subject: Advantages Of Using Cloud Computing For The Business [print this page] A lot of companies nowadays use cloud computing and telecommunications technology in order to streamline their business processes. Using these technologies allows them to save a lot of money, at the same time enhancing the productivity of the staff, which is very important at this time when the economy is being challenged. Very important business communications can be done in a more convenient and flexible way if an effective solution is implemented. This means that video conferencing, email exchange, file sharing and other vital tasks of a modern business are doable in a more efficient way, even if the workforce is in varying locations. There are numerous advantages that a business can enjoy when utilising this solution. Here is to discuss some of the benefits in detail.
Flexible Staff
Modern times saw an increase in the number of individuals who work on flexible schedules. It is now very common for businesses to have staff that telecommute or work from home. In order to support staff that work off site, companies use advanced technology that allows employees to work from a different location other than their office premises. This way, the company never has to consider location when hiring highly skilled staff by giving them an option to work from home.
Let Go of the Physical Servers
When a cloud computing solution is implemented, there would be no need for the business to keep the physical servers in the office premises. Theses servers actually take up a lot of office space because of its bulky size. In addition, it creates noise, emits heat and consumes a lot of electricity. There will be no need to deal with these because a good provider will take care of the servers for the business. The business can certainly enjoy the additional space that will be made available when the physical servers are let go of.
Pay Only for What was Used
There is no need for the business to incur any upfront expenses for the applications and the servers. Most of the time, there will be a fixed monthly bill that the business will need to take care of, but these would include on what the business has used and is still using. This is a cost effective solution for the communication tools that the company needs. It would no longer be necessary for the company to shell out a huge amount of money to purchase the equipment that is vital for the business operation.
Easy to Set Up
The communication tools that the business needs will be very easy to set up. The traditional way to set up tools such as video conferencing, for example, is to pre order the software and the hardware, wait days or even weeks for it to arrive, then allocate an entire day to have it installed in to the office. Cloud computing has changed this, allowing the business to install and utilise a tool or resource within a matter of hours.
Scalable
Just as it is easy to set up, resources can also be let go of very easily. At this time when the economy is quite unpredictable, a company may need a lot of technical resource, but may later need to downscale unexpectedly. Cloud computing makes it possible to do this conveniently, so that the business will not have to pay for additional resource that it does not need. There may be issues with the contract when it comes to downsizing so the company must know what the agreement states about it. Otherwise, this task should be worry free.
These are but a few of the many advantages that cloud computing can bring to the business. Employees are now more empowered to do their roles more efficiently because they are equipped with the right tools and have easy access to the communication lines of the business. Now it is easy to enjoy video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing and other technologically advanced processes that people have only dreamt of doing in the past. Additionally, business communications become more flexible and convenient, as there would be a lot of ways for employees to send messages, submit reports and updates, arrange meetings and do other tasks regardless of where they are located.
