More and more organisations are switching to the cloud to store their business data and there are many compelling reasons to do this, which we outline in this short article. If you are not so IT-minded, you might be wondering what a cloud actually is, outside of a white fluffy thing in the sky.
What is a cloud network?
A cloud is a secure digital network that can only be accessed by authorised personnel; the data is stored on secure remote servers at the provider’s facility and you can login from any location on the planet. You can use any digital device with a web browser and an Internet connection, while real-time updates keep everyone on the same page.
Remote services
You can outsource services to a 3rd party and have your payroll in Hong Kong handled by a local company; bookkeepers, accountants and salespeople can access the data they need; issue them a username and password and they can do their work without having to physically visit your offices. You can effective manage a global empire with a cloud-based data storage system.
Real time video communication
Using a VoIP platform such as Zoom or Skype for Business, you can slash your organisation’s communication costs and you can call a video meeting with your key team; there are powerful online collaboration tools that enable you to achieve your objectives and everything is recorded! Sales staff can enjoy video calls with clients and with a few mouse clicks, they can bring up the latest customer data.
Bank-grade cyber-security
Your managed IT services provider uses state-of-the-art cyber-security to protect your data, so you don’t have to worry about breaches. Any unauthorised attempt to access the network is automatically quarantined and its origins can be traced, so you can report the cyber-attack to the authorities.
Real time updates
Any authorised user can update, copy or move files 24/7 and everyone is on the same page, so to speak; if you land in New York and suddenly remember you forgot that all-important slideshow for your presentation, login and download it onto your laptop. Click here to find out how a mobile app can fix your tech problems.
Automatic backup
Shadow servers are backed up every 30 seconds, so there is zero chance of losing your valuable data; the service provider has a very secure and stable set up, which brings you peace of mind. A team of cyber-security specialists monitor your network 24/7, which is a nice thing to know. The last thing you need is for valuable data to be locked by sophisticated ransomware, which is a common technique for hackers to use.
To summarise, migrating your business data to the cloud is a wise move and the sooner you talk to a managed IT services provider, the better. The benefits are many, far too many to ignore.