Cloud computing — the evolution of local area networks (LAN) — refers to online servers in the form of an application, which can be accessed at any time, and via any connected device (laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone). Like every innovation, cloud computing can be looked at with skepticism, or as the ultimate tool to improve one’s performance. Expat.com discusses the benefits of this booming technology, and urges employers to assess the objectives of their company before they rush into decisions.
The benefits of cloud computing
Live communication: Teamwork and collaboration play paramount role in the success story of a business. But the way people are working together has changed since customers have become more demanding and less tolerant to delays and obstructions. Thus, the working tempos have accelerated, and cloud computing is accommodating to the current needs. Employers and employees can communicate in real time from anywhere thanks to a technology that allows instantaneous access to and revision of data.
Remote employees: Real life communication gives rise to remote employees, who contribute their work on a full-time basis, or as freelancers. Even though they aren't in the office, remote employees aren't left out from reports and developments, and they don't risk losing the ownership of their projects. Cloud computing, which allows for files of information to be modified by more than one parties, updated, or commented live, makes it more viable for employers to consider hiring remote staff.
Saving time and costs: Cloud computing is available in monthly packages, which means that a business pays precisely for what it gets — a month's worth access to first class technology that doesn't require in office operation and maintenance. This gives the time and freedom to the IT team to shift from its traditional tasks, and focus on implementing new ideas that will support the customers and promote the services of the company. By all means, if cloud computing wasn't the right move for your business, you can terminate your subscription, and return to a server.
Data synchronisation: Cloud computing enables users to sync files across different devices. This is very practical when working from different devices (laptop at home, desktop in the office, mobile on the train, tablet in the holidays), or when attending meetings.
Security: Reliability and security remain the major concerns for many employers who are looking into cloud computing. How comfortable is your company with transferring private data to a third party? Before you move to cloud computing, be clear about your organisation's priorities and methods of work, research the available providers, ask for advice from experts, and inform well in advance your employees on the forthcoming change. It's also worth remembering that devices can be destroyed or stolen, and if so, data (as opposed to data on the cloud) will be lost, and work will stop.
Cloud computing in a nutshell
Cloud computing has come to stay, but it's up to each business's needs to define whether it's a good strategy to switch to this new technology, or not. A conscious employer should keep in mind that the move from a traditional server to the cloud will change the workflow, the way people communicate with each other, and the speed of work. If you decide to introduce cloud computing to your organisation, consider the transition period for everyone involved — the customers, the employees, and the stakeholders. Cloud computing is indeed a challenge, but why not thrive in it?
