Businesses across the UK are increasingly looking at the prospect of moving their IT systems to a cloud-based solution and for good reason too. It can provide enterprises of all sizes and types with a highly agile and reliable system that is at the forefront of technological advancements.
Organisations that choose a cloud computing solution can experience a diverse range of benefits for both business and consumer – what’s not to like? In this stakeholder guide, we outline what cloud computing is and how it can help businesses in the long term.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing in layman’s terms is the on-demand availability of computer systems such as computing and data storage, power and databases through a pay-as-you-go pricing system.
Available to all types of businesses in the UK, it offers organisations of all sizes and types a cost-effective solution to a variety of computing problems. As the name suggests, cloud computing is a solution that isn’t physically in your office or building – it is powered in other locations across the globe by providers such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
To find out more about cloud computing and the different types available to businesses, see our business-owners guide.
How can the cloud help businesses in the short term?
Key decision-makers and stakeholders need to consider the effects their decision will have on the wider business in both the short term and long term. Significant investment needs to be thoroughly thought through by those at the top especially when it comes to IT.
Flexibility and scalability
All companies have different IT needs. An eCommerce juggernaut of 1000+ employees won’t have the same IT requirements as a small dog walking business. Using the cloud is a great solution for the majority of businesses because it enables them to efficiently and quickly scale their IT departments up or down according to demands.
As cloud computing operates on a pay for what you need basis, if your business demands increase, you can easily increase your cloud storage capacity without having to invest in physical infrastructure. Having this flexibility in the short term can allow you to scale up or down accordingly.
Access to the latest technology
Keeping your business operations at the peak of your industry is a difficult task in itself, you don’t need to throw your IT department into the mix too. Companies that don’t keep up with market and technological developments don’t last long against their competitors, which is why your IT systems need to be the latest and greatest.
Having access to the latest technology in the immediate future can better other areas of the business, such as the HR department.
How can the cloud help businesses in the long term?
As well as recognising the immediate impact that switching to the cloud will have, it’s equally important to know how it can help businesses in the longer term.
Increase in staff productivity
With remote and hybrid working becoming the norm across thousands of businesses in the UK, owners, directors and key decision-makers need to consider how that impacts staff productivity and collaboration further down the line. Switching to a cloud-based solution such as Microsoft Azure can reduce the downtime staff may experience with their laptops and PCs which will not only increase their productivity but will also reduce the costs of potential repairs and new equipment in the longer term.
To see exactly how businesses and their workforce can experience a positive upturn in productivity, see our in-depth business guide.
Enhanced security
With cyber-attacks and data breaches on the rise, having a secure IT system will help ensure this doesn’t happen to your business in the future. The cloud can provide businesses that make the move with unrivalled IT security which automatically updates as time moves on.
Summary
With thousands of business owners deciding to make the switch across to a cloud-based computing system, it’s difficult for organisations that don’t make the leap to keep up with competitors in a fast-paced technological space.
If your company requires a system to be implemented, Westlake IT’s approach to cloud computing is to combine business acumen with technical expertise. Our Cloud migration projects are professionally managed from Initiation, through Planning and Execution.
To find out how your business can make the switch to the cloud, see how our experts can help.
