Cloud computing isn’t the next big thing – it’s become the not-so-new normal
Why are so many organizations moving their IT infrastructures to the cloud? There are many reasons to make the move, and they all revolve around increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Chances are, most companies are either already using cloud services or are seriously considering making the leap. Here are a few more perhaps less-obvious reasons why right now might be the best time to switch.
1. Flexibility: Control costs and scale your operations quickly
Businesses with bandwidth demands that are growing or uneven can really benefit from cloud-based IT. It is a simple, straightforward matter to upgrade the company’s storage capacity incrementally by accessing more space on the cloud provider’s remote servers. Consequently, companies can also reduce storage costs as storage needs decrease.
The same goes for bandwidth. An organization can pay for more bandwidth when the need presents itself – during peak seasonal periods, perhaps – and reduce that cost when data needs can be met at a lower level of throughput. That also means they get the bandwidth needed when users show up, and not after the fact in anticipation of the next peak traffic period.
2. No up-front costs
Most IT “revolutions” have required companies to make a substantial capital investment before realizing any benefits. One of the great things about cloud computing is that there are no up-front costs to take on. Adopters see the beneficial effects of cloud computing and realize the cost efficiencies without draining the cash reserves.
3. Worry-free disaster recovery
Disaster recovery provisioning is one of the best reasons to migrate to the cloud. It’s one benefit that’s not brought up often enough. Wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, floods – there’s no place on the planet free from the threat of natural disasters. Disaster recovery should be a top-level line item on any IT department’s budget. That said, robust disaster protection has often been a priority, particularly for smaller firms and start-ups. Cloud computing, by its very nature, features redundant data protection, which facilitates an ironclad disaster-recovery program for any size organization.
4. Remote staffing made easier
With telecommuting, anyone with an internet connection can be at work. With cloud services providing secure virtual desktops accessible anywhere – from the family dinner table to a no-password open WiFi hotspot at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan – “work” can indeed be anywhere. There is no need to put sensitive corporate or customer data in jeopardy.
With many workers looking for the flexibility of remote work – one study reported that 42% of workers would swap a portion of their pay for the ability to telecommute (a 6% pay cut on average) – this could be a potential source of additional low-risk cost containment as well.
5. Automatic software updates
What? Why is this even mentioned? Doesn’t everyone keep their mission-critical software updated? Well, the answer to that question would be “no.”
The great thing about relying on the cloud is that the servers are off-premises and, essentially, someone else’s problem. A cloud service provider such as CloudHesive takes care of all software updates, including security updates and patches. Not only does that free up IT personnel hours for more critical work that can move the organization forward, it also means the company’s cloud is up to date and protected.
Don’t wait. Start migrating to the cloud today with CloudHesive
Beyond these five, the list of cloud computing advantages and incentives to migrate is nearly endless. We do have more light reading at hand for those looking for a deeper dive: Learn how the cloud can lock up documents in one secure yet accessible digital vault, or explore the flexibility of DaaS (Desktops as a Service). Also, see the way the cloud can seriously enhance IT security on all fronts. Learn more about CloudHesive today by getting in touch at 800-860-2040 or through our online contact form.
