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Top 15 Benefits Of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an evolutionary shift that took place more than a decade ago. However, the advantages of the tech are still relevant to the day. But, before we plunge into the benefits of cloud computing, it is contextual to understand the history and evolutionary process of Cloud.
What is Cloud Computing?
It is a virtual omnipresent repository of documents, servers, and applications that can be accessed remotely through the Internet. It does not involve any additional installations or plugins.
Many people subconsciously integrate the cloud into their day-to-day lives through Google Drive, Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram, all cloud-based platforms.
With projections that 67% of all enterprise infrastructure will be cloud-based by the end of 2021, it is anticipated that by 2025, there will be over 100 zettabytes of data stored in the cloud. (Cybercrime magazine)
Evolution of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing can be traced back to the early 1950s, when mainframe computers were used. If multiple users wanted to use the central computer, they would patch up to it via dummy terminals.
Unlike the modern-day cloud, only pathways were leading to the central computer and did not provide any storage facility. Such a procedure was time as well as cost-intensive, which led to companies (at that time) to come up with a more accessible solution that could allow multiple user connection at a lower price.
The 1970s saw the influx of IBM’s operating system – VM – which upped the caliber of multi-users.
It allowed simultaneous functioning of more than one OS, enabling other OS to work on every VM without the need to change the data recorded or starting the entire project again. This sowed the seeds of virtual & remote connectivity.
The real advantage of cloud computing was slowly visible in the 1990s when the telecom operators embraced the concept of virtualization and offered private virtual connections.
The slow boom and acceptance of virtualization led to reduced costs in a time efficient manner. This led to the present date Cloud Computing.
Benefits Of Cloud Computing
1. Omnipresence
Cloud is everywhere, and you cannot escape it. Its omnipresence allows easy access to functionality, trackable data, and transparency. It enables multiple users to work on the same project without any glitches.
The cloud’s omnipresence makes possible critical access to visible and traceable data. There are no issues with multiple people working in the cloud at the same time. As a result, it establishes a strong network while lowering costs. This, in turn, not only reduces cost but also builds a robust work model.
2. Data Security
Data security is perhaps one of the most significant factors that keep business owners up at night. Cloud computing can help alleviate this stress.
Though some might argue that its open platform and easy access can pave an easy path for hackers, it is challenging to waltz into Cloud territory. Heavy encryption of the files and databases can mitigate hacker attack vulnerability.
However, data theft is still a lurking threat, and better encryption guarantees better security on the cloud platform.
According to a report by RapidScale, 94% of businesses witnessed an improvement in security after switching to the cloud. On the other hand, 91% claimed that the cloud makes government compliances a breeze.
3. Cost Reduction
It is no secret that switching over to the cloud is an expensive affair. However, if executed properly, the ROI received during cloud deployment can override the initial capital investment.
ROI can be in the form of product longevity & scalability to name a few. Once on the cloud, it will negate the need for additional software and plugins. This helps save time as well as money.
One of the best benefits of cloud computing is its “pay-as-you-go” model, which doesn’t mandate you to invest a lump sum amount.
Pay for the features that you deem feasible for your work and organizational structure. This time and money optimizing approach has made cloud the new favorite of CIOs who are now implementing it in almost every business facet.
4. Complete control
Organizations often face immense scrutiny in the case of lagged operations, data loss, and operational dysfunction. Organizations must have sufficient control over the ongoing actions of the company, which is assured by cloud computing.
In the case of sensitive data, the Cloud enables the user to have a bird’s eye view over the data, giving them the power to track accessibility, usability, and deployability.
While it gives control to the management, it also streamlines the work as it compartmentalizes the tasks according to the employees and gives them unique access to their respective duties. This enables a clear understanding of the work to be done and a straight path to task execution.
5. Flexibility
Focusing primarily on the in-house IT structure can either lead to a breakdown or poor task execution. The lack of space optimization can lead to low turnaround time and the inability to cater to customer requirements.
The cloud is not constricted to low bandwidths. Unlike the conventional in-house technical infrastructure, it is more flexible enough to offer businesses to engage themselves in last-minute changes and still have the ease of work.
The ability to make & execute quick business decisions without worrying about the impact on the IT infrastructure makes cloud platform one of the most desired.
6. Mobility
The omnipresence of the cloud marks mobility as its prime feature. With the help of cloud connection, companies can connect remotely over an array of devices like smartphones, iPad, and Laptops with ease.
Remote accessibility enables quick turnaround time, instant solutions, and constant connection. It is perfect for freelancers, remote employees, organizations with offices in different locations and different sectors.
This personifies convenience, and it is no surprise that, as per IDC, Companies are predicted to invest over 3.5 million in cloud software in 2021 alone.
7. Disaster Recovery
The biggest disaster a company can undergo is “loss of data.” However, the cloud is a repository for backed-up data, which helps companies recover their lost data with ease and security. The main impediments to achieving the benefits of the cloud, according to 65% of senior IT executives, are security and regulatory risks.
The cloud downsizes the time wasted on technical errors, lags to the deterred server, and other drawbacks, which are almost 6 hours a week. That’s like one full day lost! Bring in the cloud to optimize that.
One of the cloud’s major advantages is disaster recovery which also guarantees even Government officials have updated the cloud. 50% of US government organizations are now using the cloud. (Gartner).
8. Scalability
Scalability can be defined as the ability of the product to amplify its impact on the customers and meet the demands posed. Scalability is the most sought-after attribute of cloud computing that can help increase business.
The cloud system’s availability allows businesses to quickly scale up or down in response to changing circumstances and needs. Furthermore, employing the cloud frees up time for companies to focus on running their operations.
9. Automated Updates On Software
Imagine working on an important project, and you later come to a “Software update required” message? Nothing is more tedious than manual updates. But the cloud takes care of that as well. With automatic software updates and cyclic upgrades, users can now focus their time & energy on work.
In a business, IT departments are no longer required to perform manual updates. As a result, money and time that would have been spent on outside IT consultation are saved.
10. Enhanced Collaboration
The points, as mentioned earlier, guarantee ease of use and remote accessibility, which makes it an instant hit. The immediate connection leads to sound business opportunities, which further enhances collaborations within the team members. This coalition allows the influx of new ideas and helps time & money by delegating the job among the experts within the team. Cloud, being an all-visible platform, provides easy access to the tasks at hand.
11. Reduced Carbon Footprint/Sustainable
Since organizations have deployed a cloud platform, there has been a reduction in the usage of tools and physical objects. The cloud empowers the deployment of virtual objects than physical elements and improves proactivity on a digital level.
It cuts down on paper waste, electrical consumption, and computer-related emissions. After all, merely placing a recycling bin in your office will not cut the current environmental crisis.
According to research, cloud computing and virtual data alternatives have reduced energy consumption by 31% from 2010 to 2020 and are continuingly serving sustainability.
12. Easy Management
Since the organizational data is stored in the cloud, it is easy to assess the work, utilities, and tasks. Such a clear task path makes it easy to manage the services.
It is estimated that Cloud data centers will process 94% of all workloads in 2021. Workloads are made far easier with cloud services. The cloud computing environment’s UI is straightforward and easy to use. There is no need for installation, ensuring that any employee can utilize it without hassle.
SaaS processes will account for 75% of the total workload. Compared to previous techniques, cloud service management is fairly simple because data is organized and stored in the cloud with easy access.
13. Loss Prevention
Crisis cannot be foretold, and one of the worst ones that can befall an organization is the loss of assets. If an organization is not leveraging the cloud platform, it is subjecting its data to undue risk. The cloud allows the data to be automatically backed up in its encrypted silos, avoiding data loss.
Starting from 2021, 90% of enterprises will use Data Loss Prevention solutions in cloud computing, according to a Gartner report.
Computers can malfunction for various causes, including virus infection, hardware degeneration, or simple user error. The information may be stolen or misplaced. If uploaded to the cloud, the data stays safe. It also provides quick access via an internet connection, even if the local computer is not operational.
Data loss prevention software detects and prevents data breaches by encrypting sensitive data while in use, in transit, or at rest. DLP software also provides reporting to suit compliance, auditing, and forensics requirements.
14. A Step Beyond
Several companies prefer to go old school. However, they miss out on several advantages that can give them a boost concerning competition. As of today, remote accessibility results in higher production, trackability leads to an analytical approach to work, and the streamlined ability of the platform allows users to focus on a project and stay result-oriented.
2020 is recognized as a major milestone for the Cloud, as it played a key part in supporting remote work solutions. It enabled businesses to combine conventional business processes with cutting-edge cloud technologies, allowing them greater flexibility in these unpredictable times. As firms seek to prosper in the remote work environment, COVID-19 has emphasized Cloud’s capabilities. The cloud has become a necessary aspect of doing business and is the key to unlocking organizational expansion.
15. Greater Insights
Thanks to the cloud’s transparency, companies will now have greater insights on processes and will be able to produce scalable results based on an analytical approach.
Cloud allows customers to better monitor and optimize data flow between their cloud servers, other services, on-premises deployments, and nearly any other internet endpoint.
An analysis of this data improves the organization’s efficiency and aids in developing plans to achieve the organization’s objectives.
A leading corporation raised earnings by roughly $2 million per year and cut staffing costs by $195,000 per year with cloud-based business analytics.
How to benefit from adopting cloud services? Every user and company will receive a unique set of advantages. The most key element is to consider it in broad terms. Evaluate the potential savings and the soft benefits: improved productivity, more speed, and lowered risk. Talk to our experts to think out of the spectrum.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 28, 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
