This is an article “Why The Cloud Is The Future For Business” by Marc Primo
As more global companies turned to digitalization when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cloud computing technology continues its upward trajectory while being at the forefront of all the world’s economy and supply chains. With its main function of streamlining work processes remotely, and how it facilitates business continuity through disruption in work systems like we see today, there’s no question we’ll be pulling out our desks from the cloud well into the future.
One report claimed that the cloud infrastructure economy amounted to between $113 to $120 billion during this time of COVID-19. This is attributed to how the technology increases business agility, while also providing innovative avenues to streamline work flows through remote accessibility, higher levels of security, and ease in scalability.
With this, more cloud-relying enterprises are also coming out of the woodwork from financial technology providers to retail and eCommerce startups that see potential growth despite the current challenges. One notable company that used cloud computing to its advantage is the pharmaceutical company Moderna. By utilizing Amazon Web Services, Inc., the company was able to facilitate the faster identification of useful protein families that can help develop life-saving COVID-19 vaccines.
Today’s businesses regardless of industry focus can also take advantage of the benefits that the cloud can deliver. For those who are still in the dark about what they are, here are some insights that can shed light as to why the cloud is considered the future of work:
Desktop-as-a-Service enables employees to work remotely
Imagine having access to your work desktop wherever you are and whenever you need your files and documents and you’ll get a clearer picture of what Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) is all about. With several orders on lockdowns and safety guidelines that force employees to work from home, telecommuting is one advantage that cloud computing has been known for.
DaaS is the use of virtual desktops that any user can access anytime, anywhere provided they have a Wi-Fi signal. These programs are multi-device friendly so that users can manage their files with their mobile devices without having to worry about software or hardware compatibility issues garbling up their content.
Most cloud services ensure seamless business continuity via accessible desktops that can immediately connect workgroups and teams within encrypted and built-in programs or platforms from DaaS providers. This is made possible by teleconferencing, cloud storage, and data sharing, which even offer better collaboration methods if done correctly.
To date, DaaS growth is forecasted at $2.6 billion in the next two years as more companies are looking to solve work challenges during the pandemic. Even the federal government is getting further into the cloud computing action expanding its reach to public schools and hospitals for easier data tracking and communication.
Cloud desktops reduce operational costs and errors
Gone are the days when companies needed to build an in-house information technology infrastructure and hire personnel to manage it for more regular monthly costs. With the birth of cloud-based technology, computer resources are outsourced by service providers so that even small to medium business owners can scale their systems for lower costs and maintenance.
DaaS providers make it more convenient for their clients to install updates and software patches onto the system to reduce operational errors and deliver uninterrupted services. The same goes for data storage and onboarding which account administrators can easily control and manage remotely. This makes annual hardware and software upgrades obsolete with less manpower to worry about. Best of all, you are guaranteed 24/7 customer service that also monitors system performance to prevent file corruption, security breach, or runs risk recovery protocols as necessary. Having these advantages alone gives businesses the edge when it comes to operational success.
You get the best online security
Doubts in the efficiency of online security systems remain one of the factors why some businesses are still hesitant to migrate to the cloud. And for good reason.
This year alone, nearly 2,000 cases of online security breaches have been reported in the first six months which exposed some 18.8 billion records falling prey to Ransomware – a type of cryptovirology hack that collects personal information from its victims and blocks access to their accounts until Bitcoin is paid as ransom.
However, while not all cloud desktop providers today are Ransomware-proof, most companies are continuously developing stricter security protocols in their systems including multi-authentication factors that include facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, up-to-date firewalls, and anti-malware, and high-level encryption among others.
The fact is that 94% of businesses that hired third-party DaaS systems have experienced higher data and IT security than those that host their data storage facilities on site. Via the cloud, no unauthorized individual in your team or any entity external from it can access your secured files. Only those with the proper authentication log-ins can manage your data while the system tracks and monitors any suspicious activities 24/7.
You become more earth-friendly
In terms of sustainability, you can also dramatically cut down on paperwork, supplies costs, or even office space rentals, especially now that most of your employees can work remotely. So, aside from reducing your costs on software and hardware, you also reduce your overhead expenses and carbon footprint while boosting productivity. Today, companies powered by the cloud are experiencing better work flexibility and social citizenship which works for better brand marketing.
Take advantage of the future now
Whether you plan to streamline your work processes remotely or cut down on costs and go green in your operations, cloud computing offers big benefits that no modern company can turn away from. Of course, providers differ from the programs and built-in features they offer and it’s essential to review your options before signing a contract.
Just always keep in mind that security, cost, and scalability are the main factors in your shopping list. And while you’re at it, go for a DaaS provider that gives you a pay-as-you-go option so you won’t have to worry about paying for other things you won’t need for your business.