We’ve talked a lot lately about utilizing Cloud storage. Moving to the Cloud is rapidly becoming the solution of choice for many businesses as they strive to take control of the data constantly being created and used. In addition, with the trend towards paperless offices, a solution needs to be found for both financial and environmental reasons. This all sounds great in theory, but what does it actually mean?
The Basics
The first thing you need to realize is that the Cloud is not a physical entity. When you use the Cloud, your computer is communicating with a network of servers over the internet. It’s likely that you use the Cloud on a daily basis and don’t even realize it. If you log into a social media site or even check your email, you are using the Cloud.
Using Cloud storage, therefore, simply means utilizing the power of the internet to store and back up your files. Instead of storing them in a physical place—in a filing cabinet, or on a computer—you are using digital storage space, which can be accessed from anywhere there is an internet connection.
In reality, many companies who move to Cloud storage do it simply for financial reasons. Instead of having to buy hardware for data storage and watching it depreciate over time, you can adjust the capacity of your storage according to your needs.
Increase Efficiency
Another huge benefit and important point of Cloud storage is that it offers the ability to access your files wherever and whenever you need them. There is no need for employees to carry stacks of paperwork or files to and from business meetings. With mobile devices becoming so prevalent in our world, carrying a laptop even becomes a choice rather than a necessity.
When all staff can access documents on their laptops, tablets, or smartphones, it’s not necessary to provide hard-copy documents for meetings. This leads to a situation in which hard copies are only printed when essential. In addition, you can save time on sending emails, since everyone has access to the information they need.
Keep Backups
Last but not least, Cloud storage eliminates the need to spend time backing up files on individual servers. Most services perform automatic backups regularly, and in the case of any malfunction, you can easily retrieve your data when you need it. Not only does this save the time and money involved in performing backups, but it also avoids the huge potential disasters from data loss.
When you understand how the Cloud works, you quickly realize that this is a great way to move your company to a more modern document storage system.