Cloud Services Increase Efficiencies for a Remote Workforce

An investment in cloud hosting services can keep your organization running smoothly and provide enhanced security options, even when times are tough.

Articles published April 6, 2020 by Stephen Webb

We’re facing an unprecedented moment in history. Many companies that are fortunate enough to still be operating during the COVID-19 pandemic are conducting business remotely. While some of these companies already had a remote infrastructure in place, others were not as prepared.

How does a business maintain productivity when remote work is quickly becoming the new normal for much of the global workforce? An investment in cloud hosting services can keep your organization running smoothly, provide enhanced security options, and encourage collaboration.

What Is the Cloud? What Is Cloud Computing?

According to Re/code, “the cloud refers to software and services that run on the internet, instead of locally on your computer.” Cloud-based software and services run on remote servers. The majority of cloud services are accessible via a web browser or dedicated mobile app.

Information stored on the cloud is available no matter where you are working from, as long as you have an internet connection. This means that teams can work as effectively at home as they can in the office. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are popular cloud services.

Cloud computing refers to the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet. This includes servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Moving to a cloud infrastructure reduces the expense of maintaining physical data centers and servers.

The two main types of hosting used by businesses include cloud hosting and VPS hosting. Cloud hosting relies on multiple physical servers to store your organization's infrastructure and data.

Many businesses choose to bring in a third party to manage their IT infrastructure. A managed IT service provider can also help ensure that your company’s data is recoverable and secure.

Advantages of Cloud Services During a Crisis

Cloud-based applications allow you to completely separate yourself from brick-and-mortar structures. This means that in the event of an unexpected emergency, such as the coronavirus outbreak, your team has the flexibility to work remotely without any advance notice.

In uncertain times, cloud hosting gives your company the ability to react quickly and in the moment. Whether you need hosted remote desktop services or unified communications, look for a provider with cloud-based apps and products that work together to create a suite of services.

Cloud hosting — supported with business continuity services — gives your workforce the freedom to choose when, where, and how they connect to your applications.

How Can I Be Sure the Cloud Is Secure?

Reliable cloud providers and partners — such as Microsoft, Citrix, and Cisco — offer strict security policies and controls to help protect your data, apps, and infrastructure from potential threats.

When managed properly, your data is safer in the cloud than it is on your own hard drive.

Your Business Needs to Be Able to Adapt

We understand that times are tough right now and stress levels are high. Businesses that haven’t already done so need to strongly consider shifting toward cloud-based services and applications.

The majority of today’s workforce with network connectivity should be able to work remotely without a drop in productivity. There is no better time than now to invest in cloud services.

Are you ready to move your computing infrastructure to the cloud?