Last year was challenging for marketers as well as all business owners due to the global pandemic. As a result, it gave rise to every organization's digitalization, and recognized the extensive benefits of cloud computing technology. Any sized organization can take advantage of the effectiveness of cloud computing, and in the case of small businesses, it can be overwhelming. Henceforth, business owners acknowledge the comprehensive and extensive benefits of cloud computing for small businesses to drive tremendous business growth. Integrating cloud computing technology is a new norm of today’s digital world and is not just a catchphrase anymore.
The market for cloud computing is vast. In 2020, the global cloud computing market valued at $371.4 billion, and estimates stated that by 2025 it would rise to a staggering $832.1 billion. According to Statista, Amazon Web Services has a 32% market share in cloud computing.
This blog will elaborate on the benefits of cloud computing for small businesses. But, before we cover up the core aspect of this blog, let us know what exactly cloud computing is and why it is ideal for small businesses.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing has been around us for two decades, and we have been using it in day-to-day activities without our knowledge but has gained popularity in just over the past five years. The popularity is basically due to the increased reliance on handling and storing big data.
What exactly is cloud computing? Cloud computing provides end-users (or business owners) to access their data, programs, and applications stored on a remote server anywhere, at any time, on any mobile device via the internet.
There are three different ways to deploy cloud services: on a public cloud, private cloud, or
hybrid cloud. In addition, cloud computing provides various cloud services such as cloud storage, cloud backup, and cloud hosting.
Cloud computing services classified into four types:
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): It is the most basic cloud computing service. You can rent IT infrastructure servers and virtual machines (VMs), networks, storage, and operating systems from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis using IaaS.
Platform as a service (PaaS): It provides an environment for developing, testing, delivering, and managing software applications on demand.
Serverless computing: Serverless computing, which overlaps with PaaS, focuses on developing app functionality without constantly managing the servers and infrastructure required to do so.
Software as a service (SaaS): Software as a service (SaaS) delivers software applications over the Internet on demand and typically through a subscription. Cloud providers host and manage the software application and underlying infrastructure and any maintenance in the case of SaaS.
Why is cloud computing ideal for small businesses?
Cloud computing has made doing business much easier for all businesses, especially for small businesses. As a business owner, you can gain tremendously by incorporating cloud-based computing into your workflow. The popularity and importance of cloud computing applications for small companies is very clear. It enables increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, reduces operational costs, access anywhere, reduced risk during the crisis, and improved cash flow helps solve many business challenges.
Cloud technology makes mobile access to data easy for small businesses, thus aids them to be more competitive on a global scale. Companies can reduce IT costs by utilizing innovative products that provide storage, software, and infrastructure via the cloud. Furthermore, cloud service providers' monthly or yearly billing rates can help you avoid unexpected costs such as emergency server repairs.
Cloud computing application has a few setbacks to be considered as well.
Drawbacks of cloud computing are:
• For starters, implementing any new
technology necessitates personal training and a practical troubleshooting system both before and after the launch.
• Another issue to consider is security. In general, no business is immune to cyberattacks. The trick is to find a reliable cloud service provider, understand its backup plans in the event of a security breach, and take your security precautions.
Now let us know the distinctive benefits of
cloud computing for small businesses in precise.
Benefits of cloud computing for small businesses
More flexibility and scalability
The most significant benefits of cloud computing for small businesses are increased flexibility and scalability in the workplace. Companies with on-premises systems used to and have to purchase server and workstation upgrades to accommodate new users. The importance of cloud computing stems from the fact that it allows you to work from any location and at any time. In addition, employees have more flexibility in and out of the workplace, thanks to cloud computing. Because data is stored in the cloud and web-based applications, you can run your business in the cloud and give your employees access to it at any time and from any location.
Cloud computing applications can be scaled up and down quickly and cheaply. Everything from bandwidth to processing power can be scaled in the cloud. When peak demand has passed, you can reduce your service plan to save money.
Easy data recovery
Data loss can be devastating to any business, especially a small business. Data loss results in wasted money, loss of time, and lost productivity; besides, downtime is never good for business. According to CloudRadar, network downtime costs more than $10,000 per hour.
In-house data backup system setup is out of reach for most small businesses, but cloud computing makes backups and disaster recovery simple for SMBs. The scale and expertise of cloud-based services make data recovery quick and even remotely extracting data from a lost laptop possible. Easy backups are one of the most significant benefits of cloud computing for small businesses.
Improved data security
When a cloud solution is integrated into a business, data is maintained in a centralized location, making it far more convenient to secure centralized data from cyber-attacks than stored on various devices. In the wake of COVID-19, cybersecurity threats have increased phenomenally. Therefore, data security with cloud computing is highly beneficial for small businesses.
Another advantage of cloud computing for data protection is that even if a single device is lost, the data will be safe from unauthorized access. Cloud computing can be used for data protection in authentication and identity, access control, encryption, secure deletion, integrity checking, and data masking. Therefore, it is exceptionally advantageous to rely on cloud computing for data protection for small businesses.
Cost-effectiveness
The cost of cloud computing varies greatly depending on the type of cloud service you choose. Cloud computing for small businesses, on the other hand, is highly recommended because it requires far less maintenance. You will not need any other physical IT resources, software, in-house computer equipment, or anything else, which means you will save a lot of money. One of the most significant benefits of cloud computing for small businesses is reducing IT operational costs.
Since cloud-based services are significantly less expensive to use, small and medium-sized businesses recognize the benefits of cloud computing applications appropriate for their limited budget. If small business owners are interested in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cloud computing, they must incorporate it into their business workflow.
Remote access
One of the primary benefits of cloud computing is easy remote access, which can be seen clearly in the pandemic. The most basic example of cloud computing is your email account, which can be accessed from any computer using only your login credentials and an internet connection.
Cloud-based services are now available on mobile apps, so you are no longer limited to devices. Cost efficiency of cloud computing is essential for small businesses, and cloud-based applications can result in cost savings. The benefits of cloud computing for
small businesses are endless, but remote access has an edge.
Frequently Asked Question:
How do small businesses use cloud computing?
Small businesses use cloud computing services via broadband internet and smart mobile technology. Cloud computing enables small business owners to store and back up their expanded company data. In addition, this technology is used by small businesses for accessible operations and applications.
What is the best cloud computing solution for a small business?
Popular cloud computing solutions for a small business include Microsoft Azure, IDrive, Microsoft365, Google Drive, Dropbox, Shopify, Mailchimp, and SpiderOak.