The era of software installation was tasking, and maybe when you think about it now, a funny one.
Not only was it time-consuming, but it also required purchasing different disks and running them manually on your computer.
For businesses, it requires investing in heavy machinery. People in the early 90s indeed went through it.
What you perceive to be advanced now may sound like a joke in a few years. That is the beauty of technology.
As daily activities expand, scientists find ways to make tasks easier and faster than ever.
With the introduction of Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS), you now have access to software on the go.
What are SaaS and Cloud?
SAAS stands for Software as a Service. With this licensing model, users can download Software online using an internet subscription.
A cloud provider hosts applications using servers and other computer resources and makes them available to businesses or individuals.
It is one of the significant services of Cloud Computing. Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) and Platform as a Service (PAAS) are the others. The cloud refers to the many servers that run on the internet. Sometimes, it is said that The Cloud is the internet. You can download software or access information from any device if you have an internet connection. An easy way to explain this is using Gmail or Google docs. When you misplace your phone, you will most likely not worry about losing your contact and document. That is because your data has a backup somewhere.
All you need to do is log into your account(s) on another device, and you are good to go. Another scenario is when you need to edit a document and realize that you left your computer at work. Instead of delaying your work, you could easily log into your account using your phone to edit it. An updated version of the document will await you.
Pure bliss!
SaaS, Cloud, and Business
Businesses are turning to SAAS companies to give their customers the best user experience.
As business managers look for ways to cut costs and increase productivity, they rely on SAAS to bear the cost of infrastructure, maintenance, and upgrade of their application. With SAAS and cloud, businesses do not have to worry about building storage for files and disks.
They do not have to abandon systems because the storage cannot accommodate their data, thereby leading to more costs of running the business.
You now have access to inexhaustible storage space. Additionally, businesses are often worried about having their data leaked or lost. With the help of SAAS and the Cloud, businesses can store their files on the internet.
Employees and users can access these applications and data from anywhere.
Cloud Computing and Business Security
Cloud Computing means using a network of remote servers to receive, process, manage and store data. With the help of Cloud computing, businesses that experience a glitch can recover quickly.
Whether your business experienced loss through a fire outbreak or hardware malfunction, your most valuable data can be accessed. Cloud Computing companies rarely experience a breach.
Therefore, businesses are assured that their data is perfectly safe. However, new security concerns arise due to users' shared data.
How to Grow your Business with SAAS and Cloud Computing
According to research, 99% of businesses will operate with the SAAS solutions by the end of 2021.
This is significant if you do not want to limit your services to local consumers. Not only will you be breaking the geographical barriers between your business and international consumers, but local users can also access your services when they find themselves in other countries.
One of the numerous benefits of SAAS is that businesses do not have to subscribe to the host or vendor for a lengthy period.
SAAS offers a pay-as-you-go method. This means that you can cancel your subscription when necessary.
Efficiency
Cloud computing will afford you more space to focus on the other important aspect of your business. For example, you can spend extra time promoting sales and campaigns.
If your service provider offers solutions that consume more time and costs, you may want to reconsider using them.
Leverage the shared option
If you are a small business, investing in the cloud may be too expensive. You may want to look into the shared option of cloud computing. Like four people can come together to share an apartment, businesses can share cloud storage. This way, small business owners can enjoy the benefits of modern technology.
Invest in your employees
If you are new to cloud-based technology, you need to hire an expert to coach your team on how to use them. This will enable them to improve their skills and become more productive.
Use a Trusted Provider
Service providers indeed take your data security seriously. However, one can never be too sure of their operations. For your business's safety, you should conduct your research and ensure that your provider has a data center. You should also have another backup for your information in the case of file corruption.
Access to Multiple Devices
To give your employees and customers a seamless experience, choose an option that is accessible on different devices.
Final Thoughts
Adopting cloud-based solutions for your business is a wise thing to do. Nevertheless, it would help if you remembered that some things threaten the security of data stored on the cloud.
Therefore, it is advisable to have a backup for your data. Businesses and individuals should also filter what they upload to the cloud. Information that would damage your (business) reputation may need to be left out. That said, no method or system is without a disadvantage. The flaws of cloud computing should not discourage you from leveraging it to compete against other businesses.
After all, almost all human endeavors require taking a risk at one time or the other, business inclusive.