The Benefits of Cloud Services for Small Business

Before cloud computing, businesses needed to store data and software on their own servers

and hard drives. The larger a company was, the more storage they required, which was not

scalable at speed. If a business received a significant number of online orders, its servers would

crash. Cloud computing has transformed immensely, with user applications being accessed

through an internet connection rather than personal devices.

Cloud technology supports companies in driving business agility, accelerating innovation,

reducing costs, and streamlining operations towards sustainable growth. Here are the main

benefits of cloud services for small businesses.

Flexibility and Efficient Collaboration

Cloud services increase flexibility to help businesses achieve their goals more efficiently. For

example, Shopify takes care of point-of-sale, order tracking, inventory management, and e-

commerce via a single application. Cloud-based team communication tools, such as Slack,

enable workforces to collaborate from any location using a mobile or desktop, and Quickbooks

runs payroll, tracks expenses, and manages cash flow.

Scalability to Grow Operations

Most small businesses want to grow, but there is a danger in outpacing infrastructure that leads

to problems, such as hiring the right teams and delivering products timely to new customers.

Companies can run into trouble if they need to suddenly scale their customer service rapidly.

Cloud-based services help maintain a steady pace to consistently grow and get things done

efficiently and inexpensively. Small businesses can add capacity as needed without reinventing

the wheel.

Eliminate Worst-Case Scenario Risks

Small businesses are hyper-focused on planning and operations and are mostly unprepared for

natural disasters. Nearly 75% of business owners do not have an effective plan to handle worst-

case scenarios. Shifting data processes to cloud services helps companies maintain their key

functionality to get back up and running while working from anywhere.

Reduce Business Expenses

One of the most important benefits of cloud services is a reduction of business costs regardless

of size. Companies can experience significant savings by avoiding spending on IT resources,

software, and computer equipment. Cloud computing offers small businesses complete access

to programs, tools, and applications that usually require hefty investments. The low upfront

cost of moving to the cloud makes it the most worthwhile consideration for every business.