Just starting, expanding, or innovating?
No matter what stage you are at with your company, growth is a key part of most business goals. Staying agile, fiscally sound, and sustainable as you grow is even more ideal. With the advances in cloud computing, this is easier than ever.
First, a primer: with cloud computing, your business data and operations are hosted on remote servers (instead of in-house infrastructure) which are accessed directly through the internet. Provided you have an internet connection, a smart device, and the necessary security credentials, you can access your information and run your business from anywhere in the world.
Among cloud computing’s many benefits is its ability to help steer business growth, no matter the size or stage of your company. Whether you are a startup focused on establishing clientele or a seasoned corporation looking to tap into a new market, cloud computing can help you get there faster and easier. Here’s how this can play out:
If You Are Just Starting Out
If your business is in its infancy, you’re likely already absorbing some sizable costs just to get off the ground. When you add complex, in-house infrastructure to the shopping list, things get even more complicated. When you use cloud computing right from the start, you don’t have to invest up-front in the cost of in-house equipment, or any of the complications that come with installing and maintaining it. For a fledgling business that may be unsure about future needs, this is especially helpful. It’s simple to get started and simple to operate, letting you focus on the most important tasks related to raising your new company’s profile.
It’s also a great way to future-proof your business. The cloud grows with you, which gives you more flexibility and agility when it comes time to scale up or branch out in the future. And, since you pay only for what you use, you’re not leaving money on the table, literally or figuratively. Cloud computing also makes it easy for you and your team to work remotely, which means if you’re short on office space, you can still handle business from afar. Ultimately, it gives small enterprises the chance to act like larger enterprises, which is why more and more startups are choosing to use cloud computing right from the get-go.
If You Are Expanding
According to a report from Forbes, the cloud’s annual growth rate is at a robust 19%, which means that an increasing number of organizations are choosing to make cloud computing a critical part of their operations. Not all of these are startups. Plenty of companies started off using in-house servers and chose to move their operations to the cloud as they grew. Similarly, if you’re already working in the cloud and are ready to expand your reach, you’ll find it much easier to scale up.
When you need more computing power, it’s easy to access. Adding new in-house technology can be expensive, but with cloud computing, extra processing power or space can be accessed immediately and easily. If your business is in a period where its bandwidth use is fluctuating, the cloud makes it easy to accommodate that. By contrast, upgrading on-site servers after you outgrow your old network can be a high cost to absorb and means one more complication for you to handle at a time when you should be focusing on the day-to-day details of growing your business.
If You Are Tapping into New Markets or Launching New Products and Services
One major benefit of cloud computing is that it gives you the ability to pay only for what you use. This makes it ideal for companies that are testing out new products or services, or tentatively branching into new markets.
You can lease more computing power as you experiment with different systems or strategies and have it right at your fingertips. If you decide to scale down or invest your efforts elsewhere, you have the freedom to do that too, and you have only paid for what you have used.
It’s also common for businesses that are taking a different direction to work with freelance employees, contractors, or consultants. Working with experts on a short-term basis can help with an initial overhaul, spearhead a new strategy or handle tasks while they’re still in a testing phase. Cloud computing opens companies up to a whole new world of experts and consultants, literally. When your key information is accessible remotely, you’re free to work with top talent anywhere you want, plus it’s easy to share information and give your consultants an in-depth understanding of how your business operates and what it values.
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Successful companies, like successful people, go through stages of growth. Whether it’s an established company looking to innovate, or a cutting-edge startup spreading its wings, there comes a time for an overhaul. Cloud computing is uniquely positioned to help with growth like this at almost any stage. From helping fledgling companies get off the ground and manage their data cost-effectively, to offering the freedom to scale up easily, the cloud makes business growth less complicated. Taking advantage of remote servers can help you test new markets and access global experts, all without the cost or inconvenience of investing in complicated on-site infrastructure. Isn’t it time you moved to the cloud?
JMARK Business Solutions has been helping companies use technology to plan for and achieve growth goals for thirty years. To discuss how we can help you leverage cloud computing and expand your reach, contact us now at 844-44-JMARK or JMARKIT@JMARK.com
