You’ve talked to other business people at conferences and they have raved about the cloud. Your finance department has done some research and they really want you to switch over to the cloud instead of buying another server. So why should you use the cloud? Here are five benefits you might not have thought of when it comes to why to use the cloud.
1. Flexibility is one big reason.
It not only enables all of your employees to access the files as needed wherever they are, but it also gives you a chance to explore new lines of business. You aren’t anchored to a set amount of storage space any more. You can put the entire proposal on the cloud, solicit feedback, and get the new line launched faster and for a cheaper price than in the past. It also allows you to take advantage of a rapidly changing marketplace and seize the moment.
2. Customer interaction
You’ll also find that it gives you easier ways to interact with your customers. They can check the status of things real time on your website, like purchases or shipments. They get instant feedback and they don’t have to take time to call your company, which takes time out of your day, too. It also means that your customers can shop and get updates any time, at whatever time is convenient for them. Shipping companies can provide tracking information in real time, and again, at times that work best for their customers.
3. Data Management
If your company is interested in buying another company or merging, cloud services make this so much easier. There is no need to try to figure out how to get the two computer systems to talk to each other. Gone are the days of spending months trying to merge data. Even eliminating a department is much easier, because all of the information is already on the cloud, ready to use. Gone, too, are the days of having a team of people who have to rekey all of the data in a merger. While this does mean a reduction in temporary jobs, it is much more efficient and cost-effective.
4. Standardize Practices
Cloud services are able to standardize practices, allowing for a better exchange of information. They allow for people to share best practices across a variety of companies, so everyone can benefit from the greatest ideas. It’s an easy way to test out new processes and see what works.
5. Information Access
The last added benefit is that everyone, from the CEO down to the person hired last week, is able to access the same information. By having the top people able to access the cloud, everyone gets the benefit of their knowledge. Plus, the top people are not having to try to figure out what is going on with the company servers, freeing their time up to do more creative planning and strategizing.
All of these benefits are on top of the usual benefits of increased productivity and lower operating costs realized by not having to maintain huge expensive servers. Cloud services are gaining in popularity for a lot of reasons, and though each company has a different one, there are often universal themes.
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