Come join us in the cloud; the view’s great from up here!

If you’ve been reticent to join the new-fangled cloud computing trend, you’re certainly not alone. There are those who pale at yet another software migration and still others for whom the idea of releasing control of data and software to a galaxy far, far away is simply too much. Some have security concerns as some epic hacks have, of late, revealed the cracks in cloud computing security. Besides, who wants their employees running around leaving their handheld devices in bars for competitors to discover (I’m thinking of you, iPhone designers)? If you’ve been resisting a move to the cloud, it may be time to rethink. Creating online databases is so much easier than you can imagine, security systems have improved and, most importantly, you can save your business fistfuls of cash by moving to the cloud.

Software savings

When you move your business onto the cloud, it means that workers access their online databases and software programs through the internet rather than a centralized server. Cloud software is significantly cheaper than the hard copies you are accustomed to buying. Patches and upgrades are automatically installed and you will no longer have to buy multiple copies of each program for all of your employees. This means you keep up to date with the latest software advances and you are also able to afford more programs, which makes for a more efficient and technologically advanced company.

Support is included in the cost of your software so you have access to assistance 24/7 and don’t have to wait for Doug from IT to finish fixing the printer before he can help you with your software problem. Cloud computing enjoys far less downtime than a normal office network at a fixed cost to you. Better still, you can cancel software subscriptions that you no longer want without paying a penalty. This means you don’t have to stick with a software program because you have paid a fortune for it. Instead, seamlessly switch to the best software programs for your needs.

Hardware savings

Gone are the days when you had to have a server room or invest in desktops with massive capacities just to run your network effectively. By centralizing your software and online databases in the cloud, you can say goodbye to your servers. This vastly reduces the cost of hardware for your business. Better still, the Bring your own Device (BYOD) trend sees employees bringing their tablets, laptops and other handheld devices to work. Some companies are even providing a stipend for these hardware products and dispensing with desktops altogether. This means that you save on hardware costs and your employees get to work on their devices of choice; now that’s what I call a win/win!

Time is money

When employees are able to access their online databases at any time, from anywhere, they don’t have to wait until they are in the office to work. This reduces downtime and makes them more effective in the field. When you can access your online database from anywhere and at any time, you can answer client’s questions, provide accurate quotes, offer advanced collaboration and remedy problems on the move. You offer a better service and spend less time in the office.

Advances in the way online databases work mean that the information vital to the success of your business is available to you at the touch of a button. With reduced costs and easy access, the question should not be whether you want to join the cloud, but if you can afford not to.