesses of all sizes can now experience the joys of automation. These applications range from social media scheduling tools (which allow content managers to schedule social media posts for publication at specific dates and times) to payroll software (that automatically set up deposits and calculates tax deductions). Automation could mean a reduced need for human effort, and, ultimately, less spending on staff remuneration.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Cut Cost
With cloud applications, you do not need to acquire additional hardware or even pay for software at every point of usage. You only need to access the application over the internet. This potentially grants you quite a bit of cost saving, in addition to the costs you’ll eliminate with automation—which (as we’ve mentioned) the cloud also enables.Final Words
Cloud technology opens up numerous pathways to growth for the businesses that deploy it. Yours could certainly benefit from it. Just make sure to work with a cloud service provider that’s competent and has a track record of delivering the benefits of the cloud to commercial organizations. Featured Image Source: InfoWorldGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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