5 next-level cloud productivity benefits

Every tool and strategy has a lifecycle. Unfortunately, that includes your IT infrastructure, too. Outdated hardware and software can lead to bottlenecks and other productivity drains across your business. However, replacing or updating that infrastructure will only lead to costly capital expenditures (CAPEX) that divert resources away from your growth and overall company mission.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 5 next-level productivity benefits of migrating your business infrastructure to the cloud.

Software that stays up to date

Anytime your company purchases software, you’re locked into that particular version. If it’s not cloud-based (if it doesn’t live online), then you’ll be forced to work with that version until you decide to purchase the next version — which means that at some point, you’ll be working with outdated features.

By accessing cloud-based programs such as Office 365 on a subscription-basis, you eliminate this potential issue. Your software will automatically update to the latest version, and you’ll always benefit from the latest innovations and versions of that software.

Better backup and disaster recovery

Most companies realize the need to back up their mission-critical data. But onsite backups (and the infrastructure required to maintain them) have drawbacks. For example, data and programs stored in onsite servers becomes more vulnerable to natural disasters and security complications.

And storing your files strictly on individual machines’ hard drives creates even more vulnerability, considering that 140,000 hard drives fail every week in the US.

Migrating your data backup solution into the cloud means your files are backed up offsite. So even if a natural disaster destroys your entire office, your backups will be safe. You can reinstate your data and applications quickly, allowing you to minimize downtime and get back to work.

Empowered mobility to work on the go

Like mentioned earlier, cloud computing gives your employees the option to work from anywhere with an internet connection. And you don’t have to sacrifice access to your critical data and software to get that mobility. Any updates you make to your documents or platforms show up in real time company-wide

This mobility enables a greater work-life balance and improves your company’s ability to grow. It opens the door for potential new hires and specialists outside your locale; it offers remote work capabilities, and it allows you to compete with larger companies.

Scalability that keeps growth in focus

When you make CAPEX investments in on-site IT infrastructure, not only are you responsible for maintaining that infrastructure, you’re also running the risk of being limited by it.

By shifting to a cloud-based model, you no longer run the risk of technology limitations to growth. Cloud computing provides virtually unlimited vertical and horizontal scaling while allowing you to access the right solutions for your present and future needs. This goes beyond storage and software concerns. It can also include your phone systems and collaborative apps.

Collaboration and communication tools that connect better

We talked about the benefits of real-time access to file changes in the cloud. Not to mention the on-the-go connectivity it provides. But the cloud offers plenty of other functional tools that can help your team collaborate and connect better.

For example, hosted VoIP phone systems can support mobility through features like chat-based workspaces and video conferencing. Hosted VoIP can turn your smartphone into a mobile desk phone and keep communication channels open even during disasters or other downtime incidents.

With onsite infrastructure, when the office is down, so is your phone system. With hosted VoIP, mobile apps allow employees’ smartphones to fill in the gap and keep customer communication flowing.

Is the cloud right for your business?

Every business has unique needs. But almost all businesses could improve their productivity by migrating their IT infrastructure to a cloud-based model.

Gartner predicts that cloud computing will be the default option by 2020. Which means that if your business IT feels outdated or you’re experiencing poor performance and stifled growth, now might be a good time to consider the switch.