Importance of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

According to Forbes,  by the end of 2015, users would spend more than USD 180 billion on cloud services.

The entire tech world seems to be floating on the clouds these days. Nope, we aren't talking about a sudden boom in this field where everyone's riding on a high. Instead, we're talking about the new rage in the industry, cloud computing.

This new technological breakthrough has ushered in a sea change in the way the IT sector works, and is an absolute blessing for small start-ups. There couldn't be a better time to start up your own IT firm.

Cloud computing is making it all possible. In case you're wondering what cloud computing is all about, read our detailed article here. If you too harbor thoughts of starting up a small IT firm, here's how cloud computing can really help your business take off.

No maintenance

Perhaps the greatest benefit of cloud computing is the fact that you do not have to worry about space constraints at all. All you need to do to set up shop is a basic computer(s) and a speedy net connection. All the other heavy machinery is at the server end, and you only need to have a gateway to make the entries and to receive the output.

A very simple analogy from our daily lives can best explain this; think of cloud computing as a food-vending machine. You select what you want (the desired operation), insert the coins (enter the commands), the machine does the rest (processing), and gives you the desired item (output).

So, you need not worry about where to set up the vending machine, all you worry about is the change, and yes, remember to collect what you paid for!

Reliable

Cloud computing services are usually provided by major IT firms. These firms usually have huge server farms (thousands of computers) which provide these services to their customers. Needless to say, these farms are very well-maintained, and are powered by extremely powerful hardware.

You can pretty much count on cloud computing to deliver almost every single time, promptly and efficiently.

Having said that though, there are bound to be the odd outage problems, which might either be at the server end or at the end of your Internet service provider. But these are minor hiccups which do not take away from the overall reliability of cloud computing.

Secure

Cloud computing service providers go to great lengths to ensure that they provide the best service to their customers. Cloud computing is handled by powerful hardware which is perfectly complemented by equally effective software. Industrial standard security software ensures that your data is always secure.

We won't quite say that these firewalls are unbreachable, but your data is certainly a lot more secure in the clouds than it is with you. Another good thing about this is that you can always have a backup of all your data on the cloud.

Cost-effective

Cloud computing services are offered at tempting rates. The best thing about it is the fact that you can choose exactly what services you would like to avail of, and pay only for those services.

This is a very cost-effective option as you need not worry about the maintenance and security of the computers. Also, you save a huge amount on office rent too, as you no longer need a large space for all the computers and servers.

Easily accessible

Cloud computing offers you flexibility like none other. As all your processing is done offshore, you can virtually carry out operations and access your data from almost any location. All you need is a computer and a good Internet connection, and you're good to go.

So, you no longer need to worry about getting late to work; work instead could come to you. This is especially useful if you have multiple people working on the same project simultaneously across different locations.

Cloud services have opened up avenues that were, until now, out of reach for an aspiring entrepreneur. Simply put, for any new business, with cloud computing by your side, the sky, undoubtedly, is the limit. So, what are you waiting for? Chase your dreams and make it happen. Cheers.