5 Tips for Using Cloud Services at Your Small Business

The cloud has garnered a lot of hype in the business world in recent years. However, for most small business owners, the cloud may be more of a murky buzzword to them than something they actually use. This is a big mistake to make since cloud computing can also be used by small business owners to slash overhead and increase efficiency. Below are five tips for implementing the cloud into your small business.

Use the Cloud for Data Backup

Many larger companies store their data at multiple sites with large servers in temperature controlled rooms. This way, if something goes wrong at one site, the data can still be restored from the others. Most small businesses don’t have this capability. They typically only have one small office with one personal computer. If something, like say a power surge from a lighting strike, takes out the data on that computer, it will be gone forever. However, that will not be the case if you implement the instant data backup services that cloud computing companies can offer you.

Implement Cloud Managed Services

However, you can do much more than simple data backup with cloud services. You could have your entire network hosted and managed via cloud services. This could include everything from the network that employees log-in to do their work to all the digital information needed for consumers to purchase products or services at your physical stores as well as your website. All of it could be hosted via solutions like Oracle cloud managed services.

Use Cloud Powered Applications

Another way to implement the cloud in your small business is to use it to power business related software and applications. Traditionally, software had to be installed, updated and maintained on local machines. The only thing you need to access cloud powered software applications, however, is an internet connection. Word processing software, accounting software, spreadsheet software and more can all be accessed through cloud vendors. The software itself will be maintained and updated only on the vendor’s end.

Collaborate Through the Cloud

Another option many cloud vendors offer clients is collaboration software. Sometimes not all of the important talent you need to work on a project lives in the same place. The use of cloud powered collaboration software can allow multiple teammates to work on a project from thousands of miles away from each other in real time. It can certainly save you a lot of money and effort in regards to allowing you to use the talent you need.

Take Advantage of the Scalability of the Cloud

The great thing about cloud services is that they can grow with your business almost seamlessly. This is thanks to scalability. With traditional hosting services, if you surpassed certain caps on the resources you use, those services would go offline and cause you to lose business. Cloud services are designed to be scalable. As your needs grow, the amount of resources allotted to you by the cloud network will grow in tandem.