Cloud storage has become increasingly popular in recent years as an affordable, flexible file sharing and storage option for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Storing files in the cloud allows employees to access files from anywhere and collaborate on projects without the need to create multiple versions of the same file.
It’s an option that goes hand-in-hand with flexible working, and it’s great for organisations who work across multiple sites or with remote working teams.
There are numerous benefits, including greater scalability, reduced costs and better data security. In this blog post, we’ll look at the benefits of cloud storage, as well as some of the pitfalls to look out for.
Here are the 10 benefits of cloud storage for business:
Increased Data Security
Data security is critical for all businesses, however big or small. Cloud storage offers enhanced security measures that’ll protect sensitive data: cloud providers will use data encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection to keep data secure. Cloud providers typically have more robust security protocols than most small and medium-sized businesses, as they have stringent regulation to meet, so you can be sure your data is secure.
Cost Savings
The cost of physical storage devices and on-premise servers can add up quickly, particularly for smaller businesses. Cloud storage offers a flexible pricing model that means businesses only pay for the storage they need, and can easily scale up as they grow.
Scalability
Cloud storage offers businesses the flexibility to scale their storage needs up or down as required: if you downsize, you won’t get stuck paying high infrastructure costs you don’t need any more, and if your data storage needs increase suddenly, you can quickly purchase more storage. If your business expands across multiple locations, or takes on new employees working offsite, your team will still be able to access your systems, wherever they are.
Accessibility
Cloud storage allows employees to access their data from anywhere, at any time, and from any device. This is particularly beneficial for remote working teams or employees who work from home. Cloud storage makes it easy for employees to collaborate on projects, share files, and access important data from anywhere with an internet connection.
Disaster Recovery
In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or flood, business-critical data can be lost if your data is only stored locally. Cloud storage is a useful part of a disaster recovery plan, offering better disaster recovery capabilities than traditional storage methods, so that businesses can recover their data quickly and get back on track.
Collaboration
Cloud storage makes it easy for employees to collaborate on projects in real-time. Employees can access and work on the same files simultaneously, without the need for duplicate versions of the same file, which can increase productivity and reduce the risk of errors. Cloud storage can facilitate collaboration between employees in different locations, which is great for remote working teams.
Reduced Infrastructure
Cloud storage can help businesses reduce their IT infrastructure and maintenance costs. Traditional storage methods require on-premise servers and storage devices, which can be expensive to maintain and require additional on-site storage space. Cloud storage eliminates or reduces the need for physical storage devices, which can significantly reduce maintenance costs. Many organisations downsized their office space after shifting fully or partially to remote working post-Covid, and cloud storage can contribute to streamlining office costs and space requirements.
Business Continuity
Maintaining business continuity should be a top priority for all businesses, as downtime can have serious consequences, such as lost sales, reputation damage or loss of client trust. Cloud storage can help you maintain business continuity in the event of an unforeseen disruption, such as a cyber attack.
Easy data backup
Cloud storage can offer better and easier data backup capabilities than traditional storage methods: you can automate regular backups, or save changes to documents as you go. This means that in the event of human error, corruption or device damage, you can quickly and easily restore your data.
Compliance
Cloud storage can help businesses comply with industry-specific legal requirements, for example by providing audit trails to help with compliance. Cloud storage providers will usually adhere to strict regulations themselves, so can help you to ensure your data is stored in line with whatever regulations your organisations is subject to.
Cloud storage pitfalls to watch out for
It’s important you choose your cloud storage provider carefully, to ensure that your data is being stored safely. Go with a reputable provider, and make sure you do your due diligence to make sure that they meet any regulations specific to your business.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can advise on the best providers and the best and most cost-effective solutions. As a Google Cloud Partner and Microsoft Gold Partner, our team is knowledgeable on the best cloud storage solutions out there, and have the expertise to help you choose the option that’s right for your business. Get in touch to find out more.
