The cloud is a rapidly-growing sector of the technology industry, with $130 billion spent on public cloud computing environments alone during the first three-quarters of 2017. But while “the cloud” is now an ubiquitous term, a large portion of companies still neglect to use this technology to gain a competitive edge.
Cloud computing can be used to store, process and manage data. There are countless businesses across virtually every sector that are considering the cloud, whether it’s for storing data for posterity, app hosting, data processing or using a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering. When it comes to the cloud and scalability, there is no comparison, and companies that evolve and grow quickly may see the greatest benefit from integrating cloud solutions. The cloud is unique in its versatility, flexibility and scalability, which makes it a practical and budget-friendly solution for a company that is seeking to expand in the near future.
How Does the Cloud Allow for Easy Business Scalability?
The cloud has many attributes that make it a wonderful choice for companies that have identified a strong potential for growth or, conversely, downsizing in the future. Here are some traits that make the cloud conducive to scalability:
- You only pay for the resources you utilize. With a traditional server or data storage facility, you must pay for a block of server space or processing power. But will you use all the resources you’re paying for? Rarely. As a result, this traditional way of doing things is not cost effective. But with the cloud, you typically only pay for the resources you actually use. This is also ideal for companies that have variable needs. For instance, you may require more resources during peak times, with fewer resources needed during non-peak times.
- SaaS allows companies to avoid costly software purchases. An increasing number of companies have launched cloud-based SaaS offerings. In fact, cloud-based SaaS platforms accounted for $102 billion in revenue during the first three quarters of 2017. The SaaS model provides companies with instant access to the software they need to succeed and it’s all within a cloud environment, so there’s no need to worry about updates, licensing or compatibility. SaaS is typically offered as part of a pay-as-you-go model, which is perfect for fast-evolving companies that may only require a particular software program for a limited period of time. This model also makes it easy and affordable for companies to try different software programs, enabling businesses to find the best fit for their unique needs.
- You don’t need to worry about hardware and data center management. The cloud allows your company to skip those costly hardware purchases, which makes company growth far less expensive. Nor will you need to find space for that hardware or hire employees to maintain it. This translates into lower overhead, reduced logistical complexity and less hassle for companies that would otherwise need to relocate equipment to a larger data center in the event of a company expansion.
• The cloud is conducive to remote working and multiple company locations. The cloud can be accessed from a variety of different devices; all you need is an internet connection. Staff can enjoy easy access to your company’s data, regardless of location. For a growing company, this translates into reduced complexity when hiring remote workers and/or opening a new office or store location. - Flexibility is a key trait of the cloud. There are many different cloud configurations. A company can choose between a public, private or hybrid cloud environment, depending on their needs. What’s more, it’s relatively easy to shift from one cloud environment to another, which is ideal for an evolving business.
Security and Your Company’s Migration to the Cloud
The primary concern associated with cloud computing usually surrounds security, since anything stowed in the cloud is theoretically accessible to anyone on the planet with a device and an internet connection.
This issue crystallized long before cloud computing entered the mainstream, so cloud security has been an area of aggressive development and advancement. There are few industries with so many resources committed to developing and refining new security measures. Today’s cloud is protected by the latest security technology, from high-level encryption and geofencing to biometric identification, multi-factor authentication and more. Since the cloud tends to be on the cutting-edge in the virtual security sector, this should not serve as a deterrent for companies considering a migration to the cloud.
At 7T, we embrace the cloud and all it offers, from cloud-based development to cloud hosting for apps. We take a client-first approach in everything we do, as our expert team strives to understand you, your company and your vision for your app. Then, we get to work building an application that will far surpass your expectations.
Our company headquarters are located in Dallas, with regional offices in Austin and Houston. But 7T services clients throughout the U.S., offering guidance for all facets of mobile development. If you’re ready to learn more, contact the team at 7T today.
