If you’re not in the cloud, you’re behind it. We at OI, Inc. have moved past the days of hard drive storage and expensive software and into “the cloud.” With cloud computing, information is accessed securely and easily from any location with an Internet connection. So it’s not hard to believe that OI is far from the only business moving into “the cloud.” The shift from traditional software models to the Internet has been steadily gaining momentum over the past 10 years. With cloud computing, businesses are given an alternative to expensive and complicated software.
For those of you who are unsure about what cloud computing is and the value it provides businesses, Fast Company created this quick video to break through the cloudiness.
Still not convinced that the benefits of cloud computing are worth giving up hardware, software and licensing fees? We at OI conducted some industry research and have compiled 10 key advantages of cloud computing
Cloud Computing Advantages
1. Achieve economies of scale/ Streamline processes. Increase volume output and productivity. Your cost per unit, project or product plummets. Get more work done in less time with fewer people.
2. Reduce capital costs. There’s no need to spend big money on hardware, software or licensing fees. Maintain easy access to your information with minimal upfront spending. Pay as you go (weekly, quarterly or yearly), based on demand.
3. Less personnel training is needed. It takes fewer people to do more work with a minimal learning curve on hardware and software issues.
4. Increased speed in responding to unforeseen events. With cloud deployments, capacity and location planning are no longer in the hands of the customer, but are the responsibility of the cloud vendor. This allows companies to respond quickly to any business changes that may arise unexpectedly because operations are handled by the cloud vendors.
5. Easy to get the latest and greatest updates. Software updates and renewals are also handled by the cloud vendor and occur several times a year at no cost to the customer. This ensures that the user interface remains modern and up-to-date with business demands.
6. Globalize your workforce on the cheap. People worldwide can access the cloud, provided they have an Internet connection. This is why most global businesses utilize cloud computing.
7. Minimize licensing new software. Stretch and grow without buying expensive software licenses or programs.
8. Adoption is quick and simple Users access cloud applications on standard web browsers anytime, anywhere. Using web style user interfaces, like that of eBay or Yahoo, allows for more widespread adoption across the company without the need for detailed training.
9. Improved information security. One of the top concerns of cloud skeptics is the fear of sacrificing data security when allowing company data to exist outside the internal firewall. Well according to SuccessFactors, security is actually increased when using cloud solutions due to strict ISO security standards that cloud providers must adhere to, in addition to the regular security audits. This means no more worrying about lost laptops with confidential data and treacherous hacking threats.
10. Improve flexibility. You can change direction without serious “people” or “financial” issues at stake.
Cloud computer programmers are making advancements daily. The next decade of cloud computing promises new ways to collaborate through mobile devices. Today’s innovations in cloud computing are making business applications even more mobile and collaborative, similar to popular consumer apps like Facebook and Twitter. With advanced versions of the cloud, keeping up with your work is as easy as keeping up with your personal life on Facebook.
We at OI hope that you’ve gained a better understanding of cloud computing and the advantages it can bring to your business and ours.
Sources cited:
http://blogs.sap.com/innovation/cloud-computing/what-is-cloud-computing-in-78-seconds-video-021292
http://www.verio.com/resource-center/articles/cloud-computing-benefits/
https://oi-pro.com/oi-defines-cloud-computing/