Cloud services have revolutionized the way small businesses operate. The cloud makes it possible to perform all sorts of business tasks more efficiently and for less money. Take a look at these four cloud services that are essential for small business and why you should start using them.
Mobile File Storage
The number one reason to use cloud services in your business is for secure and simple file storage. Your employees can work from any computer and store their files and documents in the cloud. Then, these files can easily be accessed at the office or on the go. The cloud provides a secure location for files so your employees don’t have to worry about losing their files no matter where they work.
When files are stored in the cloud, it provides the perfect opportunity for collaboration in your business. This is because you can give multiple employees access to certain documents so they can work together, even simultaneously, on a project. Mobile file storage is also great for sharing files between employees without the hassle of emailing them or exchanging flash drives.
Online Backup
This is another important cloud service for businesses. With the cloud, your business never has to worry about losing important files and information again because you can use an online backup tool to automatically duplicate your files. Many cloud services are available that allow you to do this for an affordable price.
Losing files was a major business risk in the past, especially when businesses wanted to migrate servers or change their backend software in any way. This risk is virtually eliminated with the cloud. You can even use cloud services to program automatic backups on a continuous basis.
Online backup services are also a good idea for businesses that are going paperless and looking for ways to be environmentally friendly. When your business uses the cloud, your employees don’t have to print as many documents as in the past because they don’t have to worry about losing files and they can collaborate more easily.
Online Meetings and Chat
In addition to file collaboration, cloud services can help your employees have meetings with recordings retained for your files. Employees can hold online meetings face to face without leaving their respective cities. Then, many cloud services store recordings of meetings for employees to watch at later dates. This is a great way to keep all your employees on the same page about projects, even if they miss a day of work, because the recordings can be referenced at any time.
Beyond recordings of meetings, cloud services can be used in your business to facilitate chat, email, and other forms of communication. You no longer have to buy cellphones for your employees or rely on face-to-face interactions. This provides better flexibility in all aspects of your business.
Time Tracking
Time tracking services are another benefit of using the cloud in your business. If you have hourly rate employees, it’s important to have some sort of time tracking service. Cloud-based invoice management with Sage is an easy way to keep track of your employees’ time. Employees can use this cloud service to log their time whenever and wherever they work. Plus, billing becomes a lot simpler with all your employees’ time cards in one place.
Cloud-based services cut down on the costs of business hardware and software, whether you are implementing a time-tracking cloud service or simply using the cloud for file storage. Switching to the cloud is one of the best things you can do to lower your overall business operational costs. Cloud services are becoming more and more prevalent, so you have lots of options to choose from, depending on your needs.
As you can see, there are all sorts of benefits to using cloud services in your business that you should not ignore. If you have not switched to the cloud yet, start here with these four essential services. You’ll see boosted profits and productivity, as well as better business management possibilities.
