What can I use cloud computing for?

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we are able to store, access and share information and manage IT infrastructure, resources and systems. It allows businesses to conduct their operations without having to have on-site IT infrastructure. 

Companies are using cloud computing for a variety of different purposes, depending on their needs. Some examples of how you can use cloud computing for your business include:

To store data and information

Instead of storing data on your own devices or servers, you can use cloud file storage. That means that companies can easily access that data from the cloud, wherever they may be, using an internet connection. 

Some examples of cloud storage services include OneDrive and DropBox, which businesses can scale up or down depending on their changing needs and how much data they need to store. 

To access a cloud database

Companies can use and access cloud-based databases, which are the same as traditional ones - the difference being that they can be accessed from anywhere on any device and you can scale your services as you need. 

There may also be superior security, depending on the type of cloud you select. And there can be a cost savings to hosting your database on a cloud server.

To access web based apps

Many businesses use cloud computing to access cloud-based apps for communication and collaboration. 

These can then be accessed on demand from anywhere and scaled according to your needs.

To collaborate

Businesses use cloud based tools for collaboration. Some examples include Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 and their various tools like Teams or Gmail.

To backup data

Cloud backup solutions can help companies to create a failsafe in case of a data breach or loss of data. 

Depending on the solution, you may have real-time backups, advanced security features, data synchronization as well as data storage. 

To host your website, email, etc.

Cloud hosting is another popular business solution that can be used to host your company’s website, email services, and VOIP phone systems and can be scaled as needed. 

Cloud computing in action - examples from around the world

To better understand what cloud computing is, it’s often useful to look at some real word examples. Here’s a selection of cloud computing examples:

Salesforce

Salesforce provides Software as a Service (SaaS) that is used in customer relationship management (CRM). 

This can help companies generate sales leads, improve customer service, automate marketing functions and provide powerful analytics to improve decision making.

DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean is an infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider that’s used by software developers, startups, and SMBs to deploy and scale new apps. 

Based in New York, it has 14 distributed data centers and offers a portfolio of computing, storage, database, and networking products.

Slack

Slack is a popular SaaS team collaboration and communication tool, which has integrations with other cloud services like DropBox. 

It allows users to send group and private messages via channels and allows for files to be sent and for video calls to be hosted.

DropBox

DropBox is a cloud data storage service that enables its users to store, sync and send files. 

Data uploaded to DropBox is accessible anywhere, anytime and it’s a solution for many people wanting to send files that are too big for email.

Amazon Web Services

AWS Lambda is a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) that allows developers to pay for access to the platform as they use it. 

AWS Lambda is designed for developers to run their app code without needing to manage their own servers on-site. 

Microsoft Azure

This PaaS provides developers with access to a platform of tools that help developers build and manage apps.

12 benefits of the cloud

Given the wide range of benefits of cloud computing, it’s not surprising that it’s become such a popular and growing IT trend.

There are many benefits to using cloud computing, but you’ll need to get expert advice on which solutions are best for your particular needs and to have a strategic plan for how to migrate to the cloud. 

At NB Technology we have a team of cloud engineers and experts who can help you do this. We can manage or co-manage your cloud solutions and can provide you with managed cloud services to suit your needs as well as professional advice. 

Below are 12 of the biggest benefits of the cloud:

1. Accessibility

Cloud computing enables real-time access from anywhere with any device. That helps facilitate remote work and digital nomadism, and means clients can also log-in from anywhere. 

2. Flexibility and mobility

By storing data in the cloud, your staff can then access it all from one central location. This can lead to greater efficiency and productivity as staff no longer have to access data from different siloes. 

This has benefits for enterprise mobility, in that employees can then connect instantly and access data from anywhere, while exchanging information from any device - all while using a secure cloud network.

And because updates and upgrades are done by your cloud provider, you don’t need to spend time on maintaining IT systems yourself which can reduce the workload for your IT staff. 

3. Scalability

Cloud computing offers rapid scalability, which is one of the biggest benefits of cloud computing. 

Companies can quickly scale up or down their IT needs as their workload and demands change. For example, if your company's bandwidth needs change often, or if the number of software users changes often, or if your data storage needs fluctuate, then this can easily be scaled using cloud solutions - without needing physical IT infrastructure. 

4. Speedy deployment

Business needs often change quickly and having access to cloud computing means you can remain agile and responsive to changing needs, which can help you maintain a competitive edge. 

For example, you can save time when subscribing to cloud services as you may avoid the long waits associated with slow procurement processes for physical IT infrastructure. This allows you to deploy IT services rapidly in response to changing needs, helping your business remain agile and able to quickly pivot. 

5. Data security

With cybercrime and data breaches on the rise, protecting our business against cybercrime is imperative. The cloud is a solution that can offer advanced data security. 

Cloud security includes services like access management and permission controls, restricted access to sensitive company data, two-factor authentication and encryption.

6. Cost savings

Cloud computing services are customized and based on individual user needs. While not every cloud solution will result in a cost savings - there is great flexibility in price and services you can choose from. 

And you save on capital expenses related to upfront IT infrastructure purchases, as well as on not having to undertake ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

And you can save on energy costs related to maintaining on-site servers and on insurance costs as you’ll no longer have as much on-site IT hardware or software. And you can save on the costs associated with downtime or data loss. 

Cloud services are usually available on a subscription basis, which means you can test them out for a while without the expensive outlay for any infrastructure. 

Migrating to the cloud requires a proper plan and usually comes with a cost savings.

7. Control sensitive data

Most companies have sensitive data which they want to protect and control. And most cloud solutions offer the ability to restrict access to certain files and data, which gives you a great deal of control.

8. Greener

Cloud computing can be greener than traditional solutions because it can reduce the amount of servers required and therefore energy consumption and carbon footprints are reduced if businesses no longer need in-house servers and other IT infrastructure. 

And when cloud computing enables staff to work remotely, there are also emission reductions associated with less commuting to and from work. 

In addition, when cloud servers are powered by renewables, this can reduce carbon emissions and carbon footprints even further. Microsoft for example, has committed to its data centers being 100% powered by renewables by 2025 and to be carbon negative by 2030. 

9. Unlimited storage capacity

For many businesses, there are increasing amounts of data that need to be stored. Thanks to cloud computing, this no longer needs to be a challenge and data storage capacity is typically unlimited and can be scaled on demand. 

10. Disaster recovery

Large and reputable cloud vendors are prepared to deal with unforeseen and emergency incidents like natural disasters that can affect their service provision. Offering managed cloud backup and disaster recovery, your IT services and cloud provider can help to ensure your business continuity and access to their services, and minimizes downtime, while also providing backups so that any lost data can be restored. 

If you store data locally on-site, your computer could malfunction, get damaged or stolen and you could lose important data. But the cloud helps minimize data loss as the information is always available once uploaded to the cloud, no matter what happens to your in-house IT infrastructure. 

11. Productivity

Cloud computing can enhance business productivity in various ways. Firstly, it can free up time for your IT team, who no longer need to manage in-house IT infrastructure and time-consuming updates. 

It also makes it easier for businesses to test and deploy new software applications to see what suits their needs. And it makes the process of scaling IT needs very simple - in some cases all you need to do is request access for a new user. 

And lastly, it helps create an easy to use and accessible network of services for remote staff who may be located around the globe. This facilitates quick and easy sharing of information, collaboration and communication which can help to enhance productivity. 

12. Collaboration

Cloud apps enable businesses to communicate and share data using a secure network connection, which makes it simple and easy to collaborate. This helps to facilitate greater levels of collaboration between users located anywhere. 

Cloud based software can also help users collaborate in real time, and see what each one has contributed to avoid confusion or duplication of efforts. 

How to access customized cloud solutions for your business?

As you can see above, there are numerous benefits related to using cloud computing services. But making the transition to using the cloud requires carefully planning to make a smooth transition. 

It’s best to partner with a professional, reputable and experienced IT service provider to plan and manage your cloud migration process. Our team of cloud engineers and experts can help assess your needs and find the right cloud solutions whether a private cloud, public cloud or hybrid cloud. We can also manage your cloud solutions entirely, or can co-manage them with your in-house IT staff. 

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud solution needs and any inquiries you may have. We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and can provide custom managed cloud services and solutions including managed cloud backup and disaster recovery.