Gone are the days of the local server. You may still have an on-premise location as a backup, or even have rooms filled with local servers, but cloud computing is now the data storage king across multiple industries, bringing multiple benefits and rapidly changing how businesses are run. Research shows that approximately 60 per cent of corporate data resides in the cloud, and an estimated 89 per cent of companies are utilising a multi-cloud approach.

The cloud is a powerhouse built to run organisations effectively and efficiently, so it’s not surprising that the computing it provides has its advantages. It is now so ingrained in our society that even household appliances like refrigerators, virtual assistants and washing machines can operate on such infrastructure.

The benefits of cloud computing make up a long and extraordinary list, especially if you’re a business owner. Here are just 10 of the many cloud computing advantages.

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1. The cloud has less operational issues

Cloud computing may seem complicated, but it actually has way fewer issues than other infrastructures. Since the cloud runs on its own servers through a company whose only job is to make the cloud functional and bug-free, it’s usually a whole lot more reliable than your own, on-location server.

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In fact, the minute a small bug arises, the company that runs your cloud network is probably already looking for a fix. If this was your remote server, you’d have to file a claim with tech support and have the department send someone down to look at it.

The average server owner is way more likely to let small issues escape them (since they’re, you know, busy running a business). These issues turn into larger ones that take time and money to fix.

2. The cloud actually saves you money

One of the best parts of the cloud is that it actually saves you money in the long run. If you don’t have to hire a tech support team to fix server issues, well, that’s already cash in your pocket.

In addition, cloud computing is scalable. Traditional servers require expensive upgrades that cost a lot upfront. If your business doesn’t expand as much as you had hoped, that’s money you’ve wasted. Cloud service providers usually let you scale up and down seamlessly. Buy more gigs when you need to and save when you don’t.

3. The cloud requires less capital

It’s okay to admit that one of the hardest parts of running a start-up is coming up with the capital to make your business model work and pay your employees. Server costs can be astronomical and a huge investment.

One of cloud computing’s major advantages is that it requires less startup costs that a regular, local server. You simply pay for the amount of storage you need per month.

Since it’s your cloud computing service’s job to upgrade yours system with new patches, this happens automatically. You don’t have to spend money on fancy, time-consuming hardware upgrades. You get purely what you need, when you need it.

4. Cloud computing increases collaboration amongst your team

According to the Cloud Security Alliance, 79 per cent of companies receive regular requests from users to buy more cloud applications, with file sharing and collaboration being one of the top-requested cloud services.

This is because cloud computing is made for collaboration and file sharing. Cloud computing lets your team edit files in real time and access them from anywhere in the world. Your team can be anywhere in the world and still work together.

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5. Cloud computing reduces your carbon footprint

Cloud computing requires less physical servers. This allows companies to downsize their data centres (or completely get rid of them). Less servers means less resources used. Plus, the increased ability to share files requires way fewer printouts among your team, saving the planet and saving you money.

A study by Microsoft found that cloud storage can be between 79-93 per cent more energy efficient than a traditional on-premise data centre.

6. The cloud is always on

Have you ever made the unfortunate mistake of forgetting an important file at work? Maybe your flash drive didn’t properly save it, or that email to yourself never went through.

You don’t have to rush all the way back to the office to grab something from your server if you’re on the cloud. The cloud is always on, so if you have an Internet connection you can get the applications you need from literally anywhere.

7. The cloud gives employees a better work-life balance

Remember the importance of increasing collaboration, and how the cloud is always on? Well, one of the many cloud computing benefits is directly related. Cloud computing creates a better work-life balance for your employees.

If employees can work from anywhere, they can quickly run home when school lets out and finish their tasks while spending time with their kids. They can even work from their tropical vacation. Happier employees make for a better workplace.

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8. The cloud has better security

Cloud computing offers more security than local servers. You never have to worry about losing critical data and business applications because of a natural disaster or full-on computer meltdown.

Some cloud providers even back up data to additional remote servers to prevent data loss. Cloud providers also perform more regular security audits than you probably would on your local server. This makes it airtight and your sensitive information is kept under wraps.

9. The cloud makes it easy to control your documents

Document control is necessary to keep a secure business. You never know what can happen if a document gets into the wrong hands, even if it’s just the hands of an untrained employee.

Cloud computing allows you to easily pick out which documents can be edited, viewed and shared by which users. It also allows for real-time collaboration so you don’t have 100 versions of the same file floating around. One copy is a whole lot easier to control. There’s no reason not to streamline your business practices.

10. It’s easy to implement

Getting started with the cloud seems like it would be complicated, but it’s really not compared to installing a brand new local server. With the right IT partner, you can seamlessly migrate.

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Conclusion

The advantages of cloud computing far outweigh the disadvantages. There’s a reason upwards of 85 per cent of enterprises are using multiple clouds.

Cloud challenges have actually declined across the board since just last year, so it’s easier than ever to adopt and use. Don’t wait. Save yourself the time, money and resources and put your business on the cloud.

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