Companies have been going paperless for quite some time now, and for a variety of reasons. Not only does it benefit the environment, but it’s also a plus for security, accessibility, and several other key areas. But still, some businesses are unsure if they should make the jump to the cloud.
In companies with a lot of physical data and files – such as financial services firms or healthcare practices that have been in business for decades – making the leap 100 percent to the cloud can be a massive undertaking. But it is almost always worth it.
Here’s why your business should move to the cloud and some tips to get started doing so.
Benefits of cloud computing
Most businesses today are at least partially operating on some form of cloud platform, but there are several reasons to complete the transition entirely.
Security
Data on the cloud is able to be as protected as you would like, with backups and disaster recovery features also playing a role. It’s much easier to store important and sensitive data via the cloud than it is to keep physical files onsite that run the risk of being destroyed, lost, or stolen.
Accessibility
Businesses don’t operate entirely under the same roof anymore. They’re global, and you need a platform that will allow you to function seamlessly on that global scale without losing a step. The cloud makes it easy to share and collaborate on projects from wherever you are, unifying the team via remote accessibility.
Modern appeal
Attracting up-and-coming talent requires your company to be on the leading edge of technology. The younger generation of leaders doesn’t want to work in an outdated environment, as they’ve grown up with a certain standard of modern solutions and expect the same in their workplace. That most definitely includes the cloud.
Space saving
You can only continue to store physical files onsite for so long before you run out of room or simply have too much to keep track of. Moving to the cloud allows you to make better use of your space by removing storage and replacing it with additional offices or amenities for your team – also a highly sought after component for young talent.
Scalability
The cloud is highly scalable and capable of growing alongside your business as you need it to. It’s easy to purchase additional storage and capability as your needs shift – and such upgrades are typically not too detrimental on the budget.
Tips for moving your business to the cloud
Understanding the benefits of cloud computing is one thing, but taking actionable steps to do so for your business can be a significant undertaking. Here are a few of the key factors to keep in mind as you prepare to take the leap.
Choosing cloud type
There are two key decisions you’ll need to make when moving to the cloud – whether your platform should be SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS, and whether it should be public, private, or a hybrid of the two.
SaaS (Software as a Service) – Applications are accessible via web browser or via other applications, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, etc.
PaaS (Platform as a Service) – A platform for application development and testing.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – Computing resources are available in a virtual environment and include data storage, virtualization, networking, and more.
Public – Resources are hosted by the cloud provider.
Private – Your business creates its own private cloud.
Hybrid – Resources are spread between both a private and public platform.
Find a vendor you trust
Whichever type of platform you choose to go with, you need to find a partner you trust. Moving to the cloud is a big step, and one you’ll most likely need a fair amount of support to complete. Talk to other business owners you know and trust that have made the move to the cloud and see who they can recommend.
Hire an IT professional
You shouldn’t assume moving an entire business to the cloud is going to be quick and painless, because it’s often not. You need an experienced IT professional to work with you to ensure the process goes smoothly, nothing is lost, and your organization is able to function effectively during and after the migration.
Know what you’re getting into
You shouldn’t migrate to a cloud solution unless you understand how it’s going to work and how it will impact your team. It’s also crucial that you then communicate the change to your team and make sure they understand:
- That you are moving to the cloud
- Why you’re moving to the cloud
- How the migration process will work
- How this change will affect them in the short and long term
Move your business to the cloud with Corporate Technologies
Corporate Technologies delivers all-encompassing support to ensure every aspect of your business’s IT needs is effectively managed. Corporate Technologies provides:
- Advanced security solutions for you and your clients
- Cloud solutions to help you take your business digital while boosting accessibility and reducing your hardware footprint
- Backups and protection to prepare against the unexpected
- Personalized onsite support to achieve face-to-face resolutions for any IT issue
Contact us today to take total control of your business’s IT needs and to learn more about the added benefits of our Technology Advantage program.
