Maximizing Business Internet ROI Through Cloud Services

Is your business working on the cloud? If not, you may be losing out on a whole list of benefits and not even realize it.

If you have fast, reliable Internet, the cloud can open up opportunities for all types of organizations. Cloud computing can shorten time-to-value for new functionality and offer opportunities for innovation. And in doing so, it’s able to provide a competitive advantage for businesses across a range of industries.

In fact, Gartner predicts that over 85% of businesses will embrace a cloud-first approach by 2025. If you’re not already on the cloud, then, chances are your competitors are.

By taking advantage of the cloud services available, you’re also maximizing the return on investment (ROI) of your business Internet. You can do more with your connection through Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, cloud-based data storage, backup and data sharing services, among others.

Let’s look at some of the advantages the cloud offers, to understand why cloud computing helps you get more value from your business connection. But first — what exactly is cloud computing?

What Is Cloud Computing?

When people talk about “cloud computing” or “the cloud,” they’re referring to the on-demand data storage, applications and software functionality that are available anytime, anywhere through your Internet browser. The cloud supports Software as a Service (SaaS) and allows easy collaboration and file sharing across locations, all through the Internet with the help of technology businesses and public or private cloud providers.

Unlike on-premises storage, cloud computing doesn’t require physical (and sometimes costly) infrastructure to support it. It just needs a reliable Internet connection. That opens up new opportunities to businesses, while empowering them to get more value out of the connection they already have.

4 Benefits of Working in the Cloud

There are several benefits you can take advantage of by embracing cloud computing. For instance:

It’s scalable

The cloud lets you scale your resources as you scale your business. Without having to invest in costly physical infrastructure, you can build on your cloud landscape, SaaS solution set and cloud-based data storage only when you need them. This makes the cloud flexible as well, as businesses can easily add or subtract capacity and functionality depending on their current needs.

It’s collaborative

With teams today often working remotely or in offices dispersed around the world, traditional collaboration can be complicated. But the cloud empowers online collaboration — whether you’re all working in the same office or are spread out across locations. Teams can access cloud-based data from a central repository, use cloud-based collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams or access the collaboration features available in many cloud-based SaaS tools. All of which makes working together easier than ever — no matter where you are.

It’s faster

If you’re working in a field where innovation is key or experimentation is critical, the cloud is probably the place to be. It lets you access new tools, applications and SaaS solutions quickly and easily — giving you the ability to innovate on the fly, change direction on a dime and experiment with new technology whenever you need to. For many businesses, that’s a real competitive advantage — reducing your time-to-market and letting you better keep up with changing demands.

It’s secure

The cloud also offers security and data backup options that will ensure the safety of your organizational data — an important asset for today’s businesses. Backup and disaster recovery options ensure you’re protected even in the case of an emergency like a fire or flood, which otherwise might affect your on-premises infrastructure. And cybersecurity and backup solutions are available to keep you safe from malicious cybersecurity threats or human errors.

How to Get Started

The good news: all of these benefits are available through your Internet. It’s easy to start building out your cloud toolset and begin using cloud-based solutions to fill your business needs. It’s just about figuring out your business’s most pressing requirements and researching the solutions that will help you fill them.

Then a fast, reliable business connection will put you on the path to all of the benefits the cloud has to offer.

Find out more about Xplore Business’s connectivity solutions.