As a business aspiring to succeed in the digital era, one of the most crucial decisions you are forced to make is whether to go with cloud-based or locally-hosted software solutions.
Though this can seem daunting at first, here are some of the reasons why modern businesses are increasingly turning to the cloud to meet their software needs.
Accessibility
Probably the most fundamental feature of cloud-based computing is the opportunity to access your services and data anytime, anywhere. Whereas on-premise products can usually only be accessed by the computers they are installed on, cloud-based software is optimised for use via a web browser, meaning you have real-time access to what matters to your business no matter where in the world you are.
Collaboration
With the whole team being able to access, update, and share content easily and freely, the cloud can enable a whole new level of collaboration. Cloud-based workflow and file sharing apps also help staff make updates in real time and gives them full visibility of over their interactions with others. Additionally, with most serious cloud services offering mobile compatibility, you’re not restricted by which device you’ve got to hand.
Security
In 2018, making sure that customers’ data is securely stored is a top priority. Though intuitively it may seem like onsite software with onsite storage is the safer option, this is far from the truth. The security measures taken by cloud providers are often far beyond the means of most businesses, meaning your data is often much better protected when stored off-premise than on a local server. Additionally, as data is not stored locally on laptops, if a computer is lost or stolen, the data can be remotely wiped so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
Cost-effectiveness
Unlike the sometimes prohibitively expensive upfront licensing fees associated with on-premise software packages, cloud-based software often has minimal setup or installation costs, instead of charging over regular instalments or through a subscription-based model. Though this may not make too great of a difference in the long term, the maintenance and ongoing support incorporated in these packages remove the need for constant, costly IT supervision.
Upgrades & Maintenance
With software based in the cloud, the hassle of poorly-timed updates and compatibility checks will be a distant memory. The new norm? Log in, and you’re ready to go. With the software provider taking the vast bulk of IT duties off your hands, look forward to keeping updated without any effort on your part. Worry-free IT at its best!
Competitive Advantage
Want to take a simple step to increase the competitiveness of your business? By providing access to enterprise-level technology to everyone, cloud-based software solutions offer the opportunity to level the playing field for businesses large and small, established and just starting up. With the cloud, smaller businesses won’t be playing catch up with the big players, they’ll be able to act, respond, and disrupt faster, smarter, and more nimble than their competitors.
Want to see how the cloud could modernise how your business operates? Book a demo today to see how ROLLER can help your business perform at its true best.
