6 Reasons Why SMEs Should Adopt Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a technical certainty with established proof of success. The ability to deliver on-demand computing services, security services, applications, storage, and other resources provides Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) with advantages that can place them right ahead of the pack. Our clients who have made the intelligent transition into a nimble cloud driven operation, have improved their ability to compete with the big players. Adopting cloud computing comes with advantages such as increased accessibility, security, flexibility and even a resilient position in crisis management aspects, while at the same time improving cost, time and energy savings as well. Cloud technology solutions are a compelling set of tools that massively enhances ease of doing business.  

In this post we discuss 6 reasons why SMEs should adopt cloud technology solutions to stay competitive.  

Mobility  

Cloud revolutionizes operations. Organizations can now reimagine and optimize their work process. With cloud technology, employees can practically be at work at any time, from anywhere, through any device. They just need to be connected to the internet. Organizations can experiment with the wildly popular- ‘remote working’ process and incentivize work for their employees, especially for an SME or start up, where to function optimally a 9 to 6 job routine might not be the most optimum. Cloud enables seamless integration of new resources with ease and dramatically improves accessibility and efficiency. Entire teams irrespective of different geographies will have access to the latest versions of business data- the perfect boon for the sales team, which in turn boosts the organization's growth.   

Investment Flexibility  

Flexibility is a major advantage of cloud computing. Pay as per your use is ideal for organizations in their nascent stage or those envisioning future expansion plans. Use as per your current requirement, helps business prepare and invest in scalability. Staying true to the core of this investment philosophy, service providers also provide the pay per subscription-based model. You can initially test the service and experiment for free for few days, evaluate all the modules, and then decide which one fulfils the requirement of your business. You get to choose and subscribe to useful modules and pay only for what you use. This level of financial and operational flexibility can provide SMEs a real market level competitive advantage. The arduous task of software or hardware installation is now a thing of the past with cloud. Flexibility is one of the core reasons why market leaders are opting for cloud solutions for their businesses.  

Security  

Data breaches are major challenges for rapidly growing companies. Earlier an umbrella manufacturer would have to set up a team of engineers and security experts to secure their thriving data- driven processes. Now with cloud, the company can just focus on building better umbrellas and outsource security to the experts. Cloud solution providers can implement cutting edge security protocols to protect your data from threats in an efficient and resilient manner. Cloud based data storage ensures that storage is used efficiently and expert driven protocols exist to save your data from hackers. Cloud security goes beyond data protection. It is also a reliable back up provider to defend your data from any possible data disaster- whether man-made or a natural calamity. No more concerns over a crashed server or a broken system.   

Scalability and Reliability  

Cloud services are by design highly scalable and reliable. SMEs can develop an entire growth strategy aiming for steady and planned growth with the use of cloud solutions. Cloud supports rapid expansion. The company’s growth and geographic expansion can be unrolled on the back of a highly scalable cloud infrastructure. The company can scale up to the next level of services, can add users and servers immediately. No need for purchasing any other software. The process is similar to renting an extra space as per need. In the case of specific or seasonal requirements, it is easy to scale up to meet a surge and then to scale down as the requirement diminishes. Let’s say you have planned for a viral online campaign and accordingly you expect a traffic surge to your business website. To manage this traffic, you can scale up for the campaign duration, and as soon as the traffic recedes, you can again scale down to your regular operational requirement.  

Cloud solutions are more reliable and effective than traditional software. It requires no upfront cost, very less maintenance cost and is highly secure. Automatic software updates are one of the most attractive features of cloud system boosting its reliable quotient compared to traditional software.   

Cost Optimization  

Cost optimization is another cloud-based benefit that eliminates the need for heavy investment in procuring infrastructure. A subscription-based model is affordable, the company can pay as per their use. It works pretty much akin to a post-paid network connection. A reasonable set up cost exists and the maintenance cost is marginal, which was not the case with traditional software. Associated costs like power, cooling, upgradation expenses, software license expenses and many others simply don’t exist. Depreciation is not something that the company needs to worry about.  

Operational Control  

A substantial challenge in running a business of any size- is to control and fine tune operational efficiency. The greater the number of users, the more is the need to control. The process becomes simpler with cloud. All files are stored centrally and users with permission can access them all or use the file they are permitted to. As an organizational leader you can monitor and track for efficiency.  

Companies can utilize cloud services to manage the entire suite of HR, finance, CRM and back-office operations. This allows small business owners to manage their business with a great deal of detail. Cloud enables speedy decision-making, reduces turnaround time and allows owners to focus on what matters: strengthening their core business activities.   

Conclusion  

Cloud solutions offer a range of benefits to small and medium business owners. With the scalability and flexibility of cloud solutions, owners and leaders can focus more on their vision and core business activities and leave the rest to cloud systems. Businesses can move with speed and accuracy to maintain competitive advantages.   

At Hashbrown Systems, we help SMEs incorporate cloud solutions to add value to their entire business process. If you think you would like to check the potential of cloud-based services, drop a message here.