“The Cloud” refers to servers that are accessed over the Internet as well as the software and databases that run on those servers. The Cloud is used in two distinct ways: Cloud storage and Cloud computing. Cloud storage is the system used to keep data on the internet, much like you save data on your phone or computer. Cloud computing gives you the ability to work with or change data remotely. Cloud computing allows for better efficiency, innovation, automation, transparency, and collaboration. Both cloud computing and cloud storage are essential components of a company’s digital transformation. Cloud migration, the key to a digital transformation, refers to the transfer of data, applications, and other business elements into a cloud computing environment. The benefits of moving a business to a cloud computing environment are many, but it requires more effort than simply plugging a device into a computer and transferring some data. The effort, time, and resources you put into enabling an end-to-end digital transformation to the cloud are 100% worth it. Here’s why.
Accessibility – Cloud-based services provide access for everyone, from anywhere. All data and programs can be accessed from any device, whether an employee is using a desktop at the office, a laptop at home, a tablet on-site, or a smartphone on the go. Rather than having to purchase several copies of software programs, company-wide subscriptions can be purchased and used by employees anywhere. The cloud reduces communication barriers and gives a business wider access to its audience. Here are some good reasons for moving to the Cloud
Data Security and Recovery – Cloud storage services come with 24/7 monitoring to ensure the security of your data. Cloud storage at a data center also reduces downtime and connectivity issues should network, power or security problems arise.
Cost Savings – However much you spend on cloud storage and cloud migration up front will provide measurable cost savings and growth in both the short AND long run. Depending on the type of cloud service you choose, and whether you use hybrid or full cloud services, you’ll only be paying for what you need. Then, as you scale your business you can scale your cloud storage and IT services. The speed at which you grow, the wider customer reach, and the possibilities to innovate and expand all lead to bigger profits. You only have benefits to gain from embracing the cloud.
Better Insight – Gaining access to the cloud provides a business with access to big data. Analytics can then be used to gain insight into target customers, which leads to more effective marketing.
More Collaboration – Flexible work arrangements are a key factor in hiring in this post-pandemic climate. Based on their findings from The American Opportunity Survey, McKinsey & Company concluded that “58 percent of employed respondents—which, extrapolated from the representative sample, is equivalent to 92 million people from a cross-section of jobs and employment types—report having the option to work from home for all or part of the week.” The Cloud enables workers to access their jobs from wherever they’re working. It also enables workers to collaborate with remote teams. Documents can be shared and worked on together in real-time without having to be in the same country.
Drives Better Customer Engagement – Cloud computing provides the opportunity to test out new ideas and accelerate innovative methods of engaging customers, which directly correlates to improved customer loyalty. Improving customer loyalty by a mere 5% can increase profits to 85%. Eighty-five percent! According to Forbes, the Cloud takes “non-differentiating hardware and middleware stacks” out of the equation and requires far less time and money to try out improved service-oriented applications. The Cloud also allows businesses to measure and analyze customer engagement in real-time. You’ll know what’s working and be able to adjust if something isn’t.
Speed – Employing automation via cloud technology enables businesses to innovate faster. Respond faster. Get instant access to projects. In nearly every aspect of business operations, the speed at which tasks can be performed and data can be accessed is dramatically reduced after migrating to the cloud.
Agility – Cloud computing gives businesses the ability to respond to the changing needs of their company, their customers, the economic climate, and technology.
Scalability – Cloud providers offer pay-as-you-go cloud computing services so that businesses can keep costs to a minimum. As your business grows and requires more capacity and IT resources, you add more cloud services to your package. You can pace your cloud investments as you scale your business.
All these benefits are measurable to a business. Migrating your businesses to the Cloud requires planning, new ways of thinking, different skills, and some investment to achieve optimal digital transformation. With so much uncertainty and potential for change, the Cloud gives businesses a leg up in a fast-paced digital world. Businesses need to prepare their teams for such a transition. 30 Bird makes it possible to prepare your teams by providing fundamental Cloud training materials. Preparing your IT teams with cloud training from 30 Bird will improve their cloud skills and provide them with the ability to pass certification exams. Our unique approach is to go beyond the basics and provide both knowledge and experience with cloud platforms. The following courses are currently available:
CompTIA Cloud+ (Exam CV0-003)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (Exam AZ-900)
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (Exam CLF-C01)
Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Whether you’re just starting courses on cloud computing or you’re looking for better content, contact us to take the next step and offer quality 30 Bird courses to your teams.
Sources:
https://hackernoon.com/top-5-reasons-why-companies-are-moving-to-the-cloud
https://info.cloudcarib.com/blog/cloud-storage-vs.-cloud-computing-whats-the-difference
