Cloud Technology: Innovations are constantly emerging in the area of Technology and Information (IT); some fail to meet the market’s needs and become temporary, while others have positively impacted companies and are here to stay, such as cloud technology.
This innovation brings many business benefits that improve enterprise productivity, efficiency, and communication.
Check out this article about this technology, how it works, its five main benefits, how to implement it, and the importance of the supplier company for success!
What Does Cloud Technology Mean, And How Does It Work?
Also known as “Cloud” technology, it refers to the use of computational services, such as files, programs, and resources from data stored on a server connected to the Internet.
This technology is widely used today, and it is possible to use it without knowing how to update your data on a social network, access your bank balance on your smartphone, or send a file to an online storage platform such as Google Drive, etc.
It is necessary to know that there are two models of cloud technology services:
- Platform as a service (PaaS): there is a virtual environment to manage applications and monitor the company’s system;
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): in addition to the virtual environment of systems and software, storage and computing are provided remotely by the company.
More and more organizations are offering this service and being used more by the company to control their systems better.
What Are The Benefits Of It?
If cloud technology is widely used, what would be the most common benefits it can provide to its users? Read on to find out more about each one of them!
Greater Security
Backup (safety copy) is an exceptionally important tool for companies to protect their data and avoid losses due to system damage. Among the eventualities that can lead to the loss of information are the following:
- natural disasters such as floods or landslides;
- internal accidents;
- theft or theft of equipment;
- between others.
All these problems can cause the company to lose its confidential and strategic data. But with cloud computing, the organization can maximize the protection of its information, as the information and systems will be stored in another company’s services.
In addition, service providers also use security certificates and encryption, a technology that makes information unreadable to third parties in bad faith.
Cost Reduction
Management platforms already significantly reduce companies’ costs as it minimizes using paper, pens, inks, printers, copiers, cabinets, etc.
When implementing cloud technology in your company, costs are further reduced because the business rents the hardware (physical parts of computers) necessary to use the system and store data. Savings include:
- less need for space in the company;
- decrease in hardware installation and maintenance expenses;
- lower energy consumption;
- less need for computer purchases and upgrades.
These financial constraints make a big difference at the end of each month, making cloud computing a high-return investment.
Integration Of Departments
When several collaborators work on a single document, there is a greater risk of confusion, errors, duplicate work, etc. This happens mainly when file sharing occurs by sending e-mails between the team.
With cloud computing, all files are concentrated in a single environment; this brings more visibility to employees, as they will know which ones are being worked on by each person. This advantage benefits your team’s workflow and performance.
Accessibility And Mobility
The information stored in the cloud is available 24 hours a day, so if urgent work needs to be done, implementing the technology will not be a problem.
In addition, a good system is endowed with portability and mobility, which means that it can be accessed from different devices, from desktop computers to furniture (such as smartphones, notebooks, and tablets) by connecting to the Internet.
This way, there is no need to access a physical terminal; managers and employees can access the data at work, at home, in bank queues, while traveling, and elsewhere.
Scalability
One exceptionally important benefit that cannot be ignored is the scalability of the technology. This advantage means that it will be easier for the company to expand the supply of resources and meet a huge demand.
As the company uses servers from the technology supplier, it will only need to acquire a small number of computers and servers to meet the demand and to spend on installing the machines.
Managers need to contact the supplier and inform them of the need for more space or processing power.
How Does The Cloud Technology Deployment Process Work?
It is not enough to acquire software that uses cloud technology; the company must be prepared to use it, and only then will all the benefits above be taken advantage of.
The first step to implementing the technology is to promote a culture of innovation in the company, hold meetings and explain how the cloud works and its advantages, so employees will feel motivated to use the novelty. It is important to communicate to all departments about the project, including:
- the new usage and access policies;
- new collaboration rules;
- how the cloud contributes to the routine of employees;
- strategic positioning that the company wants to achieve.
Subsequently, the company needs to identify a technology supplier capable of meeting its needs, a process that will be explained in the next topic.
After choosing the vendor, managers must create schedules for staff training and implementing the cloud software. Establish plans and goals to be met and apply performance indicators (KPIs) to measure results.
The change mustn’t be abrupt but gradual, so introduce the change in one sector of the company and later expand the technology to the remaining teams.
Also Read: What Is The Impact Of 5G Technology On Cloud Computing?