It’s no secret that cloud computing has transformed the way businesses get things done. For small businesses, the cloud has opened new doors in terms of efficiency, functionality, and productivity, allowing them to be more effective at their core business with fewer resources needed and at a lower cost. The virtual space offered by the cloud gives small businesses a vast array of options for keeping their operations streamlined and, above all, productive.
More Room to Grow and Evolve
The virtual space that represents the cloud has helped small businesses transition away from physical hardware and software. Instead, these businesses now rely on the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, electing to purchase cloud-based applications through subscription models rather than purchasing expensive software suites outright. The SaaS model also means businesses can remain up-to-date with the latest software while only buying what they need when it’s needed.
SaaS also allows small businesses to adapt quickly to changes in technology and tailor their functionality according to the latest business trends. As the company expands, so can the array of software packages, storage space, and processing capacity available without increased hardware costs or downtime.
Better Protection Against Disasters
A single power outage can spell disaster for an unprepared small business. Nevertheless, many businesses continue to rely on inadequate backup and recovery strategies while others fail to make backups at all. Those that complete regularly scheduled backups tend to rely on tape or external hard drives, which may be vulnerable to damage or loss.
Cloud backups provide a convenient offsite solution for safely storing recovery volumes. These backups can be scheduled to run automatically at regular intervals for increased protection against unforeseen outages. Offsite storage also ensures that small businesses can still recover regardless of what happens in their own city.
Improved Security
Data centers play a major role in keeping the cloud and the data within it safe from loss, corruption, and theft. To achieve this goal, many data centers and virtual hosts rely on a broad range of security measures, including the use of biometric scanners to prevent data theft. To prevent data losses due to excessive heat, moisture, or fire damage, data centers employ strict environmental controls with the latest in cooling, power supply, and fire control technology.
Better and Faster Access
The most appealing aspect of the cloud for many small businesses is the ability to stay productive regardless of location. Employees can collaborate on projects and attend virtual meetings through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, complete projects through the use of cloud-based apps, and access critical data from remote locations at any time of the day. These tools give small businesses an opportunity to increase productivity while streamlining their current operations.
To learn more about how eXemplify’s cloud solutions can benefit your business,contact us today.