Embracing Cloud Computing as an SME
The ‘cloud’ is a buzzword popular in the industry and the many businesses it supports. The term simply refers to internet accessible systems and resources that are conveniently accessed ubiquitously over the internet. At the core of cloud computing is a massive computer architecture and infrastructure that delivers services online. Cloud computing offers your business a single point of access for your computing needs in a scalable manner profitable for your business.
Saving money with cloud computing for SMEs
Due to its scalability and the absence of administrative hurdles from the user’s end, cloud computing offers numerous saving opportunities for your business. From cutting off the expenses of operating an IT department, backup servers, software purchases to eliminating the hours or days it takes to deploy a system within your environment. Let us explore some of the features of cloud computing and its advantages for small to medium enterprises.
Cloud computing solutions for SMEs
When you run your business services from on- premises servers, you bear the burden of managing, configuring and securing the infrastructure to ensure that everything runs smoothly. With cloud computing, you do away with the on-site technology, eliminating the logistics and purchasing of
hardware and software as well as the provisioning time. You can have access to high end performing computing power on demand, from processors and memory to large storage space. Depending on what your business needs are, you may opt for Software as a Service (SaaS) to access various cloud-based software solutions, Platform as a Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). There is a wide array of applications such the Microsoft office 365 and data backup solutions all in a secure environment.
The elasticity offered by cloud computing allows you to use more resources during peak time and less resources when demand is low, and because you only pay for what you use, this frees up capital for your business. Here are some benefits of moving to the cloud.
• You can customize your systems based on your business needs.
• No software installations are done on the user’s computer or mobile device.
• Resources are accessible from anywhere on any devices with internet.
• You pay for what you are using.
• Improved security and reliability.
Matching SMEs for the right cloud solutions
With a number of cloud service providers available today, companies can always make decisions on what provider best suits their needs, additional determining factors may include the costs as well as data legislation within the region. Whether you are looking at migrating from on-site mail service to the cloud with Microsoft Azure or use Google workspace on Google Cloud Platform or even using lambda to run functions using serverless technology on Amazon Web Services the cloud has you covered.
*John Munjoma is a networks and cyber security professional who focuses on empowering upcoming network and security engineers through training.