It’s 2018, we’ve all heard of the cloud. So why have so many small businesses failed to migrate their office IT there? There’s no doubt that handing over your data to a complex and hard-to-define technology is intimidating, and that’s why you need the right IT partner to consult with along the way.

The cloud provides on-demand computing services so running applications, storing data, and accessing servers can all be done remotely and stored off-site. In fact, you likely already use the cloud for business purposes, perhaps without even realizing it. Online email services, video streaming, and data colocation are all made possible thanks to the cloud.

Popular tools like Google Drive, iCloud, and Microsoft Office Online are common examples of cloud computing, so if you’ve used those applications, then you know how simple it is to use the cloud. Beyond being user-friendly, there are other benefits for small businesses.

6 benefits for small businesses

Accessibility

Cloud computing affords your employees the opportunity to work from anywhere. This helps small businesses expand easily by hiring remote team members with minimal overhead. All it takes to work is an Internet connection and a computer.

This is great news for productivity because employees can always be plugged in. Moreover, it gives them the flexibility to work when they want, where they want.

Collaboration

Not only does the cloud enhance productivity, but it also improves internal collaboration. Working together on projects is easier than ever before, and storing documents in a centralized location eliminates confusion and reduces versioning.

In addition, cloud technology allows you to keep track of employees’ progress more efficiently by providing real-time visibility over ongoing projects. And if your day-to-day focus is on growing the business and gaining new clients, you no longer have to be in the office to manage it.

Integration

While easy access and increased teamwork opportunities are important, they’re difficult to do if you don’t have the appropriate support systems in place. Migrating your business to the cloud opens the door for innumerable integrations that boost back office operations.

One of the largest benefits of integrating services in the cloud is data sharing between your accounting, marketing, and reporting apps. You no longer have to take time duplicating entries and you can provide better customer service by easily recalling data in any system.

Backup and Recovery

Disaster recovery is a growing concern among businesses of all sizes. However, a formalized plan based on results of a thorough network assessment can be expensive for most small businesses. But with a cloud-based recovery solution, you’ll retrieve lost data back faster with less hardware, saving you time and money.

Think about it this way: the cloud makes your data backups more reliable and your data recovery much easier and faster. And for that, both your internal and external customers will thank you.

Security

Never lose important files again. Whether it’s a lost or stolen laptop or a total desktop meltdown, if your files are in the cloud, you’ll still be able to access them from another device or “wipe” the data off the lost device.

Since you don’t maintain data on in-house servers when you employ cloud technology, the physical location of the data isn’t something you have to be concerned about. Of course, you still need to maintain an IT security strategy, but you can rest easier knowing that cloud solutions are built with security as a top priority.

Affordability

This is probably the biggest reason why small businesses should migrate to the cloud. There is minimal up-front investment, as most cloud platforms operate on a subscription basis. Plus, you’ll spend less money on hardware, freeing up your budget for more important things.

Are You Ready For The Cloud?

With affordable fees and a high success rate, there’s never been a better time to migrate your business to the cloud. If you’re a small business operating in San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, or the surrounding areas, Contact OC-IT Today. Our dedicated cloud experts are ready to help you ease your IT burden by showing your business how to take full advantage of everything the cloud has to offer.