Many Companies Are Falling Behind In Technology Due To The Rapid Pace Of New Developments.
Software updates are a must when seeking that extra edge against competitors. Upgrading your systems to the latest software can also make daily work more efficient and productive. “There’s a lot of pressure on companies to perform,” says Oracle’s CEO Mark Hurd. “Executives need ample flexibility to respond to the market. That means both reducing costs and increasing innovation.” There are many ways in which cloud-based systems can provide that competitive advantage, and a number of them meet Hurd’s criteria for lower costs and greater innovation in ways that older systems simply can’t. Here are a few examples of how the cloud can give a company that extra edge.
Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the many advantages that cloud-based systems can offer. According to Growth Business, implementing a cloud software allows all your data to be easily accessed at all times, allowing your workforce to be more mobile. Employees can now work from any location, which can help companies hire and retain top talent, some of whom may prefer not to live near their prospective employer’s offices.
Data Security
There is always a chance of data breaches or hacking, however, cloud software often boasts better security standards than programs installed on hard drives and on-premises data centers. If a computer with important information were to be stolen, no one but the thief might have any way of retrieving its stolen data. A stolen computer or other hardware isn’t as pressing for companies using cloud systems. Passwords to cloud systems can be changed and the data protected instantly from any device by anyone with the proper administrative privileges. Directly breaching a cloud system’s security is an extremely difficult task to begin with, so there’s a better chance that your data will be safe when stored on the cloud.
Back-Up Plan
Business to Community says that companies using a cloud system will never have to worry about losing their data. On-premise computing requires back-up plans in case of system crashes. This involves manually uploading information to dedicated hard drives on site to ensure the necessary duplication of critical data. However, most cloud systems provide options for periodic back-ups that can be automatically recovered. That way, if your system crashes, there will always be a recent backed-up copy to access. This can help companies avert any crisis resulting from the loss of information.
Reduced Costs
Establishing, owning, and properly running an on-premise system is extremely expensive. Many companies spend immense amounts maintaining computer systems and external hard drives. Switching to the cloud can save a lot of money over the long run. With the cloud, you only need to pay for the resources you use and not for the physical hardware that runs them. This can also save money by minimizing the need for on-site IT personnel to maintain and upgrade an on-premises system.
Improved Workflow And Collaboration
Employee performance is a critical factor for business success, and companies are always looking for ways to improve it. One way to streamline the collaboration process is with cloud applications. Employees can easily share data, work on projects together, and update each other whenever and wherever they’re working. Cloud computing’s flexibility allows for greater efficiency and productivity. Workers can better communicate and produce their best work when they are using the best tools and are not constrained to a specific computer with a particular configuration.
Every company wants that competitive edge. For many, the cloud often provides them the tools they need to excel. With data storage, information sharing, and other benefits, the cloud offers efficiencies that many other programs lack. For ambitious businesses, upgrading their software might be what’s needed to get ahead.