Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Every business should have a contingency plan in case of an emergency, and cloud computing can be a key part of that strategy. Cloud-based backup and recovery solutions are available which save time, avoid large upfront investment, and roll up third-party expertise as part of the deal. Because data is stored in the cloud, it can be accessed no matter what happens to the physical devices used to run the business.
These services are designed to provide quick data recovery for all kinds of emergency scenarios—from natural disasters to power outages to being locked out of your office. This aspect of cloud computing can be part of an overarching risk management plan, offering peace of mind as well as robust business continuity.
Collaboration and Work from Anywhere
With cloud computing, teams can collaborate more easily than ever before. No longer does a team need to be working from the same location, or even the same time zone, to collaborate effectively on projects. Cloud services provide teams with the ability to work concurrently on documents and shared applications, no matter where they are in the world.
Security Features
Cloud providers invest heavily in security, often more than what a single organization could or would. While security remains a concern and shared responsibility, the cloud often provides robust security measures which include encryption, access control, authentication, and more.
Moreover, the centralized nature of cloud data storage provides better control over sensitive data, and cloud infrastructure can provide enhanced security measures such as automated backups, firewalls, and data isolation and management tools that might be cost-prohibitive for individual organizations.
Automated Updates and Integration
The maintenance of IT systems is a complex and time-consuming task which can drain resources. Cloud computing takes much of this burden away. Cloud service providers handle the maintenance of the system software: they perform updates and patches, manage databases, and keep track of the health of the infrastructure. Furthermore, cloud environments are designed to be integrative, with APIs and connectors that facilitate the combination of cloud services with existing systems or other cloud offerings. This allows businesses to remain agile, adopting and integrating new technologies as they emerge without the need for major system overhauls.