Migrating to the cloud allows small businesses to take advantage of its many benefits, such as cost savings, improved scalability, collaboration, and security. For many small businesses, the cloud has improved their workflow and allowed them to reallocate their resources.
The cloud is comprised of a collection of servers that host software and databases in data centers worldwide. Unlike on-premises infrastructure, cloud infrastructure can be accessed by anyone with clearance, regardless of location, opening up possibilities for collaboration and workflow solutions for small businesses.
Cloud Migration Cost Savings
A benefit to small businesses migrating to the cloud is cost savings. Cloud infrastructure frees small businesses from investing in expensive hardware, utilities, facilities, staff, and maintenance to support on-premises solutions.
Migrating to the cloud allows small businesses to pay-per-use based on the data managed and storage used, so they can adjust their cloud infrastructure to suit their specific needs.
On-premises infrastructure requires a significant investment to set up and maintain over the years, in addition to the equipment depreciating over time. Many small businesses turn towards cloud infrastructure for their data management needs so they can take advantage of its cost savings.
Cloud Scalability
Cloud scalability is a significant factor in why many small businesses migrate to the cloud. Scalability is the ability to increase or decrease resources to suit demand.
Cloud infrastructure allows companies to easily adjust data storage, processing power and networking to suit their needs without the disruption typically associated with on-premises infrastructure.
This is possible because the cloud utilizes virtualization, which provides flexibility. Virtual machines can easily move to a different server or even be hosted on multiple servers, whereas on-premises infrastructure is more rigid and would require additional hardware and expertise to scale if needed.
Cloud Collaboration and Accessibility
After migrating to the cloud, small business staff can collaborate in real-time on documents and projects regardless of their location. While on-premises collaboration relies on locality, the cloud opens up collaboration to anyone with access, regardless of where they may reside at the moment.
Cloud collaboration allows documents to be viewed, edited, and shared, streamlining approval processes and improving workflow.
Cloud infrastructure is also highly accessible, ultimately easing everyday collaboration stressors. Large files such as video and audio files can often be a headache to share; however, with the cloud’s collaboration and accessibility, these files can easily be uploaded and shared without halting workflow.
Cloud Security and Disaster Recovery
While migrating to the cloud does not make small businesses immune to potential threats, it does provide and streamline valuable security and disaster recovery strategies and services.
When a small business migrates to the cloud, its computing and data are stored in a centralized location, making it easier to protect. You can also control who can access the servers and leverage the cloud provider’s cybersecurity and maintenance expertise.
Cloud infrastructure security and disaster recovery can minimize downtime and data loss. By utilizing the cloud’s security, disaster recovery and performing disaster recovery testing, it’s much easier to meet best industry practices.
Additionally, the cloud server’s geographic location protects your data from events that can affect on-premises infrastructure, such as natural disasters or cyberattacks.
The Benefits of Small Businesses Migrating to the Cloud
Migrating to the cloud can help small businesses save on data management, security and disaster recovery costs. But the benefits go even further than saving money.
The cloud provides small businesses with flexibility, allowing them to tailor-fit their cloud infrastructure to their needs without the costly investment of on-premises infrastructure.
Ultimately, its flexibility and accessibility enable easy collaboration and streamlined workflow, improving productivity.
Need help with your IT systems or processes? TAG Solutions has a skilled team of managed service providers in the Albany, New York area. We are happy to help talk through your systems and offer suggestions. Contact us today!