Storing all your files locally on your computer or other devices is something of the past. Nowadays, most of us make use of so-called cloud services, like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Apple’s iCloud. These cloud services make sure that you can upload, access, edit, and download files on any device, from any location. This doesn’t only save a lot of storage space on our own devices, it also allows us to be more flexible when it comes to, for example, remote working. A lot of businesses were able to keep their processes running smoothly during the COVID crisis because cloud computing allowed their employees to continue their work from home. But there is much more to it than flexibility. Keep on reading to find out more about the benefits of cloud computing.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing uses an application-based software infrastructure in which data is stored on remote servers. Typically, cloud computing is defined by its front-end and backend. The front-end allows users to store and access their data files via a cloud storage application or simply their internet browser. But the actual work happens behind the screens. The backend is responsible for the protection of user data and information, and includes all the remote servers, databases, computers, and central servers that play a part in the storage of your data. A central server is responsible for facilitating the connectivity between different devices. In other words, it makes sure that you can access your Cloud-stored pictures on both your laptop and your mobile devices, wherever and whenever you want.

The term cloud computing appeared around the year 1996, and represented networks of computers and servers continuously exchanging data. It wasn’t until 2006, after Amazon launched its own cloud service Elastic Compute Cloud, that the term really took off. From that moment, the popularity of cloud computing increased immensely, and innovations within the field of cloud services skyrocketed. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to imagine a world without cloud computing, as it has become an indispensable part of the current trend of digital transformations among businesses and the automation of business processes. If you aren’t convinced of the effectiveness of cloud computing yet, here are some of its major benefits for businesses.

1. Reduced overall IT costs

Making the step to cloud computing likely reduces the overall costs and time spent on managing and maintaining your business’ IT infrastructure. Using cloud storage, for example, eliminates the need for investing in the hardware and software needed to store and backup all your data. Besides saving on the investment of the equipment itself (and the time needed to maintain it all), you’ll also save quite some money on energy consumption.

2. Optimized Scalability

Because external cloud platforms offer the option to easily reduce or increase the storage capacity, your business can scale up or scale down operations when needed, without requiring you to purchase (or mothball) equipment and upgrades yourself. Not only does this save quite some money, it also allows you to focus on what really matters, and leave the handling of your data storage to your cloud service.

3. Protection and steadiness

One of the most essential functionalities of cloud computing is the continuity it offers to your data and your business. In case of external influences, like a natural disaster, power failures or other crises that might impact the access to your work, your data is always safe and secured within the thick walls of your cloud service.

4. Flexibility

Because cloud computing is stored on one central server facilitating the connection between your stored data and your devices, you can access your files on any device, wherever and whenever you want. This gives you and your team the ability to continue their work, even if they’re not able to be physically present in the office. During the COVID-19 lockdown, our tasks and business processes at Lizard Global kept on running smoothly, as everyone of us was able to access and work with the files we have stored in our cloud.

5. Optimized collaboration

Besides flexibility, cloud platforms also offer an improved collaboration experience between the team if traditional methods are unavailable. Collaboration in a cloud environment gives businesses the ability to easily share files and communicate. Anyone working on a cloud stored project, with the right permissions,can easily share their files with colleagues or clients, and decide if they want others to comment or edit the files.

6. Automatic updates

As said before, investing in your own hardware and software rather than cloud services usually require a lot of time and money for updates. Technology advances at the speed of light and top-of-the-line hardware is ready for a museum in no time! Cloud services, however, manage all that for you and update automatically. Depending on your cloud computing service provider, your system will regularly be updated with the latest technologies and functionalities, without you even having to lift a finger.

Cloud Computing at Lizard Global

At Lizard Global, we develop our web and mobile applications in the cloud. This way, every one of our team members can access the needed files at any time, from any location, which is a necessity with one office in The Netherlands, and the other one in Malaysia. Because we work in the cloud, our business processes are always seamless, even in times of crisis. During the Corona pandemic, we are able to keep our tasks and files streamlined, and we make sure we stay on track with our projects.

While there are many different cloud services, we choose to work with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), which offers the latest technologies and tools for our developers to create beautiful and high-quality applications. Want to know more about Google Cloud Platform? Read our blog about the ins and outs of GCP service and its tools, or simply reach out to us personally via our social media channels.