Cloud computing has been a major influencer on the way business is conducted today, and it will likely continue to alter the business world going forward. Below are four major ways cloud computing is changing enterprise in the modern world.
- Collaboration
Collaboration has always been an integral part of running a business. Before cloud computing, this meant making conference calls, waiting days (or weeks) for documents to be mailed back, or endless email chains. Now, cloud computing allows instantaneous global collaboration. - Data Safety
Data is typically quite high on the list for businesses in terms of importance. Data stored on in-house servers is just as vulnerable to loss as digital data. For instance, a fire could sweep through a server room and leave your business responsible for replacing those servers as well as the money lost while the system is down. While there is a great deal of concern (and media coverage) surrounding cloud-based data security, but there are high levels of encryption that can work to protect your business’s data. - Going Green
Cloud computing is more environmentally friendly in many regards. By storing information in the cloud, businesses are not tied down to huge server rooms filled with equipment that will eventually become obsolete and consume immense amounts of electricity. - Flexibility
In the past, data storage was rigid and needed constant updating. In-house servers constantly needed upgrades to provide enough storage and bandwidth. This could be both extensive and expensive. Cloud storage, by comparison, can be expanded simply by just purchasing more. This helps make a business much more scalable.