Business Services in the cloud have revolutionized the way businesses of all sizes can efficiently manage and streamline their operations.

Particularly in the case of small businesses, it has given business owners access to powerful tools that previously only big companies could afford and has made it easier than ever to manage common business tasks and to maximize productivity.

What Is a Cloud Service?

According to Webopedia, in the simplest terms, a cloud service is any service made available to users on demand via the Internet from a cloud computing provider’s server as opposed to being provided from a company’s own on-premises servers.

It‘s Cheaper

As a small business, you need to keep a tight leash on your cash flow. You might have to invest in expensive hardware, software and IT personnel to set up your operation, and even more to keep it running like clockwork.

Or, you could just set up things just the way you like it with a cloud computing services subscription, paying only for the services you use and need. Scale up and down without incurring any penalties!

Gain a Competitive Advantage

Your bigger rivals are using enterprise-class tools and technology? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be as well, and that too without breaking your bank. Making your operations powered by the cloud can give you the tools to take critical business decisions quickly and efficiently, giving you that competitive edge that you have been missing out on.

With pay-as-you-go cloud services, you can even go toe to toe with big established brands, while staying lean as a small business.

Unlimited Storage Online

Data storage continues to get cheaper. But instead of investing in hardware, you can just make use of data servers in the cloud to give yourself virtually unlimited storage for a fraction of the cost of owning storage of the same capacity. As your customers and the business grows, you don’t need to worry about the rest. Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, OneDrive and other similar platforms are amazing resources for start-ups and small businesses alike.

Absolute Peace of Mind with Data Security

Today’s customers care about how their personal and business information is used (and in some cases misused). The challenge with using a database offline is that it can be easily compromised by a virus or malware. They may even fail to get backed up or updated. With the cloud, you get access to industry-grade encryption and data protection, and your data remains secure 24/7.

Disaster–Proof

Suffered an electricity outage? Or a natural disaster that damaged your systems infrastructure? Cloud computing solutions can ensure that you are back up and running even after the most severe crisis. Your data is constantly backed up over the cloud and you can carry on from things within minutes, saving you days of getting up and running by installing all the hardware, software and systems setup costs that you’d otherwise have to pay for.

Easier for Remote Collaboration Between Teams

Many businesses can take advantage of human resources that could otherwise not be connected to each other, based on geography, time zones and more. With cloud computing, you can get your team on the same page by making use of real-time collaboration tools online. You can store all mission-critical data online, streamline workflows for optimal results, troubleshoot issues as they crop in a snap, and get your projects done without major hiccups.

Flexible Working Conditions

Research states that 42% of the workers could take a 10% pay cut and avoid commuting to work altogether, thus saving time and money for all stakeholders involved. – Hays Specialist Recruitment (Malaysia) Ltd 2016.

Say goodbye to the 9-5 work routine. Get work done by giving members of your team the independence and flexibility they require in the 21st century workplace. With cloud computing platforms, workers only need internet connectivity to get stuff done. It doesn’t even matter what device they have, as long as they can collaborate and use cloud-powered tools that are platform-agnostic. All this, without compromising on productivity and results.

Environmentally Friendly

Care about the environment? Even if you don’t, the cost savings that you can accrue by going with a cloud-powered business environment alone are attractive enough to make managers take notice. Instead of investing in server upgrades, you can easily use cloud solutions to get access to the features and results you need, and that too without spending a fortune.

You can reduce your company’s energy footprint while at the same time, stay at the forefront of business innovation.