Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

By Tracie Johnson

Cloud computing is especially convenient for individuals, but it also opens up a world of possibilities for businesses. From facilitating easy file sharing to providing data storage solutions, the cloud can be a real asset when it comes to growing your business. Here are a few ways to start using it.

1) Store files

Your computer’s hard drive can only store so much. And in the course of running a business, you generate a lot of files. Important documents, marketing material, promotional videos, and images all take up valuable hard drive space.

Rather than purchasing external hard drives, you can opt to store larger files on your business’s cloud. That frees up hard drive space while still keeping your files accessible. And while some cloud services cost money, a subscription is usually less expensive than purchasing multiple external hard drives.

2) Create mobile offices

If your business is spread across multiple offices or if you have employees who work from home, the cloud can be a fantastic asset to keep everyone connected. Your data and files sync in real-time as you work on them. And through file-sharing, all your employees can keep track of project progress. This setup makes collaboration easy, even if your employees are hundreds of miles away from one another.

3) Back up and analyze data

If you’ve ever experienced a sudden loss of business data, you know it can wreak havoc on a company. The nature of the cloud lets you back up your data without even thinking about it: it saves your work as you go.

Since cloud backups are digital, they can be accessed from anywhere. And unlike physical data storage solutions, cloud backups won’t be affected by theft, computer failure, or natural disaster.

Cloud computing comes with its own tools, and one of them is data analysis. When you work with the cloud, you get access to massive amounts of data, both structured and unstructured. You can then use that data to optimize the growth of your business.

4) Let it grow with your business

One of the great benefits of the cloud is that it’s accessible to smaller, newer businesses. Cloud-based tools let you manage cloud storage yourself, so you’re less likely to need to hire tech support staff.

Cloud use is also scalable. If you have a smaller business and want to begin using the cloud, you don’t have to make a significant purchase upfront. You can start with a subscription for a certain amount of storage and then upgrade as necessary. And when you work with the cloud, you have access to some of the same growth tools that larger companies do. Thanks to this new technology, the playing field between big and small businesses is a little more level.

5) Manage partnerships

As your business grows, you’ll probably find that you need to make use of partnerships on some level. Whether you’re working with B2B partners, charities, social media influencers, affiliates, or independent contractors, keeping track of your partnerships can get overwhelming fast.

Some cloud solutions offer partnership management software. With this type of resource, you can confidently manage partnerships, automate payouts and contracts, and easily connect with all of your partners.

6) Make use of the cloud’s built-in security

Many cloud solutions have excellent built-in security systems. More and more cloud providers are using artificial intelligence to continuously monitor for security breaches and other potential issues. And in the event of a serious data breach, you’ll usually have the option to remotely clear all stored data.

The way the cloud works also protects your data from potential breaches. Laptop loss or theft is a common issue in businesses, and it can lead to sensitive data being seen by non-employees. With cloud computing, no data is stored on the laptops themselves, so it becomes easier to keep data secure without making it harder to access.

Closing thoughts

Whether you have a small, home-based business or a larger company, using the cloud is a great option to foster growth and improve workflow. If you’re looking for a way to transform your business, getting connected to the cloud just might be the answer you’re looking for.

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Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. Tracie is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around a campfire surrounded by friends, family, and her Dachshund named Rufus.