Cloud-Hosted Tools Your Business Should Consider

The cloud has provided organizations with countless ways to innovate and improve operations, but for those who are just now jumping on this great opportunity, you might have some questions about how to get the most out of the cloud or how to even get started. Let’s discuss some of the major benefits of cloud computing, as well as why it’s critical to consider it in the years to come.

This is especially important right now, while the world is reeling from a global pandemic. How can the cloud help your organization navigate this territory and optimize operations, despite the circumstances? Let’s find out.

Data Storage

Business professionals often run into a situation where important files are located on one of their devices, but not on the others. Even if files are stored on an in-house network, that doesn’t necessarily help you when you are out of the office. The answer to this dilemma is surprisingly simple: implement a cloud-based data storage system.

Cloud-based data storage gives your organization the ability to access data on any connected device, provided the accounts have been outfitted with appropriate permissions. You can work on any file, anytime, from anywhere. When it comes time to travel or work remotely, a cloud-based data storage system means that you will never have access issues again. Since hosting on-premise can be expensive and time-consuming, we recommend hosting your data in the cloud.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

If your business is not prepared to handle data loss scenarios, then your future is most certainly in jeopardy. Data stored across different devices can be difficult to keep track of, but if it’s all housed in the same location, i.e. the cloud, it becomes easier to back up and recover in the event of a disaster. While tape may have been the gold standard for a long time, it was prone to several inconsistencies that make it pale in comparison to the cloud, such as the possibility of user error, risk of natural disasters, and the sheer amount of physical space the tapes can take up.

An automated data backup system that does not rely on anyone setting tapes is the ideal solution, and it’s thanks to the cloud that it is possible. Backups stored in the cloud provide more redundancy than tape, so you will never have to worry about whether or not the data is available. You can know with confidence that a copy of your data exists for you to recover in the event of an emergency.

Cloud Hosting

Why limit what the cloud can do for your business to just your data and backup? Imagine what you can accomplish by using the cloud in more creative ways, such as hosting your business’ email or productivity suite on it. Hosting these solutions in the cloud allows for easy access on any approved device, meaning that you are truly freed from the constraints of the office.

You can also apply this principle to hardware solutions, to an extent. If you have certain legacy software that only runs on a specific instance of a server operating system, you might normally require an individual server unit for that software alone. Instead of running more hardware, you can instead use a virtual machine with partitioning through the cloud, allowing you to host-specific instances of an operating system in a virtual environment, saving you the headache and frustration of maintaining yet another server unit.

Get Started with the Cloud!

Don't wait any longer to get started with cloud-based technology. Advantage IT Management can help you with the entire process, from conceptualization to implementation. To learn more, reach out to us at 251-662-9770.