You’ve heard of the ‘Cloud’ and probably wonder what it’s all about. Although at a basic level it’s really only another term for ‘Internet,’ the ‘Cloud’ is a way of storing information resources so that they can be easily accessed and shared when you’re away from the office. Another major benefit is that it reduces the need for dedicated computer hardware and associated capital costs.
Small businesses with limited need for file storage can use cloud storage at no cost. As your storage needs increase you can purchase additional storage at a small monthly cost.
Apart from the low or no cost of cloud storage, there are enormous benefits for you and your staff. As long as you have internet access you can get into your files from wherever you are. With Wifi, access is even more flexible. So if you are giving a presentation to a potential client and you didn’t bring a copy of the presentation with you, then all you need is to get into a wifi connection, login to your Cloud account and there you are – you have access to all your files including that all important presentation.
Other valuable opportunities include:
- Being able to work from home if stormy weather prevents you from getting to your office
- If you’re travelling, you can login in to your cloud account via wifi and work at airports while waiting for your flight
- Collaborating with other people on the same document. Just give approved people access to the files they need. This is particularly useful as you only have one document and no problems with wondering which version is the most up-to-date.
- No more emailing documents to yourself so you can access them from your email when you’re not in the office.
- If you’re in the habit of forgetting to take files with you to meetings, then storing files in the Cloud won’t change your personality and make you a better organised person. But it will save you some embarrassment.
If you’ve forgotten to take a copy of that tender to a client meeting then being able to access that document in your business files when you’re not in the office may even get you that contract you’ve been after. So the Cloud can actually help you generate revenue for your business.