Top 10 benefits of cloud computing

Research shows that in the next couple of years, 98% of organisations will be using cloud computing in one form or another.

Businesses are increasingly adopting cloud services for new initiatives or to replace existing systems, and a ‘cloud first’ approach to applications and workstyles has become the ‘norm’.

Sure has taken a look at the top ten benefits that are accelerating the growth in cloud services.

Security

Given the early views about cloud computing, you may be surprised that security is now considered a major cloud benefit. When systems and data are off-site, it’s difficult for some to accept that they have adequate protection - but security is a major focus for cloud providers, and it’s far safer than traditional in-house systems. Leading security best practice with the very latest levels of protection are part and parcel of today’s enterprise cloud solutions.

Cost

Traditional IT projects have always relied on upfront capital investment. Cloud services work on an operational cost (Opex) basis, where organisations use and pay for the services they need on a consumption basis. When the costs of owning, running and securing traditional systems are fully calculated, full-stack cloud service options are far more cost effective.

Business Continuity

System failures and operational downtime need no longer occur with cloud services. The ability to have an instant switchover to a ‘ready to go’ resilient cloud platform in the event of a failure will ensures your business continues to run. Cloud based ‘Recovery-as-a-Service’ removes the headache of managing and securing on-premise systems.

Employee Flexibility

Work is increasingly something we do, not somewhere we go. ‘Always on’ availability enables secure 24/7 access to systems from anywhere, on any device - ensuring your people remain connected, wherever they are.

Scalability

Being able to scale operations up and down to meet customer demand is made easy by cloud services. The ability to rapidly introduce new services and to scale them to meet demand at any time removes the risk of stranded assets and wasted investments associated with capital-based technology projects.

Operational Control

Responsibility for the physical hardware is passed to the cloud provider, and companies need only concern themselves with the managing and running of their systems and data. The option to extend and create bespoke management and security practices with your cloud partner further enhances the ease and simplicity of system management.

State-of- the-art Services

Leading cloud service providers ensure their infrastructure, security and connectivity always operates with the latest and best services. Continual programmes of investment ensure that customer systems always benefit from the most up to date hardware along with automatic software and security updates.

Competitive Edge

The ease with which new services and processes can be introduced enables companies to act and move very quickly to address changing market conditions and circumstances. Operationally charged for services remove the need for a traditional ‘return on investment’ and enable businesses to respond rapidly to new situations and opportunities.

Workforce Productivity

Cloud computing enables workforce productivity improvements through easy, anytime access to information, systems, and communications. Employees can jointly work on documents, and collaborate easily. Cloud based services provide the platform for advanced unified communications that ensure your organisation is agile and efficient.

Sustainability

Cloud is more environmentally friendly as less hardware and equipment is needed. The use of virtual services in efficient multi-tenanted environments improves energy consumption and efficiency. Company expenses are reduced, increased physical space becomes available, and less paper is used as employees are encouraged to adopt a proactive environmental approach to work.

• The benefits of cloud extend to all areas of business operations, and the planning and developing of cloud services to support specific business imperatives and future needs is essential. Evolution rather than revolution, is the recommended approach, with careful assessment and planning to identify and deploy the most appropriate cloud services.

Our Professional Services team help organisations with all aspects of their cloud journey; from consultation, planning and design - through testing and implementation - and finally to business-as-usual management, service and on-going support.

• To discuss specific requirements, email contactus@sure.com and we will be happy to help.

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