As most people, you are probably using some cloud services currently, commonly known as SAAS, or Software as a Service. Tools like Microsoft 365, Quickbooks Online, Salesforce, or similar licensed software.
The use of cloud services provides many benefits for businesses.
Scalability: Due to the nature of cloud services, they are extremely scalable. Determine what you need right now and add on as needed. Add users or increase service levels as you need new features.
Consistency: When your data is on a cloud service, you’ll have consistency between users. Everyone will use the same version of tools and access the same, current data.
Better protection: Data is consistently backed up to the cloud so you’ll have redundancy backups with any physical devices. Having cloud access to the majority of your data and systems will offer greater business continuity in the event of a disaster.
Affordability: Cloud-based services can be more affordable than buying stand-alone licenses or hardware systems that are outside of your budget.
Security: Cloud-based services will generally have regular updates, so you are always using the most current version of the product available.
Accessibility: With your data on the cloud, it is accessible on any type of device whether you’re in the office, out on the road, or in the field. All you need is an internet connection.
Here are the top three cloud services that would be a good fit for nearly all size businesses:
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage doubles as offsite backup, while allowing access to your files from anywhere. This is not be confused with consumer-level services like Dropbox or personal One-Drive accounts. Services such as Enterprise-level One Drive & Sharesync services provide user-based level access, version control, and security tools on private servers that are not available to the public.
Hybrid Servers
For some businesses, combining virtual servers with traditional, in-house servers allows for improved business continuity and backup recovery. Should something go wrong with the physical servers, virtual servers can be spun up on demand and will help reduce downtime.
VOIP
No need to stay tethered to your desk. With Enterprise VOIP (Voice over Internet) services, you can have the full functions of your business phone right from your laptop or smartphone. With Auto Attendants, multi-menus, and hunt groups, your customers can reach the right people where ever they are, no matter if they are at the office or out in the field.
What to do first if considering cloud services for your business
To see if any of these services would be a good fit for your business, you need to develop a strategy with your team and your IT account manager. Together they can evaluate what your needs are and advise how these tools would align with or replace your existing services.
Next would be to compare pricing of your existing tools and services to what the costs would be for cloud services. Remember to take into account the added backup and security some of these cloud services would bring vs. what you’re using now.
Contact our team to set up a meeting with your IT account manager and we can get things started. 508-892-5555