Why Cloud-Based Solutions Are Quickly Becoming The Norm

Cloud computing has been on the rise for years. These solutions have become integral to companies of all sizes and operating in all sectors. And while cloud-based solutions grew in popularity before the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become the new normal in its aftermath.

The pandemic forced many companies to shift their normal operations, and under this setting, many cloud-based solutions became integral to business in a remote environment. These solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and reduced operational costs. On top of these benefits, cloud-based solutions are often deployed rapidly. These benefits demonstrate why so many companies turned to cloud-based solutions during the onset of the pandemic.

And even as the threat of COVID-19 wanes, the benefits offered by cloud computing are simply too overwhelming to ignore, which is why this type of solution is here to stay. To understand the business value in cloud computing, it’s worth understanding the basics of it.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing represents the ability to run software and applications entirely or partially from remote servers. External providers host these servers, and the platforms and data collected and stored can be accessed online by users. More than 93% of business leaders are moving at least some of their processes to the cloud in a post-pandemic business environment. The majority are already cloud-only or have plans to complete their cloud migration.

Cloud computing can be broken into two parts – data storage and data access. Data storage allows the data to be stored across multiple data centers worldwide rather than on a local server. This redundancy ensures that even if one server fails, you will still be able to access data vital for business operations. Data access on the cloud ensures you can access the data through the internet, no matter your location or device. This increased flexibility ensures that employees can access data no matter where they may be located.

What Are the Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions?

As you can guess, there are many benefits to cloud-based solutions, including the following:

Flexibility: Cloud-based solutions ensure that companies can adjust to changing business environments. You only pay for what you need in terms of storage and access. During periods of either rapid or stagnant growth, you can easily expand or maintain your cloud needs. This flexibility gives businesses the power to adjust to rapid change or maintain operations during periods of no change. No matter what your current needs are, cloud solutions can adjust accordingly.
Reduced Costs: There is no denying that cloud-based solutions are simply more cost-effective. They can eliminate the high costs associated with hardware, IT resources, and maintaining on-premises data centers. Cloud solutions help modernize IT infrastructure and automate processes, both of which allow businesses to save on capital costs and increase their return on investment while increasing efficiency.
Rapid Deployment: Perhaps the greatest benefit most companies achieved by shifting operations to cloud-based solutions during the pandemic was the ability to deploy and launch programs rapidly. In many instances, the deployment takes days rather than weeks or months. This benefit ensures that companies can operate more efficiently and effectively than ever before. Additionally, many updates can be enforced automatically, further increasing efficiency.
Enhanced Security: Data security is one of the most important aspects of digital operations. A data breach can become incredibly costly and damage your business’s reputation. Security in cloud-based platforms is a high priority, and maintaining security will not require additional staffing. It is built into the cloud service, ensuring that your company’s data is safe and secure, minimizing the chances of a data breach.
Redundancy: Data redundancy is also a key benefit. You won’t lose critical data if you happen to lose functionality in a single server or at a data center. Cloud-based solutions have up-to-date, functional backups in dispersed locations. This feature protects from data loss, guaranteeing access to the data, even if there is a major event, such as a fire or flood. With on-site equipment, any of these types of events could destroy the data permanently. Redundancy is also crucial for protecting from ransomware attacks. If you have redundant data, the threat of data destruction is partially mitigated.
Increased Accessibility: Cloud-based solutions ensure that users can access data and platforms anywhere at any time using any device. This convenience is vital for dispersed operations that many companies embraced during the pandemic and plan to keep for business benefits.

The many benefits of cloud-based solutions demonstrate why they have become the new normal for most companies. Unfortunately, it’s hard to compete with these benefits in a cost-effective way. To learn more about the benefits of cloud computing, contact Sagacent Technologies today.

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning, and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.