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Businesses run on data. Whether it’s to accomplish daily tasks or make important decisions, the data your business collects using any variety of software and applications likely is critical to your company’s operations.

If we told you there was a technology solution that could grant you access to that data at any time on any internet-connected device – and scale easily as your business grows – you’d likely take advantage, correct?

Well, that technology exists. It’s called cloud based solutions.

Cloud based solutions are a technology that grows with you. They are secure, easy to use and emphasize making your business’s most important data and information available at your fingertips.

Here’s how cloud computing can help your business grow and succeed.

What are cloud based solutions?

Cloud based solutions, known also as cloud computing, are a wide range of solutions and services that provide access to data, information and software programs from any device that is connected to the internet, such as a computer or mobile device.

Cloud based solutions allow users to upload and download files through a private and secure file storage system with access that can be controlled by your business or organization.

What do businesses use cloud computing for?

Most cloud based solutions tailored for businesses fall into one of four general types of cloud services, each with their own benefits for a business of any size.

Cloud storage

Perhaps one of the most commonly used cloud services, cloud storage offers data and file storage and backup capability. A major emphasis is the advantage that you can access important business data and files at any time from anywhere. These files can also be synced and shared among all of your business’s and employee’s various devices.

Cloud backup

Cloud backup itself is different from cloud storage in that its features are meant for a fallback if a company’s on-premise server were to crash, fall victim to a cyberattack, be damaged during a natural disaster or otherwise go down and suffer data loss.

Software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a service is a type of web-based service. Think of common apps like Office 365, Salesforce and Quickbooks Online. Those are all SaaS examples.

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting allows for multiple information sharing solutions, which can include email, application hosting, data storage and web-based phone systems for your business.

Cloud computing is popular among businesses of all sizes

There is a use for cloud computing in every business no matter the size. That is thanks to the fact that these solutions are immensely scalable and easily customizable so they can grow and change with the needs of your business or organization.

Worldwide, 85% of businesses are using cloud technology to store information. Plus, it was anticipated that 67% of enterprise infrastructure would be cloud-based by last year.

It’s the ease of use and scalability that makes cloud based services a fit for all businesses.

Cloud computing offers better collaboration and connectivity

Collaboration is very rarely a weak point for any business that has embraced the advantages of cloud computing. This is because cloud based solutions allow many devices to be connected to the same software and storage systems, allowing for enhanced communication flow no matter where those different devices may be located.

In fact, many small- and medium-sized businesses see this increased collaboration and connectivity as an advantage that leads to an ability to be productive remotely and at any time.

This collaboration could be in the form of shared document editing, shared calendars or even popular instant messaging services that allow employees to converse with each other in simple, intuitive ways.

Cloud computing is cost effective

Lower costs is another clear advantage to cloud computing. Gone are the maintenance costs related to servers, power, cooling and hardware upgrades.

Many businesses can see significant cost savings by switching to the cloud. It’s actually one of the primary reasons many businesses elect to move to cloud based solutions in the first place. In one survey conducted by Microsoft of businesses that transitioned to cloud computing, 49% said lower cost was the top reason they made the move.

Cost is also flexible with cloud computing. The cost of the solutions your business utilizes only increases as your needs or use increases. There is no need to make costly upfront investments with the cloud as there would be with on-site hardware and infrastructure.

Data stored on the cloud is secure

Security is one of the top factors making cloud based solutions more and more attractive today. Cloud computing services are always making improvements to security.

Ensuring security is airtight falls on the provider, not the user. That means there are more resources being devoted to security than many businesses could ever afford. This is great news for your business’s data – and any customer data that you may also store on cloud services.

Backups are constant

Data backups are also managed by the service provider, though users are often given control over frequency if they want.

However, many cloud based solutions are constantly backed up, so there truly is not much to worry about as far as lost data is concerned. All that may be required of a user is an initial setup when the service is initiated to determine backup frequency and what data must be backed up at all times.

ANP offers complete cloud based solutions

If you are ready to move your business to the cloud – or add more cloud based solutions to your existing services – then contact Advanced Network Professionals today to discuss how our many services could help your business.

ANP offers cloud services that are focused on building a topflight IT infrastructure for your business. Our emphasis is on creating an infrastructure that is secure, easy to use, and provides your business’s critical data and information to you when you need it.

Request a quote or contact us to learn more about our services that scale with your business and allow you to focus on your core business.