As the owner of a small/medium business, cloud technologies are absolutely worth considering. They provide the technical impact that an in-house solution can deliver, without the additional cost of administration, space used, or purchasing hardware. But what exactly can you expect from the cloud?
Good for Business
Cloud-based tools and services that are best suited for SMB/SMEs are quite varied, depending on the type of business you run. Here are ten examples of what's on offer.
Communications
Voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, email marketing, and social media engagement, are an essential part of modern business. You're no longer restricted to word of mouth within the town in which you work, with cloud communications services you're a part of the global market.
Security
Offering a digitally secure environment for you, your co-workers, and you're to gaining new business. Tales of companies working under due to a lack of security with their client database are all too common. Cloud services can considerably enhance your security and that of your customers.
Ecommerce
A web-based storefront is a powerful element of modern business, but it needs to be flexible enough to work for you and what you're selling. Cloud computing services that cater to e-commerce solutions are ideal in helping you win more custom and gain ground in an ever-competitive market.
Connectivity
Cloud connectivity tools are far better at allowing remote workers, and customers from around the world, to connect to the services that your business offers. No subject what time, and where in the world a customer or employee is based, they'll be able to access what they need; providing you time to focus on the core business.
Financial
Small businesses are increasingly turning to a cloud-based accounting and financial solution over the traditional desktop accounting software. Cloud financial services offer secure access to the company's financial records, are cheaper to establish, and allow you to access your records from any Internet-Connected devices.
Online Learning
Colleges, training centers, and academies can all benefit from the vast range of cloud-based e-Learning services. Whether it's learning a new language, education for work-based skills, or creating your own learning content, there are cloud solutions available to create whatever you need.
Storage
The greatest draw to using a cloud service is undoubtedly secure and reliable data storage. Many SMBs opt for a complete Cloud- storage solution, keeping all their data online to avoid data disasters, and allowing 24/7 access to it. Most, though do to lean toward a hybrid solution, where both on-site and cloud storage solutions are at work.
Setting up, building, and maintaining your own email server does take a high level of expertise to create and maintain; and that's often quite expensive. Using cloud-based email provision is a lower and hassle-free solution that the SMB/SME should very consider adopting.
Collaboration
Collaboration in the cloud can have a significant impact on how you and your business work with others. Remote or mobile users can work as if they're in the office, and cross-company projects can be better managed. It's a smarter idea of working together, and thanks to cloud technologies, also a lot easier.
Helpdesk
Helpdesk Cloud software isn't restricted to just the technical side of a company. A good Helpdesk solution can be customized to fit whatever sector your company supplies, What's more, a cloud Helpdesk allows people to contact you from anywhere in the world, widening your customer base.
