Companies, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs, are now presented with the greatest opportunity in history to grow their businesses thanks to technological advancements like big data and collaborative productivity tools in virtual environments known as "the cloud." But what is it, and how can you take advantage of it?

Every business owner and entrepreneur understands the importance of teamwork and technology in achieving success. Each technological advancement, from typewriters to telegraphs to computers, has always aimed to reduce time, create task efficiency, and minimize costs.

The Cloud: Collaborative work in virtual environments.

The new concept of cloud computing has brought about significant changes in business management, making them faster, more flexible, efficient, and productive.

The concept of cloud technology dates back to the 1960s, with the goal of accessing data from anywhere. However, cloud computing expanded extensively in the late 1990s with the help of broadband internet.

The cloud is not a product but a mode of transmitting and storing data, allowing access to information and applications on a shared network.

In simpler terms, it is an IT service that functions through the internet, enabling the use of computing resources without owning them, and making them accessible anytime, on any device, with internet access.

Currently, most personal information used daily is stored in some cloud service, such as Facebook, Windows Azure, Dropbox, etc.

This new model of web-based services and tool development has created significant opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs to access IT tools and services that streamline business management without incurring massive costs.

What are the advantages of using virtual tools and environments?

Reduction in overall IT equipment costs.

Using virtual desktops doesn't require cutting-edge equipment or high memory capacity, as applications run on servers in the cloud, where data and files are also stored.

Reduction in office software licensing costs.

If you asked someone what a "Word Processor" or "Spreadsheet" is, they might hesitate. But if you asked about Word or Excel, they would know in an instant. So, why should companies remain tied to traditional installations when cloud-based services like G Suite and Zoho Workplace offer office software with little to no cost, reducing licensing expenses? Microsoft also provides its Office suite in the cloud.

Decreased technical support and maintenance.

Support and maintenance costs for workstations can be significantly reduced through remote administration. Additionally, response time for equipment malfunctions can be minimized, as replacements can be carried out without fear of data loss since everything is stored in the cloud.

Improved data security.

If major companies, which used to spend hundreds of thousands on data security, are moving to the cloud, why should you keep your company's most valuable information on a personal computer?

Transnational companies like Google and Zoho provide their data security infrastructure at very affordable prices.

Information availability wherever you are.

As mentioned earlier, the cloud is not a product located in one place. It is a service that aims to make information and resources available to you wherever you are, as long as you have a device with internet access.

If you want to learn more about how to make the most of cloud technology for your business, do not hesitate to contact us.

If you want to know about cloud tools that will boost your company's productivity, check out these links: