With so much technological innovation taking place right now, it seems like there is a never-ending stream of gadgets and apps that businesses need to deploy or risk being left behind. While not every new piece of technology is make or break for companies trying to stay on the cutting edge, there are many areas that need to be updated to stay competitive. This can get not only costly but confusing for small businesses that don't have large IT teams, or even a dedicated IT staff at all. Luckily for SMBs, there is one new technology that taps into innovations from a variety of areas and delivers the benefits through a single platform: the cloud.
IT leaders in every industry are turning to the cloud to access tools that provide the same types of operations as traditional solutions but in a cheaper, faster, safer and more mobile way. A growing number of organizations are utilizing the cloud, but some small businesses still feel as though the technology is out of their reach. This is far from the case, and in fact, adopting cloud computing and fax servers is actually an advantage for small businesses. Below are the top five benefits companies can experience by deploying a cloud solution:
Decreased cost
One of the most common factors that drives businesses to adopt cloud services and small business fax solutions is the reduction in costs associated with hardware and maintenance. With a cloud platform, companies can access the necessary hardware capacity through the service provider and find a plan that works best for them, paying only for what they're using. This makes the cloud much more scalable than traditional computing infrastructures and saves even more money. On top of operational costs, the cloud also reduces spending on energy and IT staff, making it the economical choice for small businesses with tight budgets.
"Cloud providers utilize encryption and security certificates to keep enterprise data safe."
Improved file security
While some organizations think that the cloud must be less secure than on-premise solutions because data is being hosted on someone else's servers, this is far from the truth. Cloud service providers are frequently better versed in security than individual companies, as data protection is their job. Cloud providers now utilize tools like encryption and security certificates, to keep enterprise data safe while at rest. Small businesses often have a small group of core employees who tackle tasks in multiple departments, and those caring for IT operations sometimes aren't knowledgeable in the IT space. This takes the burden off of companies and allows them to get back to other business-critical operations.
Flexibility
Another major driver for cloud computing adoption for small businesses is its ability to improve enterprise mobility and offer employees flexibility to work remotely. Documents stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection, and files can be shared on the go so workers can be more productive and efficient while out of the office. As mentioned before, many cloud providers now offer encryption services, making it safer to work remotely through the cloud. The same security measures in place in the cloud platform are present across all devices accessing a company's environment, improving mobile security.
Collaboration
Not only does the cloud enable employees to work better remotely, but it also allows staff members to collaborate more effectively with one another, increasing productivity and efficiency. Files that have been backed up in the cloud can be shared with a simple link, making it easier and faster to send data as large, cumbersome email attachments are no longer necessary. The ability to share multiple large documents with anyone and make edits in real time also reduces the need to print out paper copies, saving money and helping the environment.
Data storage
Data is becoming the real currency in today's business world, and as such, organizations are amassing ever-growing collections of files that take up a massive amount of space on hard drives. One audio or video file easily takes up multiple gigabytes of space, and the thousands of records necessary to run a company eat at memory as well. Luckily, the cloud offers an environment in which all of an organization's data can be securely stored so files that are immediately critical to a business can be kept on-site.
Cloud platforms are made even more beneficial with the addition of FoIP.Increase cloud's benefits with FoIP
With so many benefits of deploying a cloud environment for small business, it's hard to think of a reason not to use the cloud. But once cloud computing has been adopted, it's important to think about the types of cloud-based services an organization will employ. Utilizing a service that incorporates all of the best parts of the cloud – cost savings, security, flexibility – will help to make the most out of any cloud deployment.
The cloud service that every small business should be turning to is fax-over-IP. Just like the cloud itself, cloud-based faxing provides enterprises with cost savings, increased security, mobility and increased file sharing and storage capabilities. The main use for a FoIP system is communication, but it can also help businesses create an archive of records that have been sent and received through the service. The files are available through a company's cloud portal, increasing enterprise mobility, security and collaboration.
Enhance enterprise communication, collaboration and compliance efforts with a proven FoIP solution from FaxCore. Contact FaxCore today to learn more about their 'Partly-Cloudy' fax solutions.
