When you think of “the cloud” you may be guilty of believing your data is being processed and stored in the air around you, magically retrievable by absolutely anyone. That’s because when you use the cloud, you aren’t saving data locally to your device. Instead, you’re sending your data to a cloud service provider, one that could be hundreds or even thousands of miles away and trusting them to keep it safe. Of course, you might be worried about security, but the reality is that cloud security is miles ahead of any other option on the market right now. The tightening of security was a precursor to the 2010 rush when many businesses across the globe decided to start moving locally stored data from on-premises servers to cloud-based solutions. This switch already made sense from a staffing and budgeting perspective. Today, cloud security has continued to advance along with the technology it supports as well as to keep up with new security threats as they come up. However, many business decision makers still get nervous when we propose a move to the cloud; they don’t trust the cloud, but they do have full trust in the one guy who controls their firewall? Go figure.
As the worlds of business and consumers become increasingly reliant on data and digital services, it’s even more important for your company to have convenient, cost-efficient tools to store critical business information. The idea of passing along control of your data to another entity is a scary new thought to many, but we’re here to tell you that, There is no actual cloud – it’s just someone else’s web-based platform, and You use cloud technology all the time, without even realizing it.
Cloud computing in everyday life
Cloud computing offers access to a software solution in multiple locations on multiple devices. Its carefully curated infrastructure enables businesses to have comprehensive access to central data repositories, networks and applications. This foundation is maintained by a team of specialists at a third party on your behalf which ensures maximum speed and reliability. But you also use the cloud in your day-to-day life. Let’s take a look at some familiar, cloud-based activities.
Cloud-based video streaming platforms
When you use on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+ to watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sporting events, you might be unaware that they rely heavily on cloud computing technology. The technology used to run this activity is usually expensive but when there are so many users of the service, it ensures affordability and allows the provider to be more reliable in terms of uptime and security. Providers like Netflix store files and data on several different servers that join forces to facilitate their streaming services. These companies spend plenty of budget on data recovery technology to correct transmission errors and maintain a consistent video stream.
Cloud storage of your emails, files and photos
It’s easy to forget that, even in our personal lives, cloud technology has touched how we store and access our files. Now solution providers give you the ability to access your files via a multitude of devices, and you’re often given plenty of storage, too. Even by using your personal Gmail account, you’re using cloud technology. If you’ve ever needed to send a file to a friend via email, you’ve used cloud technology.
Cloud usage with social media
It’s probably never crossed your mind that you use cloud technology when scrolling your Facebook feed. But the reality is that this social media platform (and others!) can store an infinite amount of information, images, and videos on your account and profile. It can then be accessed easily on various devices, and similarly, with Gmail, you’re provided with virtually unlimited storage for uploading content. Even Google Messenger allows the exchange of content like images, videos, and files. Twitter deploys similar features and uses complex algorithms to power its "People You May Know" feature. Both social network providers have introduced integration with personal file storage companies, where people can share files to Facebook Groups using a cloud-based storage system.
How can cloud-based software benefit my business?
“OK, so I use the cloud more than I thought. But why should I be using it at my company?”
Well for starters, the cloud offers far better business insight. The world is awash with unstructured data, so the cloud helps us to analyze it. We know that many successful companies use analytics and reporting to gain insight from their data, which helps them target customers and product opportunities more effectively.
The cloud helps us collaborate with people across the globe. The cloud allows content to be accessed from multiple devices and from anywhere in the world, which in turn makes it much easier for people to collaborate on shared projects and ideas.
People are more engaged when they use the cloud. The cloud encourages us to connect with other human beings. Those we don’t see as often as we should, those who live on the other side of the world and even those we’d rather not see face to face but require some kind of interaction with. Even at work, we forge tighter links via systems of engagement like Teams, Slack, Outlook, and HR systems like Personio and Workday. The cloud is the most cost-effective way of doing all these activities.
It’s super-fast. You turn to the cloud when you want to get things done quickly. A quick message to a colleague? You use the cloud. Need to sell an item you no longer need? Again, you use the cloud. Learn something via an educational webinar? You guessed it; you use the cloud.
When it comes to using cloud-based software in your business, implementing document management and workflow automation are great places to start. Saving documents in the cloud with DocuWare means they are readily available, where and when needed; with just one search needed to quickly locate related documents. The solution has a user-friendly interface, is simple to learn, and has comprehensive features and functionality. If you're ready to learn more about managing your documents in the cloud: Request a Demo