The wider business community has been embracing cloud computing at an increasing rate over the past decade. Many leaders agree that utilizing technology is a key element to a successful organisation these days, and the cloud has persisted as a popular solution, because it enables organisations to quite drastically transform themselves into a modernize, agile enterprise. But how exactly has the cloud transformed business as we know it?
The Cloud
We asked a number of different businesses about their experiences with cloud computing – e.g. how they use it, how they feel it can be implemented in an organisation. One of the companies that got back to us – a London-based IT provider called TechQuarters – stated that they have been advocating cloud computing for around 12 years now; furthermore, the managed IT services London based organisations receive from TechQuarters are closely interlinked with cloud computing. Nowadays, there are many public cloud providers – organisations that have built their own cloud, and effectively rent out access to other businesses on an ongoing, long-term basis – who make the barrier to access cloud services much lower.
How the Cloud Transforms Business…
Though some may not realise this – as the cloud is still seen as a new-fangled technology that is hard to understand – but the cloud has worked its way into many areas of life that we take for granted. Online banking and automated teller machines, for example, both rely on cloud computing. Furthermore, things like video streaming (such as Netflix) and social media platforms are building using a cloud. When we asked TechQuarters about the impact it has had in the business world, they gave us a few common examples of how the cloud can drastically change how a business functions and operates…
- File Storage / Management
One effect of technology on business is the increasing digitization of work. Many businesses are going paperless, and relying on digital documentation. At the same time, the amount of data we create, send and receive is increasing all the time. This requires a suitable storage solution. Cloud-based file storage and management is by far one of the most popular applications of cloud computing, as it enables a business to provide uninhibited access to files for authorised users.
- Cloud Apps & Services
Software applications and services may seem like a relatively new development in business to some, but already there has been a major shake up in the way business access software. It used to be that software needed to be installed on a single device, and could only be accessed from that device. Nowadays, however, cloud apps and services enable individuals to use sophisticated software – such as word processors, or even accounting software – on multiple platforms, very little barrier to access.
- IT Support
When we spoke with TechQuarters about how the cloud has impacted the services they provide (namely IT support and other IT services), they stated that in many ways it has made it more effective. For one thing, cloud computing makes it possible for a London-based company like them to provide IT support Essex businesses rely on – proximity is no longer a question with regards to cloud-assisted IT support.
- IT Infrastructure
A traditional IT infrastructure for a business would be one or more servers in a business’ office, which would be used to setup a secure intranet, as well as potentially hosting applications, databases, firewalls, and other critical aspects of the business’ tech stack. Nowadays, however, an IT infrastructure doesn’t have to be anywhere near a business’ office – it can all be hosted in a cloud environment. The advantage of this is that it is more flexible, and less likely to be affected by hardware issues.
