By now, it’s no surprise that remote teams are taking over industries left and right. Not only do remote policies allow companies to hire talented workers from all across the globe, they also help reduce overhead costs on office spaces while boosting employee morale by supporting a work-life balance. Tech Republic estimates that remote work has grown over 400% in the last decade, and that it’s still expected to flourish.
That said, coordinating among members is still a problem that plagues many remote teams. Although most companies nowadays rely solely on digital workflow — even companies in traditional office spaces — remote work has the added challenge of physical distance that makes it hard for teams to know whether everyone’s on the same page.
Understanding Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been around for some time now, but it’s also been thrown around so much to the point that many often forget what it actually consists of. Cloud computing isn’t just an application that you download or a system that’s part of your computer: ZDNet defines cloud computing as a pay-as-you-go service, where companies essentially rent out server space from a company (and this server space comes in the form of applications such as email, storage, and the like).
Cloud computing marks a shift from traditional applications that you’d have to purchase the rights for and update every so often. Now, companies can simply subscribe to a service and renew their membership or even upgrade to a more comprehensive package.
The Benefit of Added Security
According to Network Computing’s guide to remote work and cybersecurity, the fact that remote workers tend to move from place to place means cybersecurity is increasingly important. Remote work is appealing precisely because it allows both employees and managers to work wherever they like, from coffee shops to co-working spaces. In fact, co-working specialists Industrious suggests that tailored suites and flexible membership options are some of the main reasons why professionals are now moving away from the traditional office environment. These amenities make it great for productivity, not to mention networking with professionals from a range of industries.
However, working remotely also means that you’re connecting to Wi-Fi networks alongside a whole host of users. The cybersecurity that comes with cloud providers helps bypass these threats.
A Range of Options Provided
It’s easy to find a cloud computing service for almost anything you can think of. Cloud computing is generally divided into three main models, each depending on the solutions offered. Office suites and storage solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox often come to mind as cloud computing solutions that are typically used by most companies. For those who need server space, such as tech companies who need to host applications, cloud computing can come in the form of platform renting.
The last type of cloud computing deals with installing infrastructure, but remote teams will generally require the first two options. Within the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) divisions come a slew of niche companies looking to penetrate the growing cloud computing industry. For remote teams, it’s simply a matter of finding the best provider — whether you’re looking for a messaging client, progress trackers, or time tracking apps.
These Cloud Biz Reviews on the best software available can help you narrow down your pick to find a solution that’s best for you. The bottom line is, however, that the flexibility, security, and choice that cloud computing offers means that it’s the only way remote teams should be moving forward.
