How does cloud computing contribute to the development of SMEs?

After reading this article you will know more about:

• What is the cloud?
• Its advantages for SMEs

The term cloud computing, or simply cloud, is now extremely common, and it seems that the majority of new IT technology solutions are cloud-based. Indeed, we're seeing a good number of office applications making way for cloud-based tools. The benefits are numerous, particularly for SMEs, which can greatly benefit from the productivity and financial gains offered by the cloud.

What exactly is cloud computing?

The Office québécois de la langue française defines cloud computing as follows:

"A computing model that, through remote servers interconnected by the Internet, allows on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable, outsourced, and non-localizable computing resources, which are offered as services that are scalable, dynamically adaptable, and billed on a pay-as-you-go basis."

That is, unlike traditional software that resides on a desktop computer or server, cloud-based applications reside on the internet or a remote server, and the user pays a fee to access them. Thus, cloud computing is a service rather than a product.

This is why we're talking today about SaaS (Software as a Service) or PaaS (Platform as a Service) solutions. The most well-known cloud software is undoubtedly that from the G Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets) offered by Google, which is taking more and more market share at the expense of Microsoft's Office 365 suite.

The benefits of cloud computing for SMEs

SMEs are arguably the ones that benefit the most from cloud computing solutions. By fully leveraging cloud computing, small and medium-sized organizations can benefit from numerous IT management and cost advantages.

Computing power

Cloud computing is making a significant contribution to the democratization of powerful technological tools for organizations. Rather than spending significant amounts of money acquiring and installing expensive and difficult-to-install hardware, businesses can benefit from solutions tailored to their needs and realities.

For example, storing data in the cloud – with Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive, for example – allows you to catalog your files without having to use a hard drive on site.

Access to data

Storing data in the cloud also allows you to access it anytime and on any device: a phone, a computer, or even a smart TV. There's no longer any need to carry a USB drive, and it's much easier to share these files.

This notion is inherent in high availability , which is a hot topic among businesses.

Communication and collaboration

Cloud computing makes it easier for your employees to communicate and collaborate. Productivity tools like G Suite or Office 365 allow your teams to work on documents simultaneously.

Additionally, collaborative solutions like Slack or Microsoft Teams increase communication between employees and with your clients. You can create temporary work teams and centralize your files and control access to them.

Cybersecurity

While cloud solutions come with their own set of cybersecurity challenges, when managed properly, they offer several security benefits for SMBs. While normally a part of your IT succession plan , offsite data backup is now crucial for organizations of all sizes.

Depending on how often your data is backed up, you can always rely on a recent version of it. You will be able to get back on your feet very quickly in the event of a cyberattack .

There are also now firewalls that are entirely cloud-based that allow you to protect your computer network.

Financial

Ultimately, cloud computing not only allows businesses to save on their IT expenses, but also to control their costs much more effectively. Rather than purchasing software, you only pay for the software you need and you can cancel your subscription at any time. Since your devices require less power, you also no longer need to purchase highly powerful hardware.

Nexxo can assist you in implementing cloud solutions

As you've seen, cloud computing can improve your organization's operations in several ways. Do you have other questions related to managing, planning, and operating your IT? Contact us today. We'll schedule a meeting and work with you to assess how we can contribute to your organization's growth through sound IT management.

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.