What Is the Importance of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a way that people can access different kinds of computing services through the internet, such as different servers, programs, software, and much more, and has integrated into the functionality of many businesses. It is extremely useful and offers great accessibility and flexibility, alongside high-security measures for sensitive data, making it a great tool for many people. 

According to the International Trade Administration, the UK has the largest cloud market in Europe and London came in as the second most connected place for tech (2020). The report also outlined that cloud computing offers significant growth opportunities, with virtually all software companies in the UK using cloud computing, across both private and public sectors.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Some of the most common types of cloud computing that you might be familiar with are emails, Whatsapp, and calendars. It is the remote access to data stored with a Cloud Storage Provider (CSP) that allows people to safely store and access a range of things, including documents, images, videos, and data. There are different types of clouds available for users, such as the public cloud,  private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which we will take a look at in the next part of this article.

What Types of Cloud Computing Are There

A public cloud is distributed through the internet, accessed by organisations, and run by a third-party distributor, whereas a private cloud is a system that is exclusively for your organisation and allows you to create virtual servers within. Finally, Hybrid cloud computing is a mix of both public and private clouds and allows its users to manage large tasks and workloads more easily.

Why Is Cloud Computing Important?

Cloud computing is extremely beneficial for small businesses as it allows information, programmes, software, or systems to be stored and managed in the cloud, which can be accessed remotely by all authorised employees or parties. Furthermore, businesses don’t have to worry about difficult IT infrastructure in their physical offices, which can be costly and complex to maintain, as everything is stored and managed by a third-party provider.

How Can Cloud Computing Improve Small Businesses?

As cloud computing offers flexibility and cost-saving advantages, such as those mentioned above, there is a wide range of ways that it can better small businesses, which is why we have curated the following list of the top 3 reasons why cloud computing is crucial:

1.Economical Benefits of Cloud Computing

When small businesses opt for cloud computing, they are also making a better economic decision for the business. Although this might not seem clear at the beginning, as you pay the fees of a third-party provider, cloud computing is charged for the space used. Lastly, the importance of having information readily available to all employees can support better collaboration and increase workplace efficiency.

2.Security

Although there are some concerns around cyber attacks and hackers breaching sensitive data online, small businesses can take advantage of the way that third-party providers manage and protect a client’s data, often by using a range of different security measures. These can include; encryption, multi-factor authentication, and disaster recovery, which ensures automatic backup procedures. Additionally, the use of cloud computing can increase a business’s compliance with industry regulations.

3.Flexibility and Mobility of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing allows businesses to focus much of their time on important objectives as there is no downtime handling troublesome IT infrastructure or limited bandwidth, as this can all be adjusted as the business requires it. Additionally, businesses that use cloud computing ensures that all employees or clients have the chance to access information from anywhere and on smart devices. Since more people have moved to remote work in recent years, this is fundamental for an increased work-life balance for a range of different people, including freelancers, remote workers, or employees who are required to travel away from the office.