Since cloud computing has come onto the business scene, companies have seen increasing competitiveness. By leveraging the cloud, a company can reduce costs while enjoying greater flexibility in numerous ways.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a service allows a company to use an entire existing IT infrastructure via a subscription-based plan on the internet. IaaS is exceptionally beneficial for companies who don’t have the resources or desire to invest in expensive hardware and everything required to manage and maintain it. Opting for IaaS can save a business a lot of money, especially since hiring specialized IT personnel isn’t needed in this case. The service can be upgraded or downgraded as required by adding or removing servers from the subscription plan.
Software as a Service (Saas)
Also known as subscribeware, software as a service is a subscription-based, centrally-hosted web-based software. This is an excellent option for companies who don’t want to buy a bunch of expensive software that regularly requires upgrades. The providers execute the updates, which means that the software is typically updated more often than it would be otherwise. Many SaaS options are available for companies and individuals alike, such as software for cloud accounting and other office tasks, messaging, gamification and human resource management.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
With a platform as a service, a service provider presents a platform to a client that the client can then use to develop, run and manage business applications. Similar to IaaS, Paas is a subscription-based plan that provides the infrastructure needed, plus the hardware and software. This way, the client doesn’t have to purchase and maintain this infrastructure on-premises.
Test and Development
The cloud offers excellent, ready-made environments to test programs before they’re deemed ready to go. The developers set up a test program, add data sets and run data through the program to find lingering problems. Then, they can be finalized and sent to the client.
File Storage
By leveraging the cloud, a company can store files off-premises. This ensures that files are safe from potential disasters. These files can be accessed and modified by anyone with permissions anywhere globally with an internet connection. Wherever you are, you’ll have these files available to you with the speed and security that you need. It’s also scalable so that you can upgrade or downgrade as your company requires. Therefore, your company will only pay for the amount of cloud storage they consume without worrying about running out of storage space.
Collaboration
Cloud computing makes collaboration between staff and other companies around the world much more manageable. Everyone can access the same files over video chat. Employees can work together on documents or separately at different times. Everyone with access can view and work with the same documents and see real-time modifications. The security can also be set as private as it needs to be. Access can be granted to as many people as necessary. Now, as long as someone has access to a web-based interface and the internet, they can collaborate with anyone else no matter where they’re physically located.
Big Data Analytics
Big data analytics allows a company to extract large amounts of valuable data to tap into how its business performs. By viewing consumer buying patterns, these companies can discover their target audience and determine the best advertising and marketing campaigns for them.
Data Backup
One of the most popular uses for cloud computing is data backup. Data can always be backed up to a computer or a drive. Still, this hardware can be physically damaged, potentially permanently wiping out the saved data. Backing up to the cloud ensures that your data will be safe since it’s off-location. Whether you have a computer malfunction, natural disaster or hardware theft, your data is in no danger of being damaged or stolen.
Disaster Recovery
Data, files, and programs stored in the cloud can be kept safe and sound. It can also be easily recoverable, as long as there’s an internet connection. Whether installing it on the same computer system or on new hardware, it’s easily and safely recoverable.
Cloud computing has been making a massive impact on the world, especially the business world. Daily operations have become easier than ever for business owners and their staff.