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5 tips on using the cloud in your business

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5 tips on using the cloud in your business

Key Learnings

  • Cloud computing can help make your business more productive by enabling easy collaboration and file sharing. 
  • If you use an IT provider, you can ask them about the best cloud solution for your business. 
  • Using cloud technology can make it easier to recruit, manage and retain your staff. 

Having the right tools is an essential part of being a successful business, but too often companies remain stuck using old-fashioned processes and technology. In this article, Ashley Lipman from Outreachmama, outlines her top five tips for using cloud computing to improve productivity and efficiency. 

While most business owners have heard of cloud computing, many of them don't realise just how beneficial this technology can be.

With a growing number of businesses making the transition to cloud systems and storage, now is the time to get on board.

Here are five ways the cloud can add more functionality to your business.

1

Secure your file storage

If you are like most business owners, receiving lots of information from your clients is familiar territory. In the past, business owners had to keep a paper trail of transactions with their customers. These paper trails generally lead to lots of clutter.

The more physical files a business has, the higher the need will become for large and cumbersome file cabinets and other storage components. If you are tired of seeing piles of paper lying around your workspace, now is the time to make a change.

With the power of cloud computing, you can put all of these important files online. Digitising your files will not only reduce clutter, but it will also make them more accessible.

The biggest concern you should have when choosing a cloud server for your files is security. Before choosing a provider, take some time to research the track record they have. Looking at reviews from current and former customers is a great way to assess whether or not a particular cloud service provider is the best fit.

2

Build out your app stack

Whether you want to build your own software or buy a pre-existing program to use, the cloud is the best way to host these programs. As time goes by, the needs of your business will start to change. Adding better and more user-friendly tech tools to the mix is a great way to meet rising demand and the challenges of keeping customers happy.

If you are trying to build and implement software or apps of your own, using cloud-based hosting programs like Amazon Web Services (AWS) is recommended. Not only will hosting your new digital creation on this cloud-based server help with efficiency and speed, but it can also help you with speed and functionality.

3

Embrace the remote worker revolution

Having a team of knowledgeable and motivated employees is a key component of making your business a success. Instead of being bound by geographic proximity when trying to hire new team members, you might consider using remote workers. With the help of the cloud, you can hire and manage employees from all over the world.

By using remote workers, you will be able to find the best person for the job at hand without having to worry about where they are located. If you are going to be allowing remote workers to access your network via the cloud, you need to make sure they are using secure devices. Investing in things like network monitoring is a great way to find and eliminate security threats before they cause problems.

4

Digitalise project management

One of the biggest challenges you will face as a business owner is managing your team effectively. If you are having problems with projects not getting completed on time or confusion around who should do what, embracing cloud-based project management software is a good idea.

With this software, you can assign tasks to employees and then track the progress they are making. This software will usually feature things like instant messaging as well, which makes communicating with your team much easier.

5

Don't be afraid of change

If you are unsure about how to set up and use cloud-based software and services, working with an IT professional is a good idea. These professionals can help to remove the mystery and uncertainty that comes with using new business technology. 

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