In recent years, there has been a shift in the way businesses operate. Thanks to technological advances, companies can now take advantage of the cloud to increase efficiency and productivity. Here are a few of the cloud-based options now available to the average business owner:
- Cloud-based accounting software
- Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Cloud-based project management software
- Cloud-based file sharing and storage services
- Cloud-based email services
- Cloud-based computing
- Cloud-based marketing tools
- Cloud-based data storage
- Cloud-based ecommerce platforms
Cloud Services―two definitions
When you do an internet search for “cloud services," you will come across two definitions. The first definition of cloud services has to do with the services offered by cloud platforms to the business. Some of these cloud-based options are outlined in the list above.
The second definition you will come across in your search will say something like, “The services provided by an IT professional to help businesses secure, streamline, and optimize their cloud-based operational assets.” This is what we refer to as our Cloud Services offering.
In this article, we will use the words “cloud” or “cloud assets” to describe the first category and “Cloud Services” to describe how a Managed IT Services provider helps companies like yours take full advantage of their cloud-based workflow and storage.
How does an MSP help a small business in utilizing the cloud?
Our team can help small businesses move to the cloud and manage their cloud assets. We work with your business to assess your needs, develop a migration plan, and manage your cloud assets. We’ll also provide monitoring and support for ongoing data security and operational stability.
Here are a few pro-business benefits of using the cloud assets combined with our Cloud Services
Increased Flexibility and Scalability
One of the biggest benefits of cloud assets is their increased flexibility and scalability. With on-premise solutions, you're limited by the amount of hardware and software you have on-site. If you want to add more users or increase capacity, you should purchase additional hardware and software, which can be expensive.
Our team leverages our Cloud Services offering to help you scale up or down as needed. This makes it easier to forecast growth costs and scale predictably.
Improved Collaboration and Communication
Another benefit of using the cloud for business processes is that it can improve collaboration and communication within your team. Utilizing the cloud, team members can easily access shared files and documents from anywhere in the world, making it easier to stay connected and work together on projects.
Through our Cloud Services offering, we help companies make the most of the collaboration potential of their cloud-based assets within their workflow.
Enhanced Security
Regarding security, many businesses are hesitant to move to the cloud because they worry about data breaches. However, cloud providers have prioritized security and invest heavily in their infrastructure to help ensure that data is protected from threats like DDoS attacks, malware, and ransomware. In fact, sometimes cloud-based solutions can be more secure than on-premise ones because they're constantly updated with the latest security patches and features.
But even with the baked-in security features that come along with cloud-based business assets, monitoring and cybersecurity risk management of your assets within the cloud is still your responsibility. We help you understand cloud asset cybersecurity by putting industry best practices in place and being there for you if any negative event does impact your workflow.
The cloud offers many benefits for small-to-mid-size businesses that want to grow without investing in on-site hardware or software. Hiring an experienced Managed Services Provider for Cloud Services can deliver the support and expertise needed to leverage cloud-based workflow.
How much does it cost to have an MSP manage my cloud assets?
The cost of having an MSP manage your cloud assets depends on the individual Cloud Services you need and the provider you choose. Generally, Managed Services Providers charge a monthly fee that may include all the services you need.
Are there any disadvantages to using the cloud for my business operations?
A main disadvantage of using cloud-based platforms for day-to-day business operations is that cloud assets require an internet connection. If your internet goes down, so do your cloud-based applications and access to stored data. Additionally, Cloud Services can be more expensive than on-premise solutions if you need a massive amount of storage or bandwidth. Check with our team of experienced Cloud Services providers to help you evaluate what cloud strategy could be right for your business.
Conclusion:
There are plenty of reasons to consider using the cloud for your small to mid-size business. From increased flexibility and scalability to enhanced security, many benefits come with switching to the cloud. If you're ready to take your business to the next level with cloud technologies, contact us to learn more about our Cloud Services offerings. We can help.
