Cloud computing technology has been around for quite a while now. But recently, small businesses have realized the potential and benefits of cloud computing. Furthermore, technological advancements have also contributed to the spike in demand from small enterprises.
As per a recent survey, 90 percent of small businesses have begun reaping the benefits of cloud computing. As a result, companies have reduced operational costs and enhanced collaboration among the staff.
Before we explain the benefits of cloud computing, let us take a movement and attempt to understand what cloud computing is all about.
What is cloud computing?
It is a technology that lets you store information and data in a virtual space on the internet. That permits you to access and share data, information, and applications with anyone instead of keeping the information or data on a physical hard disk.
There are three types of cloud computing- for instance, public, private, and hybrid. A third-party service provider owns and operates the public cloud services. The private cloud services are within the premise and dedicated to a single organization. The hybrid is the best of the worlds, as it permits organizations to access the information stored from anywhere.
Why is cloud computing so popular among small businesses?
The significant reason for its gaining popularity is its cost-effectiveness. Not only that, the technology is highly flexible, scalable, highly reliable, and secure. Furthermore, the technology gives easy access to information and data over the internet with proper authorization.
Additionally, businesses can significantly reduce the expenses of maintaining the technical infrastructure.
Since we have understood cloud computing, let us look at how it reduces costs and increases flexibility for small businesses.
1. Cut operational costs
Unlike traditional technical infrastructure, small businesses do not require a considerable investment in IT infrastructure- for instance, the software and the hardware. With cloud computing, you only have to pay for what you use. It does not come attached with any additional costs.
For instance, if the business is a serviced- base, you would have to hire staff and make other investments to manage and organize the customer booking. The customers would contact the business directly via email or by phone.
The conventional system can often lead to serious confusion like double-booking, and customers would have to wait long hours to schedule an appointment with the business. You can avoid such a situation and reduce expenses using a web-based online scheduling software like Picktime.
The software comes with a customizable booking page or widget that you can embed into your website or on social media pages like Facebook. That eases appointment booking for customers 24/7. As the software replaces the conventional booking system with a modern and automated booking system, you do not have to divert additional resources to manage and organize customer booking.
The software sends automated reminders over email and SMS. That informs the customers of the appointment scheduled. As a result, it helps to reduce no-shows and cancellations. The customers want to reschedule the appointment in a few steps if needed.
The software permits small businesses to create a secure customer information database like history and preferences. As a result, companies can track customer information and ease recurring appointments.
One of the highlighting features of the software is its online calendar. The feature allows a quick overview of the daily appointments, and managing multiple customer appointments becomes easy.
The software eases streamlining customer appointments If the business operates in multiple locations.
2. Scalable
As the business expands, so will your requirement for the IT infrastructure. You can upsize or downsize your business with cloud computing without making any additional investment in purchasing new software and computer hardware.
3. Cloud computing secures your sensitive information
The service providers go and beyond to secure the sensitive information uploaded. That assures you that the data is secure and gives a sense of security.
4. Easy to recover the data
Cloud computing eases recovering data. In unanticipated circumstances, for instance, natural disasters, you can easily recover and regain access to the data. In the traditional IT infrastructure, recovering and restoring access to the data will be difficult if anything occurs.
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5. Updation
With cloud computing, you do not have to worry about software updation. The service provider will take care of updating and assure you that you always have the latest version. That also assists you in not exposing your business to any potential security vulnerabilities.
6. Ease of access
You can access the information stored in the cloud from anywhere and from any device you choose – for instance, a laptop, desktop, or any other device you prefer. Or the devices best suited for your business.
7. Easy for your team to work in collaboration
One of the important advantages of cloud computing is that it eases the teams to work in collaboration. That is in real-time. Furthermore, that will also assist in enhancing communication among the team members. That, in turn, improves the overall productivity of the team.
8. Eco- friendly
Cloud computing significantly reduces energy consumption and resources to run and maintain servers. The technology is eco-friendly as it assists you in reducing your carbon- footprint. For instance, you may no longer have to worry about how to cool- down the system. Furthermore, you can also considerably reduce your energy bills.
9. It makes you more competitive
Technology makes you competitive as you can access the same technology in larger organizations. That significantly bridges the gap in terms of access to the latest technology. As a result, you can compete better in the market over your competitors and make you on par with them.
10. Personalization
Much cloud computing technology is highly flexible, permitting you to personalize the technology to fit your requirements. That helps to enhance the overall efficiency of your business and make the best out of the technology.
In conclusion, using cloud computing technology offers your small business immense benefits. For instance, you can reduce the operational cost of maintaining the traditional IT infrastructure and your energy bills and enhance communication and collaboration among the team.
Furthermore, technology also allows you to compete with larger organizations as you have access to the same technology. You can also customize the technology to meet your needs.
