Cloud computing is particularly interesting for small and medium-sized enterprises, as it offers many advantages and opportunities for more effective working. Access your data at any time and from anywhere Data access - a dream of every entrepreneur. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm for the highly praised cloud-based services rather reserved. The advantages are obvious.
Head in the clouds?
Cloud is meant metaphorically in this context. In cloud computing, data is loaded and used on an external storage system - the so-called cloud. Even entire programs can be used from the cloud without having to install them on separate and usually multiple computers. According to a study by Trend Micro, many small and medium-sized companies do not even know that they already use Cloud services! Social networks, Dropbox or e-mail services like Yahoo or Web.de store all data on their own servers. These external servers are already a cloud.
Cloud Computing - no matter where, no matter when
One of the biggest advantages of cloud computing lies in its high flexibility. Equipped with appropriate rights, employees can access, use and edit data or programs at any time and from anywhere. The only prerequisites are appropriate rights to access the databases and an end device that is suitable for this access. This has the great advantage that small companies and founders can also access, edit or download data at conferences or while on the road without having to carry the entire office in their luggage. In addition Storage locations in the cloud the data backup. Even if the company's own computer or smartphone is stolen or damaged, the data is still in the cloud and accessible from any other device.
Work more effectively
Many Service providers also use cloud based services for their customers. Online tax consultants, for example, offer their clients cloud programs as a communication interface. These programs are used by consultants and clients alike to exchange all necessary documents and information with each other in a specially created account, without having to copy documents or hold personal meetings. Cloud computing offers the possibility of making work processes and communications within the company and with customers more efficient. Especially start-ups and small businesses benefit from this way of working, as resources are released that can be used elsewhere.
as mentioned above, cloud solution providers have their own staff for server and software maintenance. This way, problems are recognized and solved very quickly.
Favourable alternative
Cloud-based services are usually much cheaper than a dedicated server and stationary programs. The acquisition costs for an own server alone are already very high. It also needs to be maintained regularly and requires professional support from an IT specialist. However, the latter cannot provide 24-hour support like large data centers with large IT staff. The company itself must guarantee that its own servers are running properly. Loss of data or entire server failures must be taken into account. Programs used in the cloud also offer lower Costs through differentiated license agreements. Stationary installed programs require a license for each individual computer, whereas for cloud programs one license is usually issued for different user accounts. Cloud computing is thus significantly cheaper and offers a greater service. In terms of figures, small and medium-sized companies that use cloud computing invest 11 % less capital in IT than companies without a cloud.
Special care is required
Usually data in the cloud is protected from unauthorized access, but there is always a risk and for small businesses there is always the risk of data leakage. This risk exists especially if the cloud is accessed from private computers. Theft of the device and inadequate protection against malware create huge security gaps. But human error, insecure passwords or casual or even malicious handling of data can also lead to data loss. But are company-owned servers safer? According to a study by Bitkom, 77 % of those surveyed are afraid of unauthorized access. But objectively speaking, this fear has no basis whatsoever. Like large data centers, in-house servers must also be regularly maintained and updated with new security updates and patches. But in your own company, security gaps are resolved more slowly due to fewer IT specialists or, in the worst case, are not detected at all. Cloud providers, on the other hand, have a large team of trained IT specialists who are responsible for server maintenance 24 hours a day.
Small businesses certainly benefit from Cloud Computing. Flexible data access, low costs and high security standards offer many convenient data management options and free resources for other work areas.
