Small to mid-sized enterprises have the most to gain by making the switch.
Small business owners, managed service vendors, and established enterprises alike have all spent the last decade moving their operations to the cloud.
At first, cloud storage offered a safe, inexpensive way to collect and organise data efficiently. Over time, companies gradually began performing more and more processing on remote third-party servers until entire operational workloads were migrated to the cloud.
Now, cloud computing solutions like SAP Business One make it possible for small businesses to implement processes with the same degree of automation and efficiency as the largest enterprises.
10 Ways Cloud Computing Levels the Playing Field
Small and mid-sized business owners can use cloud computing to level the playing field between themselves and their larger, more established competitors in ten key ways:
1) Improved Time and Process Efficiency
According to a McAfee study, organisations that adopt cloud technology see an average 20% time-to-market improvement and an 18% average increase in process efficiency. Cloud systems are easier for users to navigate and offer better integration options.
2) Business Continuity
If your office uses an all-cloud digital infrastructure, your business processes are effectively immune to physical disasters like fires and floods. All of your business-critical tools are available on any internet-connected device.
3) Reduced Operational and Maintenance Costs
In-house hardware is expensive to deploy and maintain. Cloud-based applications help small businesses reduce many of those costs significantly.
4) Enhanced Workload Mobility
Cloud technology allows employees to access important files and processes from anywhere in the world. This helps small businesses generate value without being limited by geography.
5) Improved Collaboration and Team Communication
Organisations with multiple remote teams need to implement cloud-based communications solutions that help employees collaborate efficiently. Powerful platforms like SAP Business One allow users on separate continents to work together as if they shared the same desk.
6) Built-In Scalability
Scaling in-house IT infrastructure is difficult, expensive, and risky. Cloud vendors offer service-level agreements that make it easy. Businesses only need to pay for the services they actually use.
7) On-Demand Compliance
Companies running their own servers in-house also have to maintain and enforce strict security protocols. Reputable cloud service vendors make best-in-class security and compliance part of the value they offer their clients.
8) Real-Time Integration
Cloud-based IT ecosystems can include any number of separate parts. With no physical limits in place, it’s possible to connect various departments’ cloud-based services and processes together in order to automate complex workflows with ease.
9) Simplified Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Physically backing up multiple servers and mobile devices is difficult time-consuming work. Cloud-based systems automate this process, allowing organisations to focus valuable employee-hours on higher-impact tasks.
10) Superior Environmental Impact
When small businesses share resources, the environment wins. Cloud-based IT infrastructure generates less carbon than in-house servers or paper-intensive traditional processes.
Choose the Right Cloud Computing Solution for Your Needs
Not all cloud computing solutions are made equal. Choosing the right software and entrusting it to a reputable vendor ensures optimal results. Rely on the advice of knowledgeable technical consultants before implementing a cloud computing solution at your business.
For more information on the SMB Solutions Cloud Hosting Platform and services available, get in touch with the SMB Solutions support team today.