Cloud computing has been around for a while and has recently grown in popularity as the volume of data increases across businesses worldwide. Cloud computing is based on the internet and enables users to access the same kind of applications and their own data online via the internet.

Cloud computing helps businesses of all sizes, however, offers start-ups and smaller businesses fast track to enterprise and customer class, in a cost-effective manner. When it comes down to it, cloud computing is the best way for smaller business and start-ups to revolutionize their operations.

Here are 10 reasons how you can benefit from cloud computing:

1. Flexibility

As a business with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands, cloud-based can help with the scalability your cloud capacity, drawing on the service’s remote servers. If your service needs to increase or decrease, the flexibility is baked into the service. This level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a real advantage over competitors.

2. Low-Cost Disaster Recovery

Often, businesses whether mid-size or large invest in robust disaster recovery. However, for start-ups and smaller businesses, cash allocation for disaster recovery can be difficult. Cloud computing is now helping more organizations buck that trend. By streamlining operations, cloud computing solutions are helping smaller firms be on par with mid-size organizations, reducing the risk of disaster.

3. Let the Cloud Update Your Software

Manually updating software’s can be time consuming and can affect your employee’s routine tasks. The beauty of cloud computing is that the servers are off premises, out of sight and out of your hair. Suppliers take care of them for you and roll out regular software updates—including security updates—so you don’t have to worry about wasting time maintaining the system yourself. This leaves you free to focus on the things that matter, like growing your business.

4. Capital-Expenditure Free (Opex vs Capex)

One of the biggest advantages cloud computing offers is the minimization of expensive hardware. With cloud computing, businesses can simply pay as they go and enjoy a subscription-based model that helps your cash flow. Additionally, the ease of setup and management, offers respite from IT projects that used to feel like a task. It’s never been easier to take the first step to cloud adoption.

5. Increased Collaboration

The success of an organization is often determined by the productivity of employees and capability of its technologies. When your team members can access, edit, and share documents anytime, from anywhere, they’re able to do more together and do it better. Digital transformation has skyrocketed with cloud-based workflow and file-sharing apps that help them make updates in real time and give them full visibility into their collaborations.

6. Work from Anywhere

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a beach in the Bahamas or a crowded train, if you have an internet connection, you can work from anywhere. By shifting your work to the cloud, you can access your files and data from anywhere in the world. Additionally, most serious cloud services are available on mobile apps which means you’re not restricted by device.

7. Document Control

Before the cloud took over, document sharing was conducted manually. Not only was this time consuming but had a higher chance of error. In an era of booming technology, the more employees and partners collaborate on documents, the greater the need for watertight document control. The move to cloud computing ensures all files are stored centrally and everyone sees one version. Greater visibility means improved collaboration, which ultimately means better work and positive results.

8. Security

Businesses owners face multiple risks and lost laptops are a billion-dollar business problem. Losing your device is potentially great because with it, you also lose the sensitive data inside it. Cloud computing offers you greater security if you lose your setup. With this solution, all your data is stored in the cloud, and you can access it no matter what happens to your machine. You can even remotely wipe data from lost laptops, so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.

9. Competitiveness

Start-ups won’t remain start-ups forever. A small business will grow and turn mid-size or become an enterprise. But this growth is only possible with the right amount of competitiveness. Moving to the cloud gives everyone access to enterprise-class technology. It also allows smaller businesses to act faster than big, established competitors. With its subscription-based model, cloud business applications mean small outfits can run with the big boys and disrupt the market, all while remaining lean and nimble.

10. Environmentally Friendly

In a world where we’re striving for cleaner operations for our environment, cloud computing strives to help businesses achieve that goal. While the above points spell out the benefits of cloud computing for your business, moving to the cloud isn’t an entirely selfish act. The environment gets a little love, too. When your cloud needs fluctuate, your server capacity scales up and down to fit. You only use the energy you need, and you don’t leave over-sized carbon footprints.

Our reasons for switching to the cloud outline a clear, streamlined operational solution for small businesses and start-ups. The best way to run a business and make sure it grows is by understanding current technologies and investing in them. Cloud computing is the way of the future.

As cloud solutions have taken the market by a storm, Metnology can help with all your cloud needs with an experienced and skilled team. To learn more about cloud computing contact our friendly team.