When smaller companies first learn about cloud computing, they may assume the technology won’t be beneficial to them. Their belief may be that it’s only a necessity for corporations with a large workforce or that it isn’t affordable for a small business. In fact, cloud databases have relatively low start-up costs and the rewards outweigh the risks tenfold.

Personalization Based on Company Need

As far as affordability, cloud computing makes sense as an IT solution for small businesses. A smaller company may not have the finances to purchase the hardware and software required to install and maintain a company server, whereas cloud databases have everything a company would need to get started. When a cloud-based system is in place, users can begin working immediately, instead of waiting for the server to get up and running.

Also, cloud databases can be customized based on business size and the requirements of the particular company. A pay as you go method is appealing to start-ups who don’t want to commit to a long-term contract. Some service providers charge based only on the cloud backup storage space required by the company.

Established companies may be leery about investing in cloud computing, especially if the hardware has already been purchased for an internal server. However, they’ll find the switch actually saves on overhead down the road since cloud computing increases productivity and efficiency for a small business by permitting simple data exchange.

Outsourcing Technical Problems

Instead of hiring an IT staff, small businesses with a cloud database rely on the service provider to take care of all maintenance difficulties. If a problem arises, it’s the service provider’s responsibility to remedy the issue. This is a time and money saver for a small business since it eliminates the need for a manager to waste hours trying to resolve computer issues. Before a company settles on a cloud database provider, however, they must do their research. It’s important to choose a provider who offers 24/7 support in case a technical issue arises.

Collaboration Among Team Members

Instead of relying on third-party applications for information sharing, cloud computing permits team members to share data through the database. Logins are done from anywhere with online connectivity and access can be controlled on which information is shared among coworkers. Information is accessed in real time and in a secure environment. Cloud databases are also kept just as secure as traditional servers, with firewalls and proxies preventing vital information from being compromised.

Businesses of all sizes are taking advantage of what the cloud has to offer. Because of what the cloud has to offer, the traditional office setup is something that can be reconsidered by a small business. Employees in remote locations can all collaborate in the cloud environment. The entire staff will also be working off the most up-to-date information since updates are done remotely and automatically as they become available.

For company growth, small businesses must start considering the use of cloud servers in order to stay competitive. Cloud computing permits smaller businesses to have the same applications as larger firms, with the ability to better analyze data, provide greater collaboration and reach new efficiencies that can have a direct effect on company productivity.