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cloud based solutions

One of the new, hot terms in business technology is “cloud based solutions.” It is a service that has grown out of cloud technology and can be used to describe almost any type of web based application. Many businesses choose to use cloud based solutions over traditional programs because of their convenience and lower costs to run and maintain.

First Off, What is the Cloud?

Before you can understand what “cloud based solutions” means, you must first know what the cloud is. The cloud is, basically, a term used for something that is accessed through the internet. To end users, it seems like “the cloud” lives in the internet, but the data and programs are in fact stored on off-site servers and are simply accessed through the internet. This means that your computer and smart phone, for example, don’t need to use their own memory and storage capacity for anything saved in cloud applications. The data is stored off-site, and all you need is an internet connection to access it.

What Does Cloud Based Solutions Mean?

Now that we know the cloud refers to accessing data and programs that is stored off-site through the internet, we can move onto understanding cloud based solutions. Cloud based solutions are services and software that users do not need to download or store, but can access through the internet. There is no hardware or on-site infrastructure needed. The programs and all data is stored on off-site servers by the service provider. You do not ever need to store or update the programs on your own device.

There are a lot of common services you likely already use that you may not realize are cloud based solutions. A few examples of common cloud based programs are: Google Maps, Dropbox, and Salesforce. These applications are incredibly popular and easy to use for both businesses and individual users. For these three cloud based applications, all data is stored on servers at the cloud provider’s location. Not on-site storage space is needed to run them and save data in them.

What are the Benefits of Cloud Based Solutions?

The two main benefits to cloud based solutions are convenience and a low operating cost. With no on-site or on-device storage space needed, your business no longer needs an extensive network of computers and servers along with an IT staff to manage it. The more cloud based solutions your business uses, the less computing power you need on your devices. Theoretically, you could issue each employee a simple, cheap netbook alone if all of your applications were cloud based- all computing power would come from the service provider. Many businesses turn to cloud based solutions for the incredible up front and long term cost savings.

The other main reason cloud based solutions are so commonplace now is how convenient and easy they are to use and maintain. Most applications are accessed simply through a web page, so your profile and saved data is accessible from any machine. Another big convenience is that you are no longer personally responsible for the updates and IT needs that traditional networks have. If the software has an issue, you are not the one who needs to figure out how to fix it. The application provider has round-the-clock teams to address and fix any issues with their cloud based programs.

The Ultimate Cloud Based Solution

Desktop as a Service provides everything on the cloud, including the users’ desktops! This allows the user to have access to everything on their computer from anywhere in the world, anytime and from any device. This actually eliminates all hardware costs and IT support.

Have you considered switching over to cloud based solutions for your business? Most companies find it cheaper, more convenient to train new staff on, and easier to scale as they grow. Stop throwing money at your technical problems and invest in long term solutions with cloud based applications.

Why All Small Businesses Need a Professional Backup Solution

Small businesses are often run lean – no room for unnecessary costs, no luxury of extended vacations, and definitely no space in the budget for lost time and revenue due to data loss. No matter the size of your business, a professional backup solution will save you from disaster when a data loss happens. Whether it be a cyber attack, natural disaster, system failure, or even human error, having a backup to call upon when you need it most will allow to pick your business right back up and continue where you left off.

Minimize Losses When the Unexpected Happens

 
Did you know that over 40% of businesses without a backup solution go out of business when a major data loss happens? Losing years of digital infrastructure and client information is too much for many businesses to recover from.

There may have been a time when huge losses due to cyber attack or natural disaster seemed unlikely to ever happen to you. In recent years though, both events have become more common and the horrendous after-effects have been highly publicized. Using a professional backup solution can save you the hit to your image and wallet that these data losses cause.

Keep Client Data Safe

 

Having a breach of client information is often reputation ruining. Using a professional backup solution will prevent personal and financial information from getting into the wrong hands. A backup company will not only store a backup of your data but will work around the clock to keep the backup system updated and protected from security breaches. The threat of a hack or cyber attack is probably what comes to mind when you think about having client data stolen, but unfortunately, internal breaches happen often and are more difficult to prepare against. With a professional backup solution, you can limit access to sensitive files to a need-to-know basis.

Prevents Loss Due to Human or System Error

 
Everyone makes mistakes – humans and computers alike. Don’t allow an accidental deletion or system crash to put you in a panic-inducing situation. If your data is backed up, all it takes to get that lost information back is the click of a button and is accessible from any device.

Data losses due to error are not only stressful but cost businesses in lost revenue as well. When an employee, or entire department, loses access to their files it can take days to months to either fix the problem or attempt to replace the lost information. Most businesses can’t afford even a week of lost revenue. Prevent spiraling losses by always having your systems backed up.

Round the Clock System Management

 
Having a professional backup solution versus DIY means that there are people and resources devoted to keeping your data safe and maintained around the clock. You never need to remind yourself to run a backup and don’t have to worry about the safety and security of your backed-up data. A professional backup solutions business has staff and cutting-edge technology devoted to keeping your data safe and updating your backups consistently. Not to mention, it will cut down on your personnel and equipment needs too.

Professional Backup Solution

 
Still on the fence about if you need a professional backup solution for your small business? Try a free trial for 30 days – see how simple it can be to free yourself from the nagging feeling that your data could be at risk at any moment.