As technology becomes an increasingly important part of doing business, companies are realizing the benefits of the cloud. Utilizing cloud-based applications is a great way to enhance business operations by reducing costs, increasing flexibility and improving collaboration and productivity.

While traditional software can only be used by the device it was uploaded to, cloud applications can be accessed from any Internet-connected device. The accessible nature of the cloud makes it much more convenient for companies with employees who are frequently on the go or like to telecommute.

The cloud also allows organizations to break free from traditional software and the associated upgrades and high licensing fees for a more cost-effective option. Cloud applications work on a simpler subscription model, making it easier for enterprises to scale their service and pay only for what they really need. Small businesses can especially benefit from implementing a cloud infrastructure, as the lower costs and increased flexibility are ideal for companies with tighter budgets and smaller IT departments.

Another benefit of the cloud is an increase in collaboration between coworkers. The cloud’s ease-of-use and its ability to make documents and services available from anywhere with an Internet connection improves editing and sharing capabilities. Employees who might be miles away from one another physically can be on the same page virtually through the cloud, easily and effectively making edits to documents or changing presentations together over the Internet.

Companies of all sizes will also benefit from the cloud’s ability to serve as a disaster recovery center. Duplicate files can be easily stored in the cloud and kept offsite in case of an emergency at a much lower cost than employing a physical data center for disaster recovery services. Utilizing a cloud disaster recovery solution dramatically improves enterprise data security, ensuring critical information and systems won’t disappear because of a natural disaster. The cloud also increases protection from cyberattacks, as all data stored on the platform is encrypted to make it impossible for hackers to steal sensitive information.

Hybrid cloud ideal for enterprise use
For companies interested in implementing a cloud environment, a hybrid cloud is a good option to consider. Hybrid clouds offer organizations a mix of private and public infrastructures, making it possible to utilize the best of both platforms. Applications can be run on a public platform while critical services and data can be stored privately to add an extra level of security. Hybrid clouds also offer service scalability, making it easier to meet business demands. When traffic is slow, companies can focus on the more critical platform and increase service on the secondary cloud when demand picks up.