Cloud computing has ultimately become a major benefit to businesses – particularly to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Though there are plenty of reasons why, one of the most attractive things about cloud technology is that small businesses are able to reap the benefits without the high costs. Not to mention the perks of accessibility which provide room for increased productivity and seamless collaboration.
Cloud services essentially provide entrepreneurs, small business owners, and home-based businesses with access to sophisticated technology without the need to hire someone with advanced IT knowledge. With benefits such as these, there’s no wonder cloud technology has surged in popularity over the last few years. Not sure which services might benefit you the most? Here is a look at some forms of cloud technology that any small business can take advantage of:
Phone Services
Are you still utilizing a landline to make and receive business calls? Well between the monthly costs of a phone bill and the equipment needed to manage it, this could be an unnecessary costs.
Cloud phone services such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provide efficient and cost effective means for businesses to communicate. With phone calls being made and received through an online server, you can cut the costs of communications immensely. The system features allow users to make calls from virtually anywhere at a fraction of the cost. More businesses are switching to VoIP as a way to save money and increase productivity.
File Management Systems
Company data is of extreme importance. Whether its consumer information, outgoing correspondence, financial documents, or marketing materials, you need to have an efficient method for storing it. While the old file cabinet method can work, it can be costly and leaves a lot of room for error. Now, cloud technology has made managing filing a lot simpler. Cloud storage accounts are a more efficient way for managing company data.
With the ability to electronically store files in the cloud, businesses can keep track of everything and access it from anywhere. Cloud storage accounts come in varying sizes and can even be shared with other employees or consumers. Password protection and backup features ensure that your files are safe at all times. It’s also beneficial to point out that depending on your storage needs, you can find accounts that are free to use.
Invoicing Systems
As you already know cash flow is essential to the success of your business. If you’re in a business that provides services which are then billed to clients, having a cloud based invoicing system could prove beneficial. Paper invoices can easily get lost. Not to mention that providing a client with a paper invoice also means the cost of paper, envelopes, and postage.
Cloud based invoicing systems allow you to create, store, send, and manage invoices electronically. Depending on the system you invest in, there are also features that allow you to setup payroll and generate financial reports.
Project Management Systems
Depending on your business industry, project collaboration can be pretty common. To generate quality products or services, staff must be able to seamlessly work together. Cloud-based project management systems give way to real time collaboration on varying types of projects. Managers can establish the project guidelines, provide access to necessary parities, set budgets, and manage the progress.
With cloud technologies of course, team members have the ability to access pertinent project information from virtually anywhere they are. So whether they’re in the office or away on business, work can still be carried out to meet the needs of your clients.
Word Processing/Spreadsheets
Word processing and spreadsheet software can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars for businesses each year. The cost of installing it to each device along with managing the updates can weigh heavily on your budget.
There is also the inconvenience of having the software available on one platform. If you drafted a contract at the office but forgot to bring it with you to a business meeting, you’re pretty much stuck. However, with word processing and spreadsheet cloud computing services, you’re able to access the information you need from virtually anywhere. Business accounts allow access to multiple users for employees and is often a lot cheaper (if not free) than purchasing software for each device.
There are so many cloud computing services that your small business could benefit from financially. Going to the cloud allows you to save on paper, access information from anywhere with an Internet connection, improve productivity, and collaborate in real time. As you look to take advantage of some of the benefits that cloud technology has to offer your business, be sure to evaluate products to discern which will provide the best features for the overall value.
While the ultimate goal is to save money, you must also ensure that the technology you invest in will enhance business practices.
