Utilise cloud computing in business for cost effective online backups, outsourced servers and full scalability, no matter the size of your company.
What is the cloud?
The cloud has become essential to modern businesses, small, medium and large, and allows you to house your phone system off-site ‘in the cloud’, rather than your office. Storing and accessing data takes place over the internet rather than in a hard-drive, meaning you can have unlimited data usage.
To benefit from the cloud and hosted solutions for your communications, you need a secure and reliable business broadband solution. At Woodstock IT we can design, install and maintain your cloud system, as well as upgrading or downgrading it based on your evolving needs.
Benefits of cloud computing for businesses
Businesses that can really reap the benefits of cloud-based storage solutions. The cloud is simple and easy to use and the benefits are insurmountable once you’ve been fully set up.
Businesses can enjoy cloud computing for cost effective online backup, outsourced servers and full scalability, no matter the size of the company.
Virtual office flexibility
Cloud computing allows you to set up what is essentially a virtual office to give you the flexibility of connecting to your business anywhere, any time. This is especially convenient as the number of people working from home increases, and employees are frequently expected to work while on the move.
With the number of internet-enabled devices increasing, such as smartphones and tablets, accessing data from one online source is even more of a convenience. If all tech fails, you can still access your files from someone else’s laptop or an internet café or library.
Reduced IT costs
Moving to cloud computing will reduce the cost of managing and maintaining your IT systems. Rather than purchasing expensive systems and equipment for your business which you have to maintain in-house, you can cut your costs by using the resources of your cloud service provider. You may be able to lower your costs because:
- the cost of system upgrades, new hardware and software may be included in your contract (ask us at Woodstock IT about our packages!)
- you no longer need to pay wages for expert staff (we can do all the hard work for you!)
- your energy consumption costs may be reduced
- fewer time delays
Scalability
As with any business, it may need to be scaled up or scaled down, and storage needs may quickly need to adapt to suit your situation and allow flexibility. With traditional storage systems this can cost money, slow up your system and cause problems which need to be solved from your office. But with the cloud, these can quickly and easily be adapted to suit your business.
Rather than purchasing and installing expensive upgrades yourself, your cloud computer service provider can handle this for you. Using the cloud and outsourcing its maintenance frees up your time so you can get on with running your business.
Safe and secure data
Protecting your data and systems is an important part of business continuity planning. Whether you experience a natural disaster, power failure or other crisis, having your data stored in the cloud ensures it is backed up and protected in a secure and safe location. Being able to access your data again quickly allows you to conduct business as usual, minimising any downtime and loss of productivity.
Easy collaboration
A cloud environment gives you the ability to communicate with and share documents to outside clients and stakeholders. If you are working on a project across different locations, you can still use the cloud to give others access to the same files. You can also edit documents in real-time which will save two people accidentally trying to edit a document separately.
Automatic updates
Access to automatic updates for your IT requirements may be included in your service fee. Depending on your cloud computing service provider, your system will regularly be updated with the latest technology.
This could include up-to-date versions of software, as well as upgrades to servers and computer processing power. Speak to us at Woodstock IT about how we can create a package for you to include this.
Our partnered software
At Woodstock IT, we have partnered with Dropbox and Office 365 to provide you with the best cloud solutions available. As part of your business package, we’ll come in and set up your cloud, train your team in how to use it, and provide ongoing maintenance, support and regular updates and health checks. You’ll have everything you could need to backup, and share files and emails.
Google is a great example of cloud-based computing, allowing you to create and store work via products like Google Docs and Google Calendars. Microsoft’s Office 365 offers cloud computing solutions allowing groups to create and share data such as contacts, files, calendars, meetings and be able to access this from any internet connected device. We picked our business partners because we believe they are the best tools on the market for our customers.
Are you ready to make the switch?
Cloud-based services are already all around us- we can already access our music and documents with relative with all manners of connected devices. When it comes to business, many organisations are behind on utilising this service simply because it means overhauling traditional ways of saving files through the local network, and ‘starting from scratch’ by moving everything to the cloud.
However, the process is easier than it seems and with our services, we can take care of switching you across in a timely manner, causing the least disruption to your business.To help you understand how cloud computing could benefit your business why not get in touch? We have a wealth of knowledge on planning, building and supporting cloud-based solutions and can offer a full service from initial setup to ongoing health checks and maintenance.
We can help you with:
- A hosted desktop – work where you want, not where your desk is.
- Hosted email services – take control of your business emails with a fully-managed cloud-based solution.
Get in touch
Interested in a cloud-based solution, or need to know more? Get in touch on 01403 290321 or 01293 912321 or complete the form below.
Why not have a look at what else we can offer you? Head to our managed services page to find out how we could help your business.
