Cloud computing and your business’s future — 3 ways the cloud can unlock success

As the dust settles from the COVID-19 crisis, one thing is clear: cloud computing will be the heart of business technology in the post-pandemic world. The cloud offers the flexibility and scalability organizations need to maintain success, no matter how unstable the new normal may be.

After the massive cloud acceleration during 2020, Forrester predicts the global public cloud infrastructure market will grow 35 percent in 2021. Demand for cloud-native technology will also spike. By the end of the year, one-quarter of developers will use serverless architecture to build new apps and modernize existing ones, and 30 percent will use containers regularly. This is a huge jump — before the pandemic, only about 20 percent of developers used either.

If you’re like more than 90 percent of businesses, cloud computing will be a part of your business’s future. Let’s look at how using the cloud can unlock growth and pave the way for a successful future.

Cloud solutions boost productivity

Cloud-based business software streamlines day-to-day processes because your business apps can be integrated into a single platform. With integration between accounting, customer relationship management, sales, project management, and other applications, data can be updated across platforms automatically. This provides real-time insights that can enable smarter business decisions. A managed IT services provider can help you optimize your business applications if you need any assistance.

With cloud computing, your end users can stop worrying about server performance when logging on to your in-office systems. When data is in the cloud, your business has access to vast amounts of computing power. There’s no risk of failed servers or poor performance because of a spike in traffic.

Your teams can work remotely

With your data and apps in the cloud, employees can log on from anywhere. Not only does this enable your business to continue operating in the event of a power outage, natural disaster, or even a global pandemic, but it also gives employees the freedom to work from wherever. There are significant benefits to allowing remote work.

Employees have the flexibility to determine where they work, which can allow them to be more efficient and feel more satisfied with their job. Research has shown that telecommuting increases job satisfaction.

Your business can hire without location restrictions, giving you access to a larger talent pool. You’ll also appeal more to candidates when hiring new employees — eight in 10 workers want more remote work to attain a better work-life fusion.

Using the cloud can reduce costs

With cloud computing, your business can reduce IT costs dramatically. This can free up resources to invest in more advanced technologies that your business will need to compete moving forward.

With the cloud, you can spend less money on hardware. You don’t have to pay for new servers, space to house them, or the security to keep them secure.

Using the cloud can also free up your IT team to focus on more business-critical tasks because they won’t have to spend time focusing on on-site hardware management and maintenance.

You’ll also save on software. With software as a service (SaaS), your business can access the latest software with a subscription-based payment model. There’s no need to invest in expensive on-premise software that will become outdated in a few years.

How to get the most out of the cloud

Cloud computing can unlock the door to enhanced productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and more business value for every dollar you spend on technology. All of these things pave the way for business success. But, to get the most out of the immense potential the cloud offers, you need a vision for how to leverage it. Ready to take your business to the next level with the cloud? Let’s talk.